How To Dip Dye Hair: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Dip Dye Hair PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Angela Justice

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Choosing Your Products
    • |
  • Prepping your Hair and Workstation
    • |
  • Dip Dying Your Hair
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Angela Justice. Angela Justice is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of Payton Place Salon based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. With over 33 years of experience, she specializes in styling and cutting hair, coloring hair, providing hair repair and strengthening services, and installing tape-in hair extensions. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,427,715 times.

Hair dye is a great way to shake up your normal style and express your personality. Unlike standard dye jobs, dip dyes allow you to show off a new color while keeping your roots in tact. When done well, dip dyes can create beautiful gradients and interesting color contrasts.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Products

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  1. Step 1 Determine a color that suits you. 1 Determine a color that suits you. Before you start this process, it's best to give yourself some time to figure out the look you want to create. Look online for inspiration, and read reviews for different types of lightening and coloring products. Depending on the route you choose to go, your results may be permanent, so it's important to plan carefully!
    • You might choose to match your eyes or use another color that flatters your skin.
    • Alternatively, if there's a color you've always loved but that doesn't really flatter you, a dip-dye can be a great way to enjoy it without using it to frame your face. Just make sure you don't dip too deeply--keep it at the tips of your hair.
  2. Step 2 Purchase a bleaching or lightening product. 2 Purchase a bleaching or lightening product. If you have dark hair and want to achieve light-colored tips, this is a necessary step. You will need to bleach the dark color from your hair so the colored dye will take later in the process.[1] If you already have very light hair, or if you don't mind layering a color over your natural color, you can skip this step.[2]
    • Colored hair dyes sit on top of your natural hair color. For example, if you apply a pastel pink hair dye to very light blonde hair, it will show up pastel pink. However, it will be much more subtle and dark when layered on top of dark hair. [3]
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  3. Step 3 Choose your hair dye. 3 Choose your hair dye. You can find all sorts of funky colors online, and you can find most “normal” colors at your local pharmacy or beauty supply store.[4] You can even look at reviews online to see what other people have to say about the product, and how it looks on different colors and textures of hair.
    • Buy more hair dye than you think you will need. You do not want to run out with half of your hair left to dye.
    • Purchase some gloves as well. Hair dye will stain your fingers, so it’s best to keep them covered during this process.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Prepping your Hair and Workstation

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  1. Step 1 Put on an old T-shirt. 1 Put on an old T-shirt. It's easiest to keep your hair down while dip dying it, so you can see exactly where the color is going. This means that the dye will certainly get on whatever shirt you’re wearing, so make sure you wear an old one that you don’t care about. If you have a hairdressing gown or poncho of some sort, that will work as well. Wrap your neck with an old hand towel so you avoid staining your neck as much as possible.
  2. Step 2 Set up your supplies in the bathroom. 2 Set up your supplies in the bathroom. It’s easiest to dip dye your hair in your bathroom, because it has everything you need: a counter, water, and a mirror. You may want to cover up your counter, especially if it is a light color, to avoid any staining from the hair dye.
  3. Step 3 Decide which sections you want to dye. 3 Decide which sections you want to dye. You can dip dye only the very ends of your hair, or you can bring the dye three-quarters of the way up the shaft. It is completely up to you how much you want to color – just make sure you have enough dye! You can tie up any strands that you don’t want to dye in order to make the process easier.
    • Make sure you comb your hair thoroughly before starting.
    • Make sure that your hair is parted where it normally will be. The most foolproof way to dip dye your hair is to work with dry hair that is styled how it typically will be styled in your day-to-day.
    • The length of your hair will determine how much hair you can feasibly dip dye. Longer hair may require more dye while hair shorter than a bob may be difficult to dip.
  4. Step 4 Bleach the sections of your hair you will be dying. 4 Bleach the sections of your hair you will be dying. If you want your final color to be lighter than your natural color, you will need to bleach first. Bleaching your hair removes your natural pigment, so it will also create a more vibrant, bold finished color.[5] Follow the instructions on your particular product you've purchased. Apply it only to the sections that you want to color.
    • For more thorough step-by-step instructions regarding the bleaching process, click here.
    • Bleaching your hair will dry it out. After you're finished bleaching it, deep condition it to replenish some of the lost moisture.[6]
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Dip Dying Your Hair

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  1. Step 1 Mix the dye according to package directions. 1 Mix the dye according to package directions. Some hair dyes, like Manic Panic, can be applied to the hair directly out of the package.[7] Other dyes may need to be mixed. If you have a bold color and want to make it lighter, you can always add a conditioner to dilute the color.[8] If you want a color that you can’t find, you can always create it by mixing two different colored dyes.
  2. Step 2 Apply the dye to your hair. 2 Apply the dye to your hair. You can use a brush to paint it on the section, or you can “dip” it into a bowl filled with the dye, spreading it along the section of hair with your gloved hand. Concentrate the majority of the dye on the ends of your hair, making sure the tips are fully saturated. As you bring the dye upwards, use less dye so that it gradually fades into your natural color. Do this all over your head, being careful to dye the same length of sections. You want the color to be even around your entire head. Chris McMillan Chris McMillan, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Choose hair color thoughtfully. "Hair color should look good. I don't care if you have subtle highlights or My Little Pony pink—hair should never look washed out. The color needs to be rich and shiny; if it's not, you need to try another color—or maybe another colorist."

  3. Step 3 Blend the color. 3 Blend the color. Blending the color into your natural hair is important. Apply the dye thickly to the ends of your hair to create a bold, solid color. When you're nearing the area of hair where the dyed hair will blend into your natural hair, use your finger tips to softly pull some of the dye up the strand, without saturating the hair. This will help the color slowly lighten, and it will help you avoid a stark line between the colored hair and your natural hair.
  4. Step 4 Wrap each dyed section with aluminum foil. 4 Wrap each dyed section with aluminum foil. This will heat up your hair and speed up the dying process. It will also prevent you from making a mess as the dye sits on your hair. However, this step is completely optional.[9]
  5. Step 5 Leave the dye on your hair according to the package directions. 5 Leave the dye on your hair according to the package directions. Check the color periodically to see if it is bright enough. With many colored dyes, the longer you let it sit, the brighter it will be. Just make sure to check the packaging for directions for your specific product. Remember, some dyes will fade gradually with washes, so if you don’t let it sit very long, you will get a paler color that washes out faster.[10]
  6. Step 6 Rinse out the dye. 6 Rinse out the dye.[11] Once you’ve let the dye sit for the required amount of time, you can rinse it out. Use cold water to remove all traces of the dye, and apply a conditioner to give your hair some moisture and shine. Don’t wash with shampoo, because it will be more likely to strip some of the dye out of your hair and lighten it. The less you wash your hair, the longer your dip dye will last![12]
  7. Step 7 Style your hair as usual. 7 Style your hair as usual. Like shampoos, heat products can cause the color to fade more quickly. When possible, avoid using blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. If you do use them, make sure to use a heat protectant. Have fun styling your new dyed hair, experimenting with fun new styles to show it off.[13]
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What do you do if something goes wrong? Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016. Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Seek assistance from a friend or family member. If that doesn't work, get help from a professional stylist. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 25
  • Question What color looks best on brown hair? I was thinking blue. Laura Martin 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 Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Blue and brown could work, especially if your natural brown has cool undertones. Try holding some swatches up to your natural hair to see what color combinations you like. You can find these at beauty supply stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 19
  • Question I have black hair, and I want to dye the tips purple. Will the dye fade or not be able to be seen? Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016. Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Purple will barely be seen on black hair. If the dye does take, it will most likely be a very dark purple tint. If you want the purple to be vibrant, it would be better if you bleached your ends first, and then applied the dye. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 31
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you're using Manic Panic or another vegetable-based dye, you can leave it on for as long as you want without damaging your hair. The longer you leave it on, typically, the brighter the color will be and the longer it will last. Thanks Helpful 249 Not Helpful 31
  • Depending on how porous your hair is, some colors and brands will stay longer than others. If one color washes out or fades really quickly, don't be disheartened! Try playing around with different colors and brands over time to find which one holds best in your hair. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
  • Buy a deep conditioner and shampoo that is formulated for color treated hair. If you lightened your hair first, the bleaching process will have damaged the ends of your hair. Deep condition it regularly to avoid split ends. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 6

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • For Manic Panic or any similar brands, do not forget to put Vaseline all over any areas of skin along the hairline/face/neck that you do not wish to be dyed. Also, after dyeing, immediately rinse your hair with vinegar to set the color and condition. Sulfate-free shampoos will prolong temporary dye. Put a bit of the temporary dye in your conditioner. Wash hair as infrequently as possible, and in cold water.
  • Don't dip dye with kool aid or anything that will not fade or come out. This may require you to cut your hair for school or work. That is also why you should only dye a section of hair that you are willing to cut out.
  • It's a good idea to dip dye on dead ends, but keep in mind it doesn't look as nice on dead ends. Even if you don't like how it looks on dead ends, you can still cut it off, so it's not usually not a problem.
  • This can be really fun, because you can change it to different colours to see which ones you prefer with your original colour, and it isn't as damaging to your hair as fully dyeing it.
  • If you add conditioner to the dye, make sure it's silicone-free or the hair won't absorb the dye. Adding conditioner to the dye will make the dye lighter.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be careful when washing your hair in the shower. Dye can stain shower curtains and shower walls. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 3
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Things You'll Need

  • Old T-shirt
  • Old hand towel
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Hair clips or hair ties
  • Color bowl
  • Bleach dye/pre-lighter (Optional)
  • Aluminum foil (Optional)
  • Colored dye
  • Dye brush
  • Plastic gloves
  • Water
  • Conditioner

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References

  1. ↑ Angela Justice. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98dPekpSVGQ&t=9s
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AniubS9Zmk
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrZM9yeWw_Y
  5. ↑ Angela Justice. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RjayxceCLg
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8S3AOvgsTA
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A80LGcTVHP4
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUSR6kvgsaI
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AniubS9Zmk&t=12s
  2. ↑ Angela Justice. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hair.html
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair

About This Article

Angela Justice Co-authored by: Angela Justice Master Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Angela Justice. Angela Justice is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of Payton Place Salon based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. With over 33 years of experience, she specializes in styling and cutting hair, coloring hair, providing hair repair and strengthening services, and installing tape-in hair extensions. This article has been viewed 1,427,715 times. 19 votes - 95% Co-authors: 61 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,427,715 Categories: Featured Articles | Dyeing Hair Mixed Colors Article SummaryX

Before dip dyeing your hair, put on a t-shirt you don’t mind getting stained and consider bleaching your hair if it’s brown or black. Then, mix your dye in a bowl and use a gloved hand to dip your hair in the dye. Using your fingers, pull dye from the top of the stained area to the bottom of the unstained area, blending the colors together. Wrap the dyed areas in aluminum foil for the amount of time listed on the product package, then rinse out the dye. For tips from our reviewer on choosing good hair products, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Melissa Hendrix

    Melissa Hendrix

    Mar 8, 2016

    "My daughter has been begging me to let her dye a strip of her hair. We compromised to dye the ends since they are..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Angela Justice Co-authored by: Angela Justice Master Hair Stylist Co-authors: 61 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,427,715 95% of readers found this article helpful. 19 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote Melissa Hendrix

Melissa Hendrix

Mar 8, 2016

"My daughter has been begging me to let her dye a strip of her hair. We compromised to dye the ends since they are..." more Chloe Loren

Chloe Loren

Aug 30, 2016

"The tips were great! I haven't done my hair yet. I was a little worried about how to do it, because I've..." more Liya River

Liya River

Nov 4, 2016

"Wow! This helped me a lot! I'm planning to do it again in the future but I'm not sure what color I should..." more Sophie Wilson

Sophie Wilson

Jul 24, 2017

"It is my first time having a bright color put into my hair and I found this website really helpful!" Rated this article: E W

E W

Jul 31, 2016

"I was happy to see the parting formation and the way the foil is folded/wrapped. Helpful!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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