How to Re‐Dye Hair

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 References

Changing up your hair color can be fun, but it can also be risky. If you’re looking to re-dye your already dyed hair, then you’ll want to be careful so your hair comes out well. Whatever your reason for re-dyeing your hair, you can safely change your color if you’re patient. While visiting a stylist is the best way to re-dye your hair, you can also try to do it at home.

Best Way to Re-Dye Your Hair

Wait at least 2 weeks before applying dye to hair that you’ve already colored. Start applying the dye to your scalp and work your way down until you reach the end of the new growth. Follow the directions on the dye to rinse out the color, and avoid shampooing your hair for 72 hours.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Protecting Your Hair When Re-Dyeing

Download Article

1
Wait at least two weeks before applying another color. Applying dye again too soon after coloring your hair can cause extensive damage and breakage. Additionally, you will have no way to predict how the color will look, since you’re dyeing over an existing dye-job. The example color on the box will not be applicable on top of dye.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that color doesn't lift color. You won't be able to go from a dark dyed color to a lighter color without using bleach or some form of a color correction process first.
- Generally, it’s best to wait four to seven weeks before re-dyeing your hair so that you don’t damage it, but you can try to dye it earlier if you really hate your current dye-job.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- If you’re re-dyeing just to have a change, wait at least four weeks to apply the new color.
- If you simply need to adjust the tone, go to a professional that can assess when's the best time to make the color correction without damaging your hair.
2
Choose a darker shade for a better result. It’s easier to darken your hair than it is to lighten, so a darker shade is more likely to absorb into already dyed hair. It’s also less damaging to your hair than a bleach would be. Since you’re already on your second process, avoiding additional damage is a must.
- If you must lighten your hair, visit a stylist. Trying to re-dye your hair a lighter shade will most likely come out wrong and cause extensive damage to your hair.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Avoid re-dyeing if your hair is severely damaged. Hair that is dry, breaking, or has excessive split ends needs a break from processing. No matter how much you want to change up your look, applying dye to damaged hair will only make it look worse.
- Instead, apply a deep conditioner and make an appointment with a stylist, who can help you determine when and if you can safely re-dye your hair.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- Signs you have damaged hair include split ends, loss of bounce, excessive tangles, and dry, brittle strands.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
4
Use a color-stripping product to remove unwanted color. You may want to remove the old color before you try to re-dye your hair, especially if you’re making a big change. These products remove dye already on your hair so that the new color can absorb into your hair.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Using a color-stripper will allow you to make bigger changes in your hair color because you can start fresh. Otherwise, you will be applying dye on top of dye, which can make it harder to get the color you want.
- You can find an at-home color stripper at a beauty supply store, or you can visit a salon to have a professional treatment applied.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Preparing Your Hair

Download Article

Your natural hair oils need time to build up on your scalp, so wait a day after washing your hair to apply the dye. The natural oils will protect your scalp and help the color absorb into your hair.^{[7]
X
Research source}
2
Brush your hair to remove tangles and build-up. Run the brush through your hair for a few minutes before you apply the product. You need to remove tangles and excess hair product so that your hair dyes evenly.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Your hair should be dry when you apply the dye.
3
Apply vaseline around your hairline. Vaseline will help prevent the dye from staining your skin. You should use it on your face, ears, and neck.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- A thin layer is all you need to protect your skin.
4
Wrap a towel around your neck. The towel will protect your clothes and skin from the dye. Secure the towel with a clip or rubber band so that it doesn’t come off while you’re in the middle of applying the product.
- Choose an old towel or one that is dark colored because the towel will most likely be stained by the hair dye.
- Lift your arms up to your hair a few times to make sure that the towel is secure and won’t fall off while you're in the middle of dying your hair.
- Alternatively, you could use a hairdresser's cape if you have one.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Coloring Your Hair

Download Article

1
Put on gloves. You should wear gloves anytime you handle chemicals, such as those in hair dye. The gloves will protect your skin from chemical damage and staining. Nitrile gloves are the most chemical resistant.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Most boxes of dye come with gloves.
Sectioning your hair will allow you to apply the product evenly so that your hair doesn’t come out patchy or streaky. Use hair clips to pin the hair into four even sections.^{[11]
X
Research source}
3
Mix the dye according to the box. Following the instructions will help you use the product safely. Wait until you're ready to apply the product before you mix it.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Read all of the instructions before you get started so that you won’t skip any steps. You should also know how long your color will need to set before you put it on.
4
Apply the dye to the sections. Start about ½-inch from your scalp and work your way through your hair. Coat your hair with the dye so that each section is completely covered. Continue applying the dye until each section is covered with dye. When you're finished, cover your hair in a shower cap if you have one.
- If you use a shower cap, it will hold in your body's natural heat, which helps the dye absorb faster.
5
Allow the dye to set for the recommended time. Set a timer to make sure that you don’t leave the dye on too long.
- Don’t let the dye stay on too long because it can damage your hair.
- If you’re covering gray, let your hair set for the longest amount of time allowed.
6
Rinse out the dye using warm water. Avoid using shampoo since it can leach out some of the color. Instead, wait until the water runs clean, then apply a color-safe conditioner and rinse it out with cool water.
- Most dye kits come with a conditioner that you can use to add moisture back to your hair.
Since your hair has been dyed twice, it needs extra nourishment. A deep conditioner twice a week can help restore your hair’s moisture after it’s been depleted by repeated dye-jobs.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Re-Dyeing Your Hair the Same Color

Download Article

1
Dye your roots only. Applying the dye to hair that you’ve already colored can cause the color to darken and your hair to become brittle from over treatment. Start applying the product on your scalp and work your way until you reach the end of the new growth. Leave the ends of your hair untreated.
- Don't stress out about a little bit of overlap where the new growth ends. That hair is still fresh and won't be as porous as the hair near the ends, meaning that it won't absorb as much color.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
When your timer goes off and it's time to rinse, add a little water to your hair to slightly moisten the dye. However, don't remove it yet.^{[15]
X
Research source}
3
Massage the color through your hair. Use your fingers to pull the color through the ends of your hair. Gently squeeze your hair to re-activate the dye, bringing it down through your ends.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- This works well to refresh your color when you're reapplying the same shade, but it won't darken your hair. If you want your hair darker, you'll need to leave the dye on your hair for at least 20 minutes.
4
Rinse out the dye after two minutes. Use warm water to cleanse away the dye. Continue rinsing until the water runs clean. Use a color-safe conditioner to restore moisture to your hair.
- Most kits include a conditioner for you to use after you dye your hair.
- Avoid shampooing your hair for 72-hours after dyeing.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
If you don't need to refresh the color on your ends and are afraid that they will darken when you do your roots, apply conditioner to the bottom of your hair so that the dye can't absorb. This will help you preserve your color on the part of your hair you want to avoid dyeing.^{[18]
X
Research source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Visiting a Stylist

Download Article

1
Avoid using boxed hair dye over a professional dye job. Boxed dyes are more drying than professional dyes, so they will increase the damage on your hair. Not only that, but the compounding of color can make it hard to predict the results. Once you’ve added the boxed dye, it will be hard for anyone to fix your hair color if you don’t like the results.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Your stylist may be able to gently change the color by applying a toner rather than re-dying it, so talk to them before you try anything drastic.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}
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."
If you’ve already tried to re-dye your hair once and don’t like the result, don’t try another home dye job. This could damage your hair, and the color won’t come out right since you already have two dyes on your hair.^{[21]
X
Research source}
3
Tell your stylist that you’ve already colored your hair. Provide your stylist with a complete hair history so that they can give you good advice on how to proceed. If you don’t tell your stylist that you’ve already used dye, your hair may not come out as expected. Trust your stylist to help you make the best choice to keep your hair healthy.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Tell them how many times you’ve dyed your hair, as well as how often. Say, “I’ve already used two different box dyes. I put the first one on three weeks ago, and last week I tried to fix the color.”
- Explain what you don’t like about your current color so that they can help fix the issue you’re having. Say, “I don’t like how brassy my hair looks.”

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How long should you wait to recolor your hair?

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

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You should wait at least 2 weeks between applications if you are redying your entire head. For root touch-ups, wait at least a month.

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 5 Helpful 4
Question

How long does it take to get your hair colored at a salon?

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

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

It depends on what type of application you are doing. For a single color going darker, you can be in and out in 1-1 1/2 hours. For lightening or dimensional colors, it can take 3 hours or longer if the color is corrective.

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 1 Helpful 1
Question

How long do you leave color on your hair?

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

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

For a standard permanent color, the processing time is usually 30 minutes. Lightening colors or those designed to cover gray often need 45 minutes to an hour.

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 0 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If your hair color kit does not come with conditioner, make sure that you use a color-safe conditioner that will preserve your hair color.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0