Here’s How to Make Dyeing Your Hair at Home Easy & Tricks to Avoid a Patchy Disaster
Image description: A collage of two images, the first image shows JAQUELINE, the author of the article, massaging hair dye into the roots of the hair after application of the Clairol root touch up kit. The second image shows her hair dried after washing out the hair dye, one colour from root to tip.
Here’s how to dye your hair at home without dealing with those awkward in-between days where your forehead and ears are stained, and half your head is patchy because you missed a spot.
Although, I do think lots of those problems were more of an issue for the hair kits of the past—nowadays, the kits are way more elegant and easy to use.
These are foolproof tips I’ve gathered from literal decades of at-home dye jobs. Now, you might say, “Decades? JAQUELINE, you’re only 27!” Well, fair.
But I’ve been dyeing my hair since I was seven, rocking all kinds of fun colours DIY-style. Let’s skip the “Why?” (that’s a whole other story) and just say: I’ve become a bit of a professional at-home hair dyer over the years.
After experimenting with every shade under the rainbow, I’ve finally settled on a cool-toned hue that’s just deeper than my natural colour—focusing mainly on root touch-ups these days.
Here’s How to Dye Your Hair at Home Like a Pro
Image description: Two action shots of JAQUELINE applying hair dye to her roots with the Clairol Root Touch Up kit
1. Grab a Shirt You Don’t Love
You’ll want an oversized shirt from the corner of your closet that you have zero emotional attachment to because it’s going to get stained.
That’s okay—it’s part of the process. You might get to pro-level one day, where the shirt stays clean, but until then, just let it happen.
2. Clean Hair Is Overrated
Let’s bust this myth right now: You do not need freshly washed hair for dye. Hair dye is strong enough to get through oils, product build-up, or even dandruff—so save it for wash day.
Unless the dye instructions say otherwise (but honestly, when was the last time you saw that?), no need to wash first.
3. Use Vaseline to Protect Your Skin
Image description: Two images of JAQUELINE applying the CeraVe Ointment to her forehead to prevent hair dye staining. There’s text over the images, one saying “1. Wear an old T-Shirt” and “2. Put Petroleum Jelly around your hair line & ears.”
Get a Vaseline or petroleum-based product and slather it along your forehead, the backs and fronts of your ears, and around your neck.
This little trick will save you from dye-stained skin, which nobody asked for. That way you can rock your fresh colour straight away without the awkward 3-day-after-DIY look.
4. Brush Through Your Hair
Image description: JAQUELINE using a pink tangle teaser hair brush through her hair. The text on the image says “3. Brush out any knots before you go in with hair dye.”
Even if your hair isn’t prone to tangles, brushing it out beforehand is key.
You want it airy and separated so it’s easier to apply the dye and get even coverage.
5. Pick the Right Kit for Root Touch-Ups
Image description: The Clairol Root touch-up kit in Ash Brown with it’s contents laid out: A touch-up brush, step 1 and step 2, gloves, instruction sheet and mixing container.
When touching up roots, find a kit that matches your current shade. Some brands only recommend their own products (eye roll), but we’re not about that gatekeeping life.
I’ve had great luck with Clairol—it blends beautifully with most major hair colours and gives a seamless finish.
Shop: Clairol’s Root Touch-Up Kits are currently 1/2 off at Woolworths! Stock up!
6. Don’t Let Your Roots Get Out of Control
Try not to wait until your roots are more than a centimeter or two long. The longer you wait, the more noticeable they’ll be, and you might need two kits to cover it.
I made that mistake last time, but luckily Clairol’s kits are super affordable—just $10 each.
Pro tip: Keep one in your bathroom for quick touch-ups!
7. Light It Up
Please, for the love of good hair, make sure the room is well-lit. No dimly lit dye jobs.
Dye your hair in natural day light if you can manage fighting off those late night urges to dye your hair at 11pm.
You’ll get a much better blend, and future-you will thank present-you.
8. Overlap Your Roots Slightly
When touching up roots, apply the dye just over the edge of your previously dyed hair for a smooth transition.
Dyeing your entire head every time can cause build-up on your ends, leading to frizz and a heavy, over-processed look.
Root touch-ups keep things fresh without overloading your hair with pigment.
9. Massage the Dye In
Image description: JAQUELINE massaging the root touch up hair dye into her hair.
If you’re doing a solo dye job, massage the dye through your roots (or all over) to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
If you have a friend over, let them double-check the back of your head. If not, use a handheld mirror to get those tricky spots.
Not trying to boast (ok I am, give me this please) I don’t even need to look, I can dye the back of my hair on my own!
You get the hang of it with time.
10. Keep Your Room Well Ventilated
Keep your windows open, if you’re in the bathroom, pop a fan on too. You’ll feel better with more fresh air! Thank me later.
A Word on Bleaching
Now, let’s talk about bleaching. I’ve always believed that at-home box dye is fair game when you’re going darker. But lightening? That’s a different story. Bleach is no joke.
If you’re thinking about going lighter, please don’t grab a box of blonde dye and go root to tip.
Root touch-ups are one thing—those formulas are designed to be gentle on virgin hair—but lightening your whole head can be risky. Bleach can fry your ends if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you really want to go blonde, do your research, take it slow, and maybe consult a pro. Beyond that, permanent dyes—especially reds—can stain like crazy, so just be aware.
As I write this, I’m thinking back to all the articles I read as a teen with the exact same warning and how I promptly ignored their warnings- haha.
If you’d like to mitigate damage, set a timer, don’t overprocess your hair, don’t be afraid to do separate dyeing sessions if you’re bleaching- and pick up a nice moisturising hair mask for some post-dye love.
Final Thoughts
At-home dyeing doesn’t have to be a disaster.
With the right tools, a bit of prep, and these tips, you can nail a flawless dye job without ever stepping foot in a salon (and yay for the normalising of at home treatments!).
If you’re sticking to darker shades, box dye is your best friend. When it comes to roots, regular touch-ups will keep things seamless and smooth.
I hope these tips make your DIY dye job easier. Now go forth and colour with confidence!
Are you a visual learner? Check out my recent DIY dye job with Clairol! How did I do?