How to Use Powder Hair Dye

Coloring your hair with peroxide-based dyes can leave your hair damaged over time. Powdered hair dyes (which are predominantly henna-based) are a harmless and economical alternative. Prep your hair before you dye and take regular care of it afterwards so the color lasts a long time. Remember to read the packaging details for more specific instructions.

Part 1

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Preparing to Color

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1
Complete a skin allergy test 48 hours beforehand. Although powder hair dye is usually more skin-friendly and chemical-free, some people may experience allergic reactions. If this is your first experience with a certain brand, mix a small amount of the powder with water and apply it to your skin. Once two days have passed without red or irritated skin, you can apply the dye knowing that you are not allergic.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Common allergy signs may include: intense stinging, skin rash, burning sensations, swelling, or blisters.
- If you notice any allergy symptoms, call a doctor immediately.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Most powered dyes claim to be free of chemicals, ammonia, metallic salts, and pesticides. There are some that even claim to be 100% vegan.
2
Put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves. Powder hair dye is safer to touch than peroxide-based dyes, but it is still messy. To avoid staining your hands, don a pair of gloves before you begin. Check to see if your dye package comes with disposable gloves before you purchase.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Apply the hair dye in your bathroom to avoid staining your carpet and to better see what you’re doing.
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Most powder hair dyes will require little more than water. Look at the package's directions to see how much water you'll need to add. Stir the dye thoroughly until the paste is about the consistency of yogurt.^{[4]XResearch source}
Dye stains on your neck or shoulders can last for days without lightening. Find an old towel that you don't mind staining and drape it around your neck. Wear old clothes that you don't mind staining, like t-shirts or sweatpants.

Part 2

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Applying the Dye

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1
Apply the mixture to dry hair. Excessive wetness will increase the likelihood of your dye dripping, which can stain your hair or clothes. It may also drip into your eyes, which can be a major irritant. Until you have applied the dye to your hair, keep your hair dry.
- If you get the dye in your eye, rinse it out with room temperature water for 15 minutes. Seek emergency medical attention if your eye becomes severely irritated and the rinsing doesn’t help.
To make sure you don't miss a lock, use a comb to separate your hair into two to four different sections. How many sections you make depends on your hair's thickness. Use cheap salon clips or rubber bands to keep the sections separate.
3
Apply the dye to your hair with an applicator brush or bottle. Use an applicator brush or an applicator bottle to apply dye to the sections from root to tip. Try to evenly coat your hair in the mixture to avoid dying one part of your hair more than another. Aim to finish applying the hair dye within three to five minutes so all of your hair will finish dying simultaneously.^{[5]XResearch source}
- After you have finished applying dye to a section, clip it up and out of the way. When you’ve finished application, put a shower cap on to prevent it from dripping onto your skin.
4
Wait 10-60 minutes. Let the mixture sit while it dyes your hair the intended color. Some mixes may finish in as little as ten minutes, but some may take longer. Leave the dye in for up to one hour depending on your package's instructions.
- Leave permanent mixtures on longer than temporary dyes.
- Set a timer just in case you lose track while waiting.
5
Wash the dye out with shampoo. Once you're satisfied with the color the mixture has dyed your hair, wash it out. Continue washing your hair until it no longer releases dye into the water. Clean your sink, bathtub, or shower directly afterward to avoid staining your house.^{[6]XResearch source}
- For your first rinse after dying, you do not have to use conditioner. Shampoo is sufficient.

Part 3

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Taking Care of Your Hair

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Powder hair dyes are more vulnerable to fading than peroxide-based mixtures, so look for hair products that are gentle and sulfate-free. You can spot a sulfate-based hair product by the lather. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners will lather significantly less. When purchasing shampoos and conditioners, keep an eye out for bottles that have the words “sulfate-free” on them.
Overwashing your hair can dull the color quickly. Instead of washing your hair every day, wash your hair every other day to protect it from fading. Dry shampoo can be a great color-safe alternatives on days you skip washing your hair.
Scalding hot water will strip the color from your hair quickly, so use cool or warm water instead. Don't put your hair directly under the water unless you're rinsing it out to avoid exposing your hair to harsh water. Consider adding a filter to your showerhead, as minerals like iron and lime can weaken your hair color.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Protect your hair from chlorine when swimming. Chlorine can turn lighter dyed hair greenish and cause darker colors to fade quickly. Before you get in the pool, wet your hair with tap water and apply a small amount of conditioner. This can prevent chlorine from penetrating your hair.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Let the conditioner soak for at least twenty minutes before swimming.
- Wear a swimming cap for additional protection.
UV light can fade or change dyed hair color. When you go outside on sunny days, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf. You can also apply a UV-screening hair spray for added protection.^{[9]XResearch source}

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Can you color your hair with Bigen after a relaxer?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
You should use the semi-permanent formula. It is safe to use any brand of semi-permanent color after a relaxer.
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Is Bigen semi-permanent hair color safe?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Yes, Bigen and all other brands of semi-permanent color are non-damaging. Unless you are allergic to the dye, semi-permanent color is safe to use even on damaged hair.
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Is Indigo harmful to hair?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Indigo is perfectly safe for the hair. However, it can be very difficult to remove from both hair and skin.
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Tips

Use vaseline or petroleum jelly to protect your hairline while applying the dye.
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Red dye is most susceptible to fading, so take especial maintaining precautions after dying.
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Warnings

Do not use more water than is indicated on the package.
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Do not use powder hair dye to color your eyebrows or eyelashes. Doing so can cause severe eye irritation or even blindness.
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Complete the skin allergy test particularly if you have sensitive skin or an extensive history of allergies. Read the ingredients list to spot allergens before you purchase the mixture.
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