How to Apply a Color Rinse

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A “color rinse” is a hair tint, or in other words, a non-permanent way to color your hair. This is particularly useful for covering gray hair, or for evening out highlights. A color rinse can also be a great option for a special night where you'd like your hair to have a little more pizzazz. Depending on the particular color rinse product, your color should last for 6-8 shampoos.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Determine Your Coloring Time

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  1. Take a small area about the width of your finger from your under layer on the back of your head and clip the rest of your hair up away from the strand. This hidden strand will let you test the color in an inconspicuous place. [1]
  2. Place the swatch of hair in a plastic bowl. Apply the color rinse solution to the hair evenly, using enough product to completely saturate it. Be careful not to get any on your hands or clothes. [2]
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  3. If the hair you are coloring has been permed, relaxed, or previously dyed, wait for only 10 minutes. If the hair you are testing has not been chemically treated, wait for 15 minutes. Use a kitchen timer or set a timer on your phone.
  4. Take the swatch of hair out of the bowl, and using a paper towel, wipe the color rinse solution away. Dampen your paper towel with a tiny bit of water, and wipe it a second time. [3]
  5. If you are not yet satisfied with the intensity of the color, return the swatch of hair to the coloring product left in the bowl. Continue checking the strand of hair's color every few minutes. Make a note of your hair's coloring time. This is the length of time you will color the rest of your hair.
    • In general, you should only about 20 more minutes.
    • However for stubborn gray hair, this could take up to 45 minutes.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Preparing for Your Color Rinse

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  1. Shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo 12 to 24 hours before doing the color rinse. This will remove any build-up from styling products and allow for a nice even color. For best results, use a clarifying shampoo (such as Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo) to remove build-up. [4]
    • Professional salons do not always use clarifying shampoo due to time constraints, but it's usually a good idea.
  2. Hair should be completely dry when applying color to it. Wash your hair with enough time to allow it to air dry (thus inflicting less damage on your hair), or if you are short on time, use a blow dryer. [5]
  3. Any type of hair dye, including a color rinse, can seriously damage your clothes. Change into clothes that you are not afraid to ruin, such as an old t-shirt you no longer wear.
    • You can also put on a cape or smock to help protect your clothes or give your skin an extra layer of protection. These are available from most beauty supplies stores.
  4. Just as with your clothing, color rinse products can damage your home. Place an old towel under your feet and another one on your bathroom counter. This will help you avoid dying your bathroom the color of your hair. [6]
  5. Anytime you are dealing with dye products, it is a good idea to wear rubber gloves. Color rinse solution can stain your hands (particularly your fingernails) for several days or even a week. Be sure to wear some kind of gloves. Disposable rubber gloves or plastic dishwashing gloves will work great. [7]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Performing the Color Rinse

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  1. Begin by applying color at the temples, hairlines, or wherever your hair is most gray. Then, parting your hair in ¼ inch sections, apply the color to your roots, and then work through to the ends. Use your gloved fingers to help distribute the color throughout your hair, but do not rub the color into your scalp. [8]
    • If you have long or thick locks, try separating your hair into four sections before coloring. This give you more control while you color, and a more even rinse afterwards.
  2. Use a damp paper towel to wipe away any color product that gets on your skin or a household surface. Pay particular attention to an excess product around your hairline, on the top of your ears, or on the back of your neck. [9]
  3. Let the color remain on your hair for the length of time determined by your color test. (Remember, in general, chemically treated hair will need less time than non-chemically treated hair.) Set a timer and wait the allotted time.
  4. After waiting the appropriate time, add a little bit of warm water to your hair. Massage your hair gently to work the water and hair coloring product into a lather. [10]
  5. Dip your head into the sink, under running water. Use your gloved hands to guide the product out of your hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly until the water looks clear. [11]
  6. If your hair is dry, has been chemically treated, or is otherwise damaged, you will probably need to condition. Add conditioner to your hair, focusing on the tips, and avoiding the scalp. Allow the conditioner to set for a few minutes before rinsing. [12]
    • Once the conditioner has set, rinse it out using cool water. This helps close the cuticle of the hair, keeping it soft and shiny longer.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How long do you leave color on your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should follow the instructions. Most colors process for 15-30 minutes, but some need up to an hour.
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  • Question
    Do you wash your hair after you dye it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you should always wash the dye out of your hair after the recommended processing time. Leaving it in could irritate your scalp and result in unexpected shifts in the color.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    What is a color rinse for hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A color rinse is a type of semi-permanent color that works with your natural hair color. It is designed to provide a subtle tonal change.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Always conduct the strand test to find your required wait time before coloring all of your hair.
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      • Discard any unused hair color. Using leftover hair color at a later time may produce different results.
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      • For hair that has been recently permed or relaxed, wait at least 1 week and 1 shampoo before applying color to hair. Coloring time may be shorter than average.
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      Warnings

      • Do not use coloring on your hair if you experience any itching, burning, develop redness, a rash or any other allergic reaction on your skin or scalp.
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      • After applying color to your hair, do not shampoo your hair again until at least 24 hours later to help the hair color last longer.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Shampoo
      • Scissors
      • Clips
      • Tape
      • Plastic bowl
      • Clock
      • Plastic or rubber gloves
      • Hair color rinse product
      • Old towel
      • Paper towels
      • Running water
      • Conditioner

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.esalon.com/support/category/5/my-hair-color/85/strand-test/
      2. ↑ https://www.esalon.com/support/category/5/my-hair-color/85/strand-test/
      3. ↑ https://www.esalon.com/support/category/5/my-hair-color/85/strand-test/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztKH4VHu3Qc&ab_channel=Sw33tSparkl3
      5. ↑ https://www.bigen-usa.com/sp-how_to_use
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztKH4VHu3Qc&ab_channel=Sw33tSparkl3
      7. ↑ https://www.bigen-usa.com/sp-how_to_use
      8. ↑ https://www.oprah.com/style/how-to-dye-hair-at-home
      9. ↑ https://www.oprah.com/style/how-to-dye-hair-at-home
      1. ↑ https://www.oprah.com/style/how-to-dye-hair-at-home
      2. ↑ https://www.bigen-usa.com/sp-how_to_use
      3. ↑ https://www.bigen-usa.com/sp-how_to_use

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      A color rinse is a temporary hair tint that’s useful for covering gray hairs or evening out highlights. Coloring your hair should take between 15 and 30 minutes, but it’s best to do a strand test first so you can get the color just right. All you’ll need to do then is apply the color rinse to your clean, dry hair, working from your roots to your ends. Then, leave it in for as long as you determined from your strand test, and rinse it out with warm water. You should also condition your hair when you’ve finished, which helps to protect your hair from the chemicals in the color rinse. The tint should last for about 6 to 8 washes. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to avoid making a mess when applying your color rinse, read on!

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