Keep in mind that color doesn’t lift color. You won’t be able to go from a dark dyed color to a lighter color without using bleach or some form of a color correction process first. Generally, it’s best to wait four to seven weeks before re-dyeing your hair so that you don’t damage it, but you can try to dye it earlier if you really hate your current dye-job. [2] X Research source If you’re re-dyeing just to have a change, wait at least four weeks to apply the new color.
If you must lighten your hair, visit a stylist. Trying to re-dye your hair a lighter shade will most likely come out wrong and cause extensive damage to your hair. [3] X Research source
Instead, apply a deep conditioner and make an appointment with a stylist, who can help you determine when and if you can safely re-dye your hair. [4] X Research source Signs you have damaged hair include split ends, loss of bounce, excessive tangles, and dry, brittle strands. [5] X Research source
Using a color-stripper will allow you to make bigger changes in your hair color because you can start fresh. Otherwise, you will be applying dye on top of dye, which can make it harder to get the color you want. You can find an at-home color stripper at a beauty supply store, or you can visit a salon to have a professional treatment applied.
Your hair should be dry when you apply the dye.
A thin layer is all you need to protect your skin.
Choose an old towel or one that is dark colored because the towel will most likely be stained by the hair dye. Lift your arms up to your hair a few times to make sure that the towel is secure and won’t fall off while you’re in the middle of dying your hair. Alternatively, you could use a hairdresser’s cape if you have one.
Most boxes of dye come with gloves. If you’re allergic to latex, look for nitrile gloves to use instead.
Read all of the instructions before you get started so that you won’t skip any steps. You should also know how long your color will need to set before you put it on.
If you use a shower cap, it will hold in your body’s natural heat, which helps the dye absorb faster.
Don’t let the dye stay on too long because it can damage your hair. If you’re covering gray, let your hair set for the longest amount of time allowed. [13] X Research source
Most dye kits come with a conditioner that you can use to add moisture back to your hair.
Don’t stress out about a little bit of overlap where the new growth ends. That hair is still fresh and won’t be as porous as the hair near the ends, meaning that it won’t absorb as much color. [16] X Research source
This works well to refresh your color when you’re reapplying the same shade, but it won’t darken your hair. If you want your hair darker, you’ll need to leave the dye on your hair for at least 20 minutes.
Most kits include a conditioner for you to use after you dye your hair. Avoid shampooing your hair for 72-hours after dyeing. [19] X Research source
Your stylist may be able to gently change the color by applying a toner rather than re-dying it, so talk to them before you try anything drastic. [22] X Research source
Tell them how many times you’ve dyed your hair, as well as how often. Say, “I’ve already used two different box dyes. I put the first one on three weeks ago, and last week I tried to fix the color. ” Explain what you don’t like about your current color so that they can help fix the issue you’re having. Say, “I don’t like how brassy my hair looks. ”
