Do you have virgin hair? Are you looking forward to colouring your hair for the very first time? Are you excited? But are you also super nervous about trusting someone else with your hair? Well, we understand your apprehensions!
Follow these easy steps, take these precautions and keep realistic expectations; that’s mostly what you need to do if you are planning to colour your hair at home...
- Read the box
- Dirty hair? Yep!
- Follow safety precautions
- Don’t forget the strand test
- Watch out for the hairline
- Start from the top
Read the box

Those glossy, glamourous images on a hair colour box is the probably the most misleading thing you’d ever see. The colour may not necessarily look the same on you; it is usually a shade lighter than what you see on the model. This is why it is important to read the name of the shade, and pick one that is closest to you natural hair colour to avoid any mishaps.
Dirty hair? Yep!

Hair that hasn’t been washed recently is full of natural oils that act as great protectants for your strands, and also help minimise damage. These oils act as a barrier against irritation for people with a sensitive scalp.
Follow safety precautions

If you are planning to colour your hair at home, never skip reading the safety manual. Do a patch test, especially if you are using a new brand. Read the ingredient list properly to see if there are any ingredients that you are allergic too.
Don’t forget the strand test

Getting a hair colour change can be super exciting, but you need to be a little mindful here. Check if your current hair accepts the formula well, because you definitely don’t want to end up with hair that is orange or purple.
Watch out for the hairline

It is always a great idea to apply some lip balm along your hairline so that the dye doesn’t travel and stick to your skin. A dyed hairline looks really ugly and can take days to get off.
Start from the top

If you’re dying all your hair in a different colour, it is suggested to start at the roots as they take the longest to develop the colour. You can then comb through to the ends, leave it on for about 30 minutes to an hour and then wash off.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Jan 27, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!