This is the safest color to start out with. If you want your hair to be darker, you can always dye it darker later on.
If you aren’t sure how a color will look on you, head over to a wig shop and try on some wigs in that color.
You should also get gloves, a tinting brush, and a non-metal bowl.
If your hair is past your shoulders, it would be a good idea to prepare 2 boxes of hair dye. This will ensure that you have enough to cover all your hair. [1] X Research source
Plan on using about 2 ounces (57 g) of developer. If you have very long or thick hair, you may want to use 4 ounces (113 g) of developer instead. Using a non-metal bowl, such as glass or plastic, is important; metal may react with the dye and change the color. [2] X Research source
If you’ve never dyed your hair before, you do not need to apply a protein filler. Read the instructions on the bottle to find out how much protein filler you should use. In most cases, it will be half of a bottle. You can get a clear or tinted protein filler. A tinted protein filler will give you subtle undertones that may be visible in your hair in the sunlight.
It would be an even better idea to wear a shirt with long sleeves so that your arms don’t get stained. If you don’t want the shirt to get dirty, drape a hair dyeing cape around your shoulders. You can use an old towel too.
If you have medium-length hair, you can just divide your hair in half like making a half-up ponytail. Secure the half-up ponytail with a hair clip or hair tie. If you have short hair, you don’t need to divide your hair.
Alternatively, if your dye came with an applicator bottle, squeeze the dye onto your roots, then work it down through your hair with your fingers. Apply it to the rest of the hair shaft, then work it in. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid staining your skin!
Make sure that you apply the dye liberally to your part and hairline. Alternatively, you can undo both buns, and apply the dye starting from your front hairline and finishing at the back of your crown.
If your have very long hair, twist it into a low bun first, then secure it with a hair clip.
Do not use any shampoo, not even color-safe shampoo. The water does not have to be freezing; it just needs to be the coldest temperature you can withstand.
Most dye kits come with conditioner. If yours did not come with conditioner, use a conditioner meant for color-treated hair. The conditioner is a must because it will make your hair nice and soft after the harsh dyeing process.
If your hair feels greasy, use some dry shampoo. Choose a dry shampoo that is specially formulated for color-treated black hair, otherwise it will show up.
Sulfates are harsh cleaning agents that can not only make your hair feel dry, but can also fade dye. Avoid clarifying or volumizing shampoos. These shampoos open up the hair cuticle, which causes the dye to rinse out faster. [11] X Research source Consider using a color-depositing conditioner. You can pick one up at the salon or make one yourself by adding a little bit of your dye into a bottle of white conditioner. [12] X Research source
Let your hair dry completely before you use a flat iron or curling iron. Consider heat-free curling and straightening methods.
Avoid exposing your hair to the pool and chlorinated water. Cover your hair with a swim cap if you have to. [15] X Research source
If you notice overall fading, you can apply a glaze to the rest of your hair. This will freshen up the color without having to re-dye it. Alternatively, you can darken your roots with black eyeshadow or a root cover up kit. [17] X Research source
