How to Dye Your Hair With Dye Cream

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson

Last Updated: April 13, 2023 References

When you want to change your hair, dyeing it at home is a great option and saves both time and money. You can create a professional look without dealing with the fuss of a salon by having the right materials and knowing how to use them.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Hair

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1
Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Hair that has recently been moistened and conditioned is more able to absorb new color than dry, brittle hair. ^{[1]
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Research source} Brush your hair after you wash it so you have tangle-free tresses to work with.
- You need to apply most dye creams to dry hair, so you’ll want to blow-dry your hair after you wash it, or if you have time, you can let your hair air-dry before applying the dye.
- You can apply some dye creams to damp hair. Read the instructions on your specific dye cream before proceeding.
2
Divide your hair into four sections. Part your hair down the middle and then part your hair across from ear to ear. This will give you a total of four sections of hair. ^{[2]
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Research source} Use hair clips or ties to keep the sections apart.
- When applying the dye cream, you’ll work with one section at a time to ensure even color application. The smaller the sections, the more control you will have.
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3
Pull on your protective gloves and apply petroleum jelly around your hairline. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when dyeing your hair so you don’t stain your fingers. You should also apply some petroleum jelly to your hairline so the dye cream doesn’t stain it. This is a common tip that is often overlooked. ^{[3]
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- Many dye cream boxes include gloves for your convenience.
- You can also place an old towel over your shoulders so you don’t get dye on your clothing. Towels and newspapers work great for protecting your work surface, too.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Dye Cream

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1
Mix the dye cream according to the package instructions. Many dye creams will require you to do some mixing. Follow the instructions on your particular box, making sure you read them all the way through. ^{[4]
X
Research source} Every brand is different, so you’ll want to be sure you know the whole process before you begin.
- Using a mixing bowl instead of using the cream straight from the bottle will help you apply the dye evenly to your hair.
- It might be a good idea to use a scale for precision.
2
Do a strand test. Test out the dye by applying it to a small, unnoticeable strand of hair first. Using your brush or gloved fingertips, work the dye through the strand of hair from root to tip. You want to make sure you like the color before you apply it to your entire head. ^{[5]
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- Most dye creams sit for around 30 minutes and can then be rinsed. After this, you should be able to tell if you like the color or not.
3
Dye your first section of hair. Unclip the first section of hair and using your color brush, apply the dye from root to tip. Use your brush to work the dye through your hair. Make sure each strand is fully saturated and that there’s an even coating of dye cream throughout the entire section. ^{[6]
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- Use your brush or gloved fingertips to smooth out any globs.
- If your hair is thin, you should have no problem applying the dye evenly to the 4 sections. If you have thick hair, then you will likely need to divide each section into 2 or 4 more sections to apply the dye evenly.
When you’ve finished applying an even coat of dye cream to one section of hair, reclip it back into place and unclip the next section. Repeat the same dyeing process for each of your four divided sections of hair.
Follow the instructions on your dye cream to learn how long your dye should sit in your hair. Each dye needs a certain amount of time to correctly develop. If you rinse your hair too soon, the dye might not fully work. ^{[7]
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When you have let your hair sit for the required time, rinse it with warm water - not shampoo. ^{[8]
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Research source} Finish off the process with a deep conditioner to make your new hair silky and smooth. Rinse the conditioner out of your hair with cool water to help lock in the dye.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your New Color

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This will allow your new hair color to set in and absorb all the way for longer-lasting color. If you shampoo your hair too soon after dyeing it, the color can wash down the drain along with the suds from your shampoo. ^{[9]
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Look for hair products that are natural and meant for color-treated hair. Avoid any products that contain sulfates, as they can quickly strip the color from your hair and cause it to look dull. ^{[10]
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3
Wash your hair less frequently. Every time you wash your hair, its natural oils get washed away, too. ^{[11]
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Research source} These oils are what keep your hair looking shiny and lustrous - especially when your hair is dyed. Aim for washing your hair just two to three times a week.
- If you feel like you need to wash more frequently, try a leave-in treatment like dry shampoo or leave-in conditioner instead of a normal wash.
4
Limit your use of heated styling tools. Heated styling tools like curling irons and straighteners can strip away color and dry out your hair. Try to use them infrequently to keep your color looking great. ^{[12]
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- If you do use these tools, put a heat-protective spray on your hair first. These sprays help keep more moisture in your hair, therefore protecting it from the damaging heat of the tool.
Everyone loves a hot shower, but hot water itself can damage your dyed hair. ^{[13]
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Research source} Shampoo with warm water and turn the temperature down when you condition and rinse. This will help your color last longer.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you dye your hair with food coloring?

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 can apply food coloring with a bottle or brush directly to the hair. Be careful not to get the coloring on your skin as it will stain.

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Can you dye your hair when you have product in 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

If you have a little styling product in your hair it won't affect the dye, but if you use a lot you may want to gently shampoo and dry your hair (without product) before coloring.

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Question

Can you color your hair with conditioner in 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

You should not apply color and conditioner together. The conditioner will prevent the color from fully absorbing into the hair. However, if you want to create a diluted version of a hair color you can do that by mixing it with conditioner.

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Things You’ll Need

Protective gloves
Timer
Petroleum jelly
Towel
Dye cream: Make sure you have enough dye cream for the entire length of your hair. You don’t want to run out halfway through! Two packages are usually enough for most people. ^{[14]
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Mixing bowl
Brush to apply dye cream

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Warnings

The dye might temporarily stain your skin. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, ears, and scalp with the dye.

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How to Dye Your Hair With Dye Cream

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Preparing Your Hair

Applying the Dye Cream

Maintaining Your New Color

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Things You’ll Need

Tips

Warnings

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