How to Color Your Hair at Home

You'll save a bundle using a coloring kit instead of heading to the salon every six weeks. Plus, dyeing your tresses at home has never been simpler.

Instructions

: Hair dye can cause allergic reactions. Be sure to complete the allergy test as indicated in the coloring kit directions
Step 1: Choose shade and product Choose a shade and product. Try to stay in the same basic color family as your current color.
TIP: Permanent color can fade but it won't wash out. Semi-permanent color washes out after six to 12 shampoos.
Step 2: Wear old clothes or use towel Colorants can stain. Wear old clothes, and use a towel you don't mind getting dirty. Wipe up any floor drips immediately; the solution can stain ceramic tiles.
TIP: Wait at least one day after shampooing before coloring your hair, and always apply color to dry hair.
Step 3: Mix colorant Put on the kit's plastic gloves, mix the colorant with the developing solution, and shake vigorously.
TIP: If you have long hair, you may need to purchase two kits to ensure you have enough product.
Step 4: Apply petroleum jelly along neck and hairline Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the neck and hairline before coloring to prevent skin from staining.
Step 5: Apply color mixture Apply the color mixture according to package directions. Use smooth strokes and work from the front toward the back of the head.
Step 6: Wait Leave the mixture on your hair for as long as the package directs. If re-coloring, apply color to the root area and wait 20 minutes. Then apply the remaining mixture to the rest of the hair, and let process for five minutes.
Step 7: Rinse Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water.
Step 8: Apply conditioner Apply the conditioner that came with the coloring kit, and rinse according to directions.
Step 9: Shampoo less To maintain your new color, limit shampooing to every three days and use cool water, which keeps hair cuticles smooth and locks in color.
FACT: Assyrian hair dye recipes dating to 2177 B.C. included cassia, a member of the cinnamon family, and leeks.