DIY guide to colouring your hair at home

Professional colourists advise sticking with one or two shades of your natural hair colour for best results. This way, your results will look soft and natural and you minimise the risk of damaging your hair.

If you have blonde hair, it is recommended to only go one shade lighter than your natural hair colour. If you have black hair, stick with shine enhancing temporary formulas, and never try to lighten your hair at home. This applies if you have dark brown hair, too. The process of lightening dark hair is very precise and you can end up with orange strands and damaged hair if you’re not an expert. 

TIP If you're covering grey hair, you can look at using permanent dyes. Just be prepared to touch up the regrowth regularly.

You should also take into account your skin tone and eye colour. Unsure the shade will suit you? There are plenty of apps that you can use to try out a new hair colour without commitment. Simply upload your photo and try on all the shades you’re thinking of.

Take your lifestyle into account. Colouring your hair requires regular maintenance. If you're busy, go for a temporary or semi-permanent formula to deal with regrowth instead of constantly maintaining it. If you can handle the upkeep, go ahead and use a permanent DIY hair dye.

Before starting your home hair dye, do a patch test on your wrist. This is a good way to check for allergies or sensitivities to ingredients. You should always do this at least 24 hours before applying the DIY hair colour. If no sensitivity or irritation appears after that time, it should be OK to use that formula.

Always read the ingredient list and instructions carefully. Don’t feel as though you can wing it. That’s when mistakes happen. Make sure you understand the instructions before you start, too.

Protect your clothing with a cape or a towel. Don’t forget that DIY hair dye can stain bathroom towels & surfaces. So, always make sure you’ve covered them well to keep them clean. Also, apply a barrier cream around your hairline to prevent staining your skin.

Wash your hair a few days before dyeing. Your hair should not be dirty or oily when you colour it, but it doesn't have to be completely clean either. It's ok for your natural oils to be there.

Gently brush or comb your hair to ensure it’s tangle-free. This makes dyeing your hair easier.

Divide your hair into four sections. Use a comb to section the hair along the part line, and then across the head, from ear to ear. Use some clips to hold each section in place.

Mix the hair dye according to the instructions. Some formulas have only one solution, while others need you to mix two solutions in a bowl or the bottle.

Apply the dye evenly, section by section. Start at the back of the head.

You can use a mirror for guidance, or ask a friend to help you out if you’re not super confident. Always apply from the roots to the ends. Ensure even distribution of the dye by massaging it into your hair.

Leave the dye to process for the exact time specified in the instructions. Be careful you don’t take it off too soon, or you risk an unfinished colour. Don’t leave it for too long, either, or you could damage your hair.

Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until it runs clear. Use the included conditioner to nourish and hydrate your freshly coloured hair.

Always use shampoo and conditioner formulated for coloured hair. You can even buy formulas for your particular shade of hair (blonde, red, brunette, etc). Use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners.

Try not to wash your hair every day to prevent the colour fading. Every other day is fine.

Protect your shine and colour by using a leave-in UV protecting spray or cream. Avoid sun exposure where possible and limit the amount of times you use heated styling tools.