1. Don’t go darker than your base color

• Don’t go darker than your base color

This is an easy rule to break, especially when you’re in a rush and want to make a big change. However, it can result in unnatural-looking hair and make the process of changing back much more difficult. Try not to change your hair color more than three shades darker or lighter than it already is—a few shades are fine, but anything outside of that range runs the risk of looking fake or just plain bad (and if it does, remember that you can always go back!). If you really want to alter your base shade by more than a few shades, try doing so in baby steps by using semi-permanent dyes first (which will wash out with each shampoo) before moving on to demi-permanent ones that require little upkeep after initial application.

2. Always do a patch test before applying all over

• Always do a patch test before applying all over

Before you apply hair color to your whole head, it’s important to do a patch test. This way, if there are any reactions or allergic reactions that occur after application, you can easily spot them and know what caused them. To do this at home:

• Apply the hair dye on the underside of your forearm, as well as behind your ear and on the nape of your neck (the places we tend to shave).
• Leave it in for 48 hours before washing it off with shampoo in the shower (don’t use conditioner). If nothing happens during that time period, then proceed with applying hair dye all over. If something does happen—for example if you start itching or get hives—then stop using that product immediately!

3. Dye freshly washed, towel dried hair

• Dye freshly washed, towel dried hair

Hair dye is a chemical, and you don’t want to dilute that chemical with dirt or oil on your strands. So wash your hair thoroughly before coloring—a good rule of thumb is to use no less than three tablespoons of shampoo per eight ounces of water in your bowl. You’ll also want to towel dry it once you’re done so it doesn’t become too damp when you apply the dye (hair should be damp but not wet).

4. Be careful with your reds and vegetables dyes

Red hair is a fun way to spice up your look, but it can also be a bit of a pain. One reason why is because reds will fade quickly, are more likely to stain your skin and clothes (especially if you use a vegetable dye), and can’t be covered up easily if you don’t like the color.

If you’re dying for red hair, try using an at-home kit with medium-to-dark tones in it; this will help ensure that the color doesn’t come out too orangey or brassy. If none of those options appeal to you, though, don’t worry—there are tons of other shades out there!

5. Set your timer and pay attention to it

• Set your timer. Let’s face it: There’s always a way to make things worse, and this is no exception. If you’re going to do this yourself, please don’t forget the timer. You can lose track of time and end up leaving the color on too long. It won’t ruin your hair (provided you wash out what’s left once it hits rinsed brown), but it could result in some awkward patchiness if some areas were covered longer than others.
• Pay attention! Similarly, if you don’t pay attention while applying the bleach, there may be areas where less or more time was spent than others—and that can lead to an uneven effect when all is said and done.

6. Don’t be afraid to use gloves

Gloves are your friend, no matter what type of hair coloring you’re doing. They protect your hands from stains and ensure that the color is distributed evenly throughout your head of hair. You can use them when applying the dye to your roots, or dip them in the dye first and then apply it to your scalp.

If you already have gloves lying around the house, that’s great! If not, there are lots of options out there for gloves designed specifically for coloring hair at home—like these ones from Sally Beauty Supply on Amazon.

7. Use your tinting brush for a streak-free application

• Use your tinting brush for a streak-free application

You may be tempted to use the same brushes that you would use on your hair, but it’s important to use a tinting brush instead. The bristles are finer and more flexible than regular brushes, which makes them ideal for distribution of color throughout the hair shaft without leaving behind any streaks or lines of unevenness.

The key to using any type of makeup brush is making sure that you’re getting an even application with each stroke — after all, there’s no need to waste money on coloring services if you can get yourself looking fabulous at home! If you are unsure about how much product should go into each section of hair (eek!), check out our guide here: How Much Hair Dye Is Enough?

Home hair color can be surprisingly easy, but you’ve got to know the rules!

If you’re going to color your own hair at home, there are a few important rules that can help make the process go smoothly.

• Read the instructions carefully
• Use gloves and mix the dye properly
• Make sure the shade is right for your existing hair color
• Do a patch test 48 hours before you apply any dye (I like using a strand of hair from my hairbrush). Check out our guide on how to do this here!
• Use a tinting brush instead of applicator bottles or sponges to apply the color—it will give you more control over where it goes and prevent unwanted drips in places that won’t be touched by it (like behind your ears).
• Time it carefully and don’t leave the color on for too long; I recommend applying it for 20 minutes rather than 30 minutes (which is what most dyes recommend) because if left longer than 30 minutes, some bleaching may occur which could result in lighter spots where there shouldn’t be any lighter spots!