Before you color your hair at home, do the allergy test your dye's instructions require, then prepare three things: yourself, your space and your tools. Cover your shoulders with a cape, protect your hairline with a barrier cream, lay everything out within reach, and cover the surfaces around you. Ten minutes of setup prevents stained skin, clothes and bathroom fittings, and it stops you hunting for a clip with dye on your gloves.
One or two days before
- Do the allergy test. Follow the instructions in your dye kit exactly, including the waiting time, every time you color, even if you have used the product before. If you react, do not use it.
- Do a strand test if you are trying a new shade. It shows how the color takes on your hair and how long to leave it.
- Check you have enough product. Long or thick hair often needs two boxes.
- Follow the kit's advice on washing. Many dyes are meant to go on dry hair that was washed a day or so earlier.
What do you need to lay out?
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Hairdressing cape | Keeps dye off your clothes and shoulders |
| Gloves | Protect your hands. Have a spare pair |
| Barrier cream or petroleum jelly | Stops dye staining skin at the hairline |
| Sectioning clips | Hold hair in quarters so you miss nothing |
| Tint brush and non-metal bowl, or the kit's applicator bottle | For mixing and applying |
| Tail comb | For clean partings |
| Old dark towels | For surfaces and for rinsing |
| Timer | Processing time matters |
| Damp cloth or wipes | To remove drips at once |
How do you prepare your space?
- Choose a room with good light and ventilation. Open a window if you can.
- Clear the counter and remove towels, bath mats and anything fabric you care about.
- Cover the floor and sink surround with old towels or newspaper.
- Set up a second mirror so you can see the back of your head.
- Put everything within reach, opened and ready, before you mix anything.
How do you protect skin and clothes?
- Wear an old, dark top that buttons or zips. You should not have to pull it over your head afterward.
- Put on the cape and fasten it snugly at the neck.
- Apply barrier cream along the hairline, over the tops and backs of the ears and at the nape. Keep it off the hair itself, because it blocks color.
- Take off jewelry and put on your gloves.
Why use a cape and not an old towel?
A towel around the shoulders slips, leaves gaps at the neck and soaks through. A cape fastens in place and covers your shoulders and chest evenly, so both hands stay free. A shorter cape is easier to move in when you are applying color to yourself, because your arms are not fighting a long drape.
The Uexim short square hairdressing cape is made for hair cutting and coloring, with a short square cut for easy movement. It is made of satin, polyester and nylon, comes in black, and is sold as a single piece.
How do you section your hair before mixing?
- Brush out tangles.
- Part your hair down the middle from forehead to nape.
- Part again from ear to ear across the crown.
- Twist each of the four quarters and clip it.
Sectioning first means you can work steadily once the dye is mixed. Many dyes should be used straight after mixing, so check your instructions.
A last check before you begin
- Allergy test done and clear
- Instructions read from start to finish
- Cape on, barrier cream on, gloves on
- Hair in four sections
- Timer ready
- Damp cloth within reach
What if dye gets on skin or surfaces?
Wipe it off straight away with a damp cloth. Fresh dye comes off far more easily than dry dye. For skin, a little soap on a cloth usually works. Do not scrub hard, and keep dye away from your eyes. For surfaces, follow the care advice for that material.
Afterward
Rinse as your kit directs. Rinse the cape or wipe it clean before the dye dries, and follow its care label if it has one. Wash tools, throw away leftover mixed dye, and never store mixed product.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wash my hair before dyeing it?
Follow your dye's instructions. Many are designed for dry, unwashed hair.
Do I really need an allergy test every time?
Yes. Sensitivity can develop even after years of use, which is why kits ask for it each time.
What can I use instead of barrier cream?
Petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizer along the hairline does the same job.
Can I dye my hair alone?
Yes. Sectioning, a second mirror and a cape that leaves your arms free make it much easier. A helper is useful for the back.
The bottom line
Test first, cover yourself, cover the room, section your hair, then mix. Good preparation is what makes home coloring calm and tidy.
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