To use hair dye shampoo, do a patch test 48 hours before every use, put on gloves and protect your hairline, then apply it evenly from roots to ends on dry or damp hair (as your pack says). Leave it on only for the time printed on the pack, then rinse until the water runs clear.
Hair dye shampoo is a hair dye in shampoo form: you lather it in like a shampoo, but it deposits color. That makes it quick for touching up roots or blending gray at home, but it is still a hair dye, so the prep steps matter. This guide walks through each step. If you are using our Nova hair dye shampoo, always follow the directions printed on its pack, which come first over any general tips here.
Before you start: do a 48-hour patch test
Do a patch test 48 hours before every use, even if you have used the same product before. Dab a small amount on clean skin behind your ear or inside your elbow, leave it unwashed, and check it over the next 48 hours. If you notice itching, redness, swelling, burning or blisters, do not use the product. Our 48-hour patch test checklist covers the full steps and the label words to look for.
Do not use hair dye if you have reacted to hair dye before or your scalp is broken or irritated. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any concerns, ask your doctor first.
What you need
- Your hair dye shampoo and its directions leaflet
- Disposable gloves (use the pair in the pack if one is included)
- An old towel and an old T-shirt
- Petroleum jelly or a thick cream for your hairline, ears and neck
- A wide-tooth comb and a few hair clips
- A timer (your phone works)
How to use hair dye shampoo, step by step
1. Read the pack directions
Check three things before you open the bottle: whether to apply it to dry or damp hair, how long to leave it on, and whether the product needs mixing or shaking first. These differ between brands, and even between shades of the same brand.
2. Do a strand test
Apply a little to a small hidden section of hair, such as underneath at the nape, and leave it for the pack time. Rinse, dry and check the color in daylight. This shows you how the shade looks on your hair and how well it covers gray before you commit.
3. Protect your skin, clothes and bathroom
Dye shampoo can stain skin, towels, grout and sinks. Spread petroleum jelly along your hairline and over your ears, wear an old T-shirt with a towel around your shoulders, and keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe drips right away.
4. Prep your hair
Detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Most hair dye shampoos ask for hair that is free of heavy oil, gel or spray, so if your hair has a lot of product in it, wash it the day before. Then leave it dry or make it damp, exactly as your pack says. For thick or long hair, divide it into four sections with clips.
5. Put on gloves and apply
Dispense the amount your pack recommends into your gloved hands. Start where you want the most color, usually the roots, part line and temples where gray shows first. Then work it through the rest of your hair, section by section, massaging it in like a shampoo so every strand is coated. Keep it away from your eyes, eyebrows and eyelashes.
6. Wait for the time on the pack
Set a timer as soon as you finish applying. Leave it on only for the time printed on your pack. Do not leave it on longer, even if you want a darker result. If the color is lighter than you wanted, follow the pack's guidance next time rather than guessing.
7. Rinse and condition
Still wearing gloves, rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. If your directions allow it, follow with a conditioner. Pat dry with a dark or old towel, since a little color may still come off the first time.
How to choose your shade
Hair dye shampoo adds color; it does not lighten hair. So the result depends on your starting color:
- Black, dark brown and light brown are the usual picks for blending gray and refreshing roots. If you are unsure, start one shade lighter than you think. It is easier to go darker next time than to fix a shade that is too dark.
- Red and purple tend to show most clearly on lighter or gray hair. On very dark hair they may show only as a tint in the light.
Our Nova hair dye shampoo comes in black, dark brown, light brown, red and purple, each in a 200 ml bottle. Whatever you choose, strand test first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the patch test because you have used the product before. Allergies can develop over time, so test every time.
- Using the wrong hair state. Applying to wet hair when the pack says dry (or the other way around) can make the color take unevenly.
- Leaving it on too long. Stick to the pack time.
- Missing sections. Uneven, patchy color usually comes from rushing. Section thick hair and check the back with a hand mirror.
- Using it on eyebrows, eyelashes or a beard when the pack doesn't say it is made for that. Keep hair dye away from your eyes.
Aftercare and touch-ups
On later wash days, use a mild shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair. How long the color lasts depends on the formula and your hair, and new growth will show at the roots as your hair grows. When you touch up, follow the pack's guidance on how often to use it, and patch test 48 hours before each use.
Where to buy hair dye shampoo online
You can order Nova Hair Dye Shampoo 200ml from KissGlow Mart with free standard shipping to US addresses (we ship within the United States only). Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off (one use per customer). See our shipping policy for delivery times, and browse more in our hair care collection.
FAQ
How do you use hair dye shampoo?
Patch test 48 hours before every use. Then put on gloves, protect your hairline, apply the shampoo evenly from roots to ends (dry or damp hair, as your pack says), leave it on for the time on the pack, and rinse until the water runs clear.
Do you put hair dye shampoo on wet or dry hair?
It depends on the product. Many dye shampoos are applied to dry hair, while others say damp hair. Follow the directions printed on your pack, because the wrong choice can change how evenly the color takes.
How long do you leave hair dye shampoo in?
Leave it on only for the time printed on your pack. Many dye shampoos list somewhere between about 10 and 30 minutes, but times vary by brand and shade, so never go past the maximum your pack gives.
How often can you use hair dye shampoo?
Use it only as often as the pack directions allow, usually to touch up regrowth at the roots. Do a new patch test 48 hours before every use, even if you have used the same product before.
Does hair dye shampoo cover gray hair?
It can, but results vary with your natural color, how much gray you have and its texture. Do a strand test on a small hidden section first so you can see the result before coloring all your hair.
Can you use conditioner after hair dye shampoo?
Many packs say you can condition after you rinse the color out. Check your directions first, and use a mild shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair on later wash days.