Doing your hair color at home is not a new idea, but many more people started doing it recently, especially when going to the salon wasn’t easy. You might feel ready to color your own hair, which is great! But maybe you’re asking, can you dye wet hair after you’ve had a shower? Let’s find out.

So, Can You Dye Wet Hair?

If your hair is strong and not damaged, then yes, you can technically dye it when it’s wet. However, we suggest coloring your hair when it’s dry. This way, you’re more likely to get the color you want.

Why Would Anyone Dye Wet Hair?

Even though we think dry hair is better for dyeing, here are a few reasons why some hair stylists might dye wet hair:

• A Softer Look: Dyeing wet hair can make the color look more subtle and natural. This is sometimes done for highlights.
• Spreads Color More Evenly: The water in wet hair can help spread the dye, especially if some parts of your hair are very dry. This helps the dye go on more evenly.
• Uses Less Dye: Dye spreads more easily on wet hair, so you don’t need to use as much product.

Even with these points, the question for home use remains: can you dye wet hair successfully?

Problems with Dyeing Wet Hair

Here’s why we usually tell you to color dry hair, not wet hair:

• Uneven Color: While water helps spread dye, it can also make it harder to get the color exactly where you want it. Your color might not look as neat. This is a key consideration when asking can you dye wet hair?
• Weaker Color: Water can also make the dye weaker. If your hair is damaged, it might soak up a lot of water. Then, it won’t soak up as much dye, and your color might not be as bright or strong as you hoped. For bright colors or big changes, dry hair is better.

Getting Ready to Color

• Make sure your hair is dry, brushed, and hasn’t been washed right before coloring. It should also be free of styling products like hairspray.
• Wear an old shirt that opens in the front (like a button-up). If you have a hair color cape, use it.
• Put an old towel around your shoulders and cover surfaces to protect them from dye.
• Divide your hair into four or more sections and use plastic clips to hold them.
• Apply a barrier cream (like petroleum jelly) to the skin along your hairline. This helps stop the dye from staining your skin. Be careful not to get it on your hair.
• Put on your gloves. Now you’re ready to mix!

Mixing Your Hair Dye

Mixing the dye correctly is important. Our dye has a “not-too-thick, not-too-drippy” texture, so it’s easy to use with either a bottle or a bowl and brush.

• Always mix one part color with one part developer (a 1:1 ratio). For example, use 2 fluid ounces (60 ml) of color with 2 fluid ounces (60 ml) of developer.

• If using a Bottle:

  1. Pour the developer into the applicator bottle.
  2. Add the hair color.
  3. Shake it very well until it’s mixed.

• If using a Bowl and Brush:

  1. Pour the developer into the bowl.
  2. Add the hair color.
  3. Mix it well with the brush.

Touching Up Your Roots (If you color every 4-8 weeks with the same or a similar shade)

• Total Time: 35-45 minutes

1. Step 1: Put the dye on your new hair growth (your roots). Use the bottle or brush to apply it in small, straight lines (about ¼ inch apart). Start at the front and work your way to the back. Use about half of the dye mixture. Try not to get dye on the hair that’s already been colored.
2. Step 2: Leave the color on your roots for 30 minutes. If you have gray hairs that are hard to cover, or if you’re using a very bright color, leave it on for 10 more minutes (40 minutes total).
3. Step 3 (If needed): If the rest of your hair (lengths and ends) needs color, put the leftover dye on this part, starting where your root color stops. Spread it all the way to the ends. You can use a wide-tooth comb, the brush, or your gloved fingers. Leave this on for another 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Rinse your hair with warm water until the water runs clear. Then, wash your hair with Better Natured® Color Care Shampoo and use Better Natured® Color Care Conditioner or Conditioning Balm. (Our color makes hair feel so soft, it might seem like you’ve already conditioned it!) Finally, use the cleansing wipe that comes with the kit to remove any dye from your skin.

Coloring All Your Hair (If you haven’t colored in over 3 months, or you color every 4-8 weeks with a similar shade and want to refresh all of it)

And remember, the big question for many is still, can you dye wet hair with these kits? The answer for Better Natured® is to use dry hair.

• Total Time: 35-45 minutes

1. Step 1: Put about half the dye mixture on your new hair growth (your roots). Use the bottle or brush. Make small, straight lines (about ¼ inch apart). Start at the front and work to the back.
2. Step 2: Right after you finish the roots, put the rest of the dye on the lengths and ends of your hair. Spread it evenly all the way to the tips using a wide-tooth comb, the brush, or your gloved fingers.
3. Step 3: Let the color develop on all your hair for 35 minutes. If you have gray hairs that are hard to cover, or if you’re using a very bright color, let it develop for 10 more minutes (making it 45 minutes total).
4. Step 4: Rinse your hair with warm water until the water runs clear. Then, wash your hair with Better Natured® Color Care Shampoo and use Better Natured® Color Care Conditioner or Conditioning Balm. Use the cleansing wipe to remove any dye from your skin.

And that’s it! You’re ready to color your hair at home.