8 Things You Should Never Do When Dyeing Your Hair at Home

Don't make these mistakes!

While many hairstylists don’t recommend coloring your hair at home, sometimes it’s the best option. For example, professional hair color may not be in your budget but you still want to cover up your grays. Or perhaps your hair colorist is on vacation. Maybe you need a root touch-up and you’ve recently broken up with your colorist and haven’t found a new one yet.

If you decide to dye your hair at home, you'll probably want to do it properly to achieve the best possible results. Here are some common at-home hair dye mistakes you'll want to avoid the next time you color your hair at home.

Related:How to Fix Every Possible At-Home Hair Dye Disaster

Don't Forget to Read the Box

Most of us are guilty of not reading the instructions for items like toasters and microwaves, but when it comes to your hair dye, you shouldn’t skip this step. It’s crucial to know how to mix the product as well as how long to leave it on.

Don't Switch Brands (If You're Happy With the Results)

“Never use a different brand of box color if you are getting good results," says celebrity hairstylist Anthony Pazos. Staying with the same brand will help you achieve a more consistent hair color. So, if your local drugstore runs out of your color, you’re better off going to another store to pick up the right one, or keep an extra box on hand just in case.

Related:10 Top Hair Colors for Spring 2023, According to Hairstylists

Never Apply Color Without Two Mirrors

Hairstylist Brittany Gharring tells me you need two mirrors to apply color properly on your own. “Coloring the back of your head can be tricky. Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your head in the bathroom mirror as you color so you won’t miss a spot," she says.

Never Buy Just One Bottle of Color

If you have long or thick hair, this is a non-negotiable. Buy an extra box. “You never know how porous your hair will be and most tubes of color are for short, thin hair, so plan accordingly,” advises Gharring.

Don't Forget to Protect Your Skin

It’s important and easy to protect your skin while coloring your hair. “There's nothing worse than ending up with telltale stripes of color on your forehead,” says Gharring. “Apply a small stripe of chapstick around your hairline and ears," she recommends.

Never Rinse With Hot Water

You might be tempted to rinse with hot water because it feels better than cold water. However, this isn’t a smart idea. “Hot water lifts the outer layer of hair color, causing the color to fade faster,” says celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar. “Rinse your hair with cold water to help seal up the cuticle and lock in the new color.”

Don't Shampoo the Next Day

Are you a daily hair washer? If so, it might be a challenge, but it's best to avoid washing your hair for a day or two. Renegar recommends waiting 48 to 72 hours to wash your hair. “This gives the cuticle enough time to close and the color to set.”

Avoid Hot Tools After Dyeing Your Hair

While the professionals may style your hair with hot tools after coloring, it’s best to wait a few days before using that flat iron or curling wand. “Additional heat from a tool can cause your hair not only to fade but also cause your chemically treated hair to become more brittle and dry. You can use heat tools, but I would not recommend using them immediately after you dye your hair, and again, I would not use them often. If you are to use them, make sure always to use a heat protectant,” says Renegar.

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