How to Mix Hair Colors and Developer At Home

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Combine colors for a custom shade & use the right ratio of developer
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Mixing hair dye and developer together gets you one step closer to having a brand-new hair color. If one dye isn’t the right shade, you can mix two hair colors to create the perfect combo. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to mixing hair dye at home with instructions, suggested ratios, and possible color combinations. We even spoke with professional hairstylists and colorists to get expert insight on mixing hair dyes. Keep scrolling to learn more!

How much developer do I mix with hair dye?

Common dye-to-developer ratios are 1:1 or 1:2. Many hair-color kits come with the amount of developer you need. If you’re mixing two hair dyes together, you may have to double how much developer you use. Always follow the instructions on your hair dye package for the ratio of hair dye to developer to use.

Section 1 of 3:

Mixing Hair Dye and Developer

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  1. Get a glass or plastic bowl you can mix the dye color (or colors) and the developer in. [1] Avoid metal bowls—they can oxidise the dye. Place an old towel or newspaper under the bowl to protect your work surface. Place another towel over your shoulders to protect your clothes. Finally, put on latex or plastic gloves to protect your skin from the chemicals. [2]
    • “Always make sure you are fully prepared with gloves, a bowl, a brush, enough product to cover the whole head, and time to work,” says professional hair stylist Gina Almona. [3]
    • If you dye your hair regularly, having a dedicated bowl is best. You won’t be able to eat out of the bowl after using it to mix dye, as chemicals may linger.
  2. Check your hair dye package to learn the exact ratio of hair dye to developer to use. Some box dyes come with developer pre-mixed in. Others include the proper amounts of dye and developer in the package. [4] Mix them with a plastic or rubber utensil, not a metal one, as metal oxidizes the dye. [5]
    • If you buy the dye and developer separately, you will have to measure them out yourself. Use a small digital scale to get the proper amounts of each.
    • Developer activates your hair dye so the color can adhere to your hair.
    • Generally, use a lower-number volume developer (20 vol.) for going one shade up or down, and higher-number developers (30 or 40 vol.) for going two to three or four shades lighter.
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Section 2 of 3:

Mixing Hair Dye Colors

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  1. 1
    Choose a primary color that’s close to the color you want. The primary color or base shade is the main color you’re trying to dye your hair to be. For example, if your goal is to combine red and blonde hair colors to become strawberry blonde, your primary color would be blonde. [6]
    • Pick two colors from the same brand. Different brands have different formulas and developer ratios, so mixing two box dyes from the same brand is the way to go.
    • Mix two semi-permanent or two permanent dyes. While you could use a permanent and a semi-permanent dye together, it’s harder to predict how it will look when mixed and as it fades. Stick to dyes that are as similar as possible.
  2. 2
    Pick a secondary color based on the effect you want to achieve. If you’re trying to darken the base color, choose a secondary color that’s darker than it, and vice versa if you’re looking to lighten. If you want a cool look, use an ash shade for your secondary color. For warmth, go for a golden or coppery shade. [7]
    • Don’t mix warm and cool colors together. They can muddy one another, resulting in a dull look.
    • Complementary colors work well together, such as a red shade and a brown shade. Avoid mixing contrasting or opposite shades , such as blonde and black.
    • Simply want to neutralize the primary color? Choose a natural secondary color that has a balance of warm and cool tones, usually denoted with an N or NN on the dye box.
  3. The first number is the dye’s base color, which is based on a natural color, explains master stylist and colorist Christine George. [8] The higher the number, the lighter the color. The second number (or letter) after the period refers to the tone—either cool, warm, or ash. [9]
    • For the first number, usually 1 is black, 2 is darkest brown, 3 is dark brown, 4 is medium brown, 5 is light brown, 6 is dark blonde, 7 is blonde, 8 is light blonde, 9 is very light blonde, and 10 is lightest blonde. Consult the brand’s hair color chart if you’re unsure.
    • For the second number, usually .0 is no tone, .1 is blue, .2 is violet, .3 is gold, .4 is copper, .5 is mahogany, .6 is red, .7 is green, and .8 and .9 are ash tones. [10]
    • Try to keep the two hair dye colors within the same two to three shades. For example, your primary color may be a 6.7, so choose a secondary color that’s a 5.7 or 4.7.
  4. Use the exact same amount of each shade. This will ensure that the color is uniform throughout your hair. Always wear plastic or latex gloves and protect the area under your mixing bowl with an old towel. Mix in a plastic or glass bowl with a plastic fork or a rubber whisk—avoid metal bowls or utensils. [11]
    • Using a 1:1 ratio of the 2 colors also means that you can easily replicate the color later if needed, such as if you want to dye your roots at a later stage.
    • Use a small set of scales to weigh out the amounts if you aren't using a full unit of product.
    • If you want to mix your dyes in a different ratio, write down the formula you create so that it's easy to replicate. This will be especially helpful when you want to touch up your roots!
  5. Combining two hair colors together doubles the amount of hair dye that you have if you’re using full individual units of each dye. Calculate the right amount of developer to mix with this amount. Check each dye’s box for the ratio of developer to dye and add them together.
    • For example, if the ratio of hair dye to developer on each box is 1:1, and you used two units of dye, you need to use double the developer to make it 1:1.
    • If you bought boxed hair dye, then your developer is likely already included in the box. You shouldn't need to purchase it separately. Check the product label to see if it's included in your kit.
    • If you’re using semi-permanent dye, you don’t need developer, says professional hair stylist Courtney Foster. She suggests that it’s ideal for boosting your natural hair color and shine. [12]
  6. Include the brand, color name, and color number that’s written on both dye boxes. Also, write down the developer you used and the quantities you used for each product. This way, you can easily replicate the mixture in the future if you want to dye your hair the same color, or if you need to touch up the roots.
    • Even if you weren't happy with the final look of your mixed hair dye, writing it down will ensure that you don't accidentally repeat the combination in the future.
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Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Can you mix different brands of hair color together? No, you shouldn’t mix different brands of hair color dyes together. Hair color experts recommend using the same brands when mixing two colors. [13] Different brands have unique developer-to-dye ratios and may have different hair color number meanings. It’s harder to properly mix them and predict what effect you’ll get.
  2. 2
    Can you mix permanent and semi-permanent dyes together? No, avoid mixing permanent and semi-permanent dyes together. It’s difficult to predict how they’ll interact, what your final color will be, or how long it will last. Only mix permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent dyes with dyes of the same type and brand. [14]
  3. 3
    Can you mix warm and cool hair dyes together? No, avoid mixing warm and cool hair dyes as your primary and secondary colors. These may contrast and muddy one another, cancelling out whatever color you were aiming for. If you want a neutral tone, use a neutral hair color (one with a .0 or N/NN at the end of its color number). [15]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What do I need to mix hair dye?
    Gina Almona
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.
    Gina Almona
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Always make sure that you're fully prepared with gloves, a bowl, a brush, and enough product to cover your whole head. Also, give yourself plenty of time—you never want to rush when you're coloring hair.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Can I mix my light auburn with a golden blonde to achieve a less red effect?
    Ester
    Community Answer
    Auburn is often considered a “cool tone” because it has a slightly blue undertone to it. Adding violet under auburn will deepen your color so the finish is warm instead of bright.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Can I mix light blond and auburn together? What kind of shade would I get?
    Community Answer
    You could, depending on the type of dye. You may get a strawberry blonde or dirty blonde color. .
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Purchase two boxes of hair dye if you have long or coarse hair. Hair that is longer than your shoulders or is extremely thick will require more dye than what's in just one box. Prepare both boxes together at the same time.
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      • You only need to mix colors if you want a particular shade that isn't available or just enjoy creating a custom color. If you want an easier option, you can look for a pre-mixed shade, such as a red-brown, a brown-red, or a blue-black.
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      Warnings

      • Wipe up any spills of the hair dye mixture immediately with an old sponge or a damp cloth to avoid staining furniture or surfaces.
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      • Always wear protective gloves when handling hair dye and developer.
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      • Follow the instructions closely regarding how long to leave the dye on your hair and how to remove it after dyeing. Otherwise, you risk damaging your hair.
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      Things You'll Need

      Mixing Dye and Developer

      • Hair dye
      • Developer
      • Glass or plastic bowl
      • Old towel or newspaper
      • Latex or plastic gloves
      • Diogital scale (optional)
      • Plastic fork or silicone mini whisk

      Combining Colors

      • Two hair dyes
      • Developer
      • Scales
      • Glass or plastic bowl
      • Plastic fork or silicone mini whisk
      • Old towel or newspaper
      • Latex or plastic gloves
      • Pen
      • Paper

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pantene.in/en-in/hair-fall-problems-and-hair-care-solutions/what-is-a-hair-developer/
      2. ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/henna-hair-dying/
      3. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 Feb 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.coloredhaircare.com/can-you-mix-hair-dye-and-developer/
      5. ↑ https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/beauty/78226111/20-hair-dye-hacks-you-need-to-know-about
      6. ↑ https://www.coloredhaircare.com/hair-colour-mixing-chart/
      7. ↑ https://www.coloredhaircare.com/hair-colour-mixing-chart/
      8. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 Jan 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.coloredhaircare.com/hair-color-numbers/#What-are-hair-color-numbers
      1. ↑ https://hair-and-makeup-artist.com/international-colour-charts-hairdressing/
      2. ↑ https://www.coloredhaircare.com/hair-colour-mixing-chart/
      3. ↑ Courtney Foster. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 24 Jan 2023.
      4. ↑ https://www.coloredhaircare.com/hair-colour-mixing-chart/
      5. ↑ https://www.sallybeauty.com/FAQ_HAIR_COLOR_63.html
      6. ↑ https://theshade.com.au/mixing-colours-what-colour-levels-and-tones-work-well-together/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To mix hair dye, start by putting on a pair of latex gloves and combining the hair dye and developer in a plastic bowl in the ratio specified on the hair dye package. With a plastic fork, mix the dye and developer together until it’s smooth and consistent in color and texture. Avoid using anything metal during this process, as it can oxidize the hair dye or even cause harmful chemical reactions. If you want to mix 2 different colors of hair dye, try to use colors that are within the same 2 to 3 shades. When combining with the developer, use the exact same amount of each dye and adjust the amount of developer to keep it within the correct ratio. For more help from our Cosmetology co-author, like how to choose dye colors that complement each other, read on!

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