How to Dye Hair with Conditioner

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you use semi-permanent hair color to dye your hair, you’ve probably heard about mixing in conditioner to moisturize your luscious locks. While hairdressers still aren’t in agreement about using conditioner with dye for hydration, you can definitely mix conditioner with a dark dye to make it a little bit lighter. Or, you can make your own color depositing conditioner to refresh your hair in between dye jobs. All you’ll need is your hair dye, some white conditioner, and a bowl, and you’re in business!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Mixture

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use a plastic hair dye bowl or a small plastic container. Grab a bottle of white conditioner and pour about 1 ⁄ 3   c (79 mL) into the bowl as a base layer. [1]
    • Always use a white conditioner so you can lighten the dye without distorting the color.
    • You don’t have to be super precise with your measurements, but try to make enough to cover your whole head.
    • Always use a plastic bowl. Metal oxidizes your dye and can make it change color.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mixing conditioner and dye works best if you’re using fantasy colors, or colors that aren’t natural. Pour a little bit of your dye into your conditioner to start with. [2]
    • Only mix conditioner with semi-permanent shades. Permanent hair dye that needs a developer won’t mix well with conditioner, and it can make the dye bond unevenly to your hair.
    • You can use conditioner to make your fantasy color lighter, or even pastel. However, it might fade faster than usual.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Give your mixture a good stir with your brush until the dye is fully incorporated. Make sure you can’t see any white spots of the conditioner peeking through! [3]
    • If your dye isn’t looking how you’d like it to, don’t worry. You can mess with it in just a second.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure you mix up your conditioner and dye thoroughly to see what color you’re getting. You could even mix colors together to make new ones, like purple, green, or orange. [4]
    • If you’re going for a pastel color, stick to a little bit of dye mixed with a lot of conditioner.
    • If you want a shade that’s deeply pigmented, add in more dye.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Application

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use your normal shampoo, then rinse it out. When you touch up your hair, you don’t need to dry it, since your hair already has a little bit of color in it. [5]
    • Washing your hair with shampoo usually strips some of the dye out, so it’s good to do it before you apply your color.
    • If you’re dyeing your hair for the first time, make sure your hair is light enough to take the color. If you’re going for a pastel shade, it will need to be a light blonde (level 9 or above).
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab a handful of your conditioner mixture and rub it into your hair from the ends to the roots. Coat your hair just like you would with a normal conditioner to hydrate and moisturize your locks. [6]
    • If you’re worried about staining your skin, you can wear gloves. However, you should be fine if you just rinse your hands off right away.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If this is the first time you’re using the dye, let it sit for at least 30 minutes. [7] If you’re just using your mixture as a touchup, let the dye sit for 3 to 5 minutes. [8]
    • The longer you let the dye sit, the stronger the color will be.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can stop rinsing once the water runs clear (this might take a minute or two). Use cool water to make your dye last longer, and make sure you wash all of the conditioner out of your hair. [9]
    • Leaving the conditioner in your hair could make it dry sticky or slimy, so make sure you rinse it all out.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid12243767-v4-728px-Dye-Hair-with-Conditioner-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use your color conditioner every time you wash your hair or whenever your color is looking a little dull. It won’t be quite as vibrant as an overall color, but it can help you last longer in between dye sessions to protect your hair. [10]
    • Washing your hair as little as possible and using cool water on it will also help your dye last longer, especially if it’s semi-permanent.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Test your color out by brushing it onto a white piece of paper to see how it will look on your hair.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Mixture

      • Plastic bowl
      • Hair dye brush
      • White conditioner
      • Semi-permanent dye

      Application

      • Gloves (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Dye Hair
      How to
      Dye a Synthetic Wig
      10 Ways to Lighten Hair Dyed Too Dark
      How to
      Color Hair with Beetroot
      Dyeing the Underside of Your Hair: All the Tips & Products You Need
      How to
      Get the Joker Hairstyle
      The Best Styles and Colors for Grey Blending Brunette Hair
      How to
      Dye Roots
      How to
      Dye Buzzed Hair
      How to
      Dye Bleached Hair Brown
      How to
      Dye Bleached Hair Back to Your Natural Color
      How to
      Get White Hair
      How to
      Color Pubic Hair: A Tutorial
      How to
      Dye Red Hair Brown
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about coloring hair, check out our in-depth interview with Frankie Sanderson .

      References

      1. ↑ https://botoxcapilar.org/en/mixing-conditioner-with-hair-dye/
      2. ↑ https://botoxcapilar.org/en/mixing-conditioner-with-hair-dye/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrNFGdgAZsQ&feature=youtu.be&t=87
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrNFGdgAZsQ&feature=youtu.be&t=94
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avy9J6EYF0Y&feature=youtu.be&t=128
      6. ↑ https://manicpanic.com/pages/faqs
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyTllvCelc&feature=youtu.be&t=181
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrNFGdgAZsQ&feature=youtu.be&t=122
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrNFGdgAZsQ&feature=youtu.be&t=122
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avy9J6EYF0Y&feature=youtu.be&t=128

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 84,874 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Lucia

        Oct 31, 2022

        "My hair colour came out perfectly using conditioner with it."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement