Hair Dye

Why this guide

If you’re thinking about colouring your hair, this guide explains the main types of hair dye, when you need to pre-lighten (bleach), how to prepare and apply colour at home, and how to look after your new shade so it lasts. It also points to a few reliable bleaching kit options if you need to lift your natural colour before applying vivid dyes.

Types of hair dye

• Temporary — washes out after a few shampoos; good for trying shades or short-term looks.
• Semi-permanent — lasts several washes and fades gradually; good for gentle colour changes and toning.
• Demi-permanent — deposits colour more persistently without a permanent lift to the hair shaft.
• Permanent — alters the hair’s natural pigment and offers long-lasting coverage.

Do I need to bleach first?

Bleaching (pre-lightening) is often necessary to achieve bright or pastel shades, particularly when starting from dark hair. If you want vibrant neon, pastel or very light colours, lifting the hair to a pale base gives the truest results. For subtle tones or darker fashion shades, you may not need to bleach.

Preparing for at‑home colouring

• Read the instructions for any product you plan to use and check for any specific warnings or patch-test advice.
• Do a strand test to check colour outcome and compatibility with your hair.
• Gather tools: gloves, mixing bowl, tint brush, clips, an old towel and a timer.
• Consider condition: overly damaged hair may need strengthening treatments before attempting bleach or permanent colour.

Step-by-step: basic at‑home dyeing workflow

1. Decide on the final shade and whether you need to pre-lighten. If yes, choose a bleaching kit suitable for home use.
2. If bleaching, follow the kit instructions carefully and monitor lift with strand tests.
3. After reaching the desired lift, rinse, condition and dry hair as instructed before applying dye.
4. Apply the dye evenly, following timing guidance from the product you’re using.
5. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water until the water runs clear; apply a colour-safe conditioner if recommended.

Safety & patch tests

Always follow patch-test instructions supplied with any hair colour product. Avoid colouring on irritated scalps and take care when using bleach or strong developers — they can cause damage if used incorrectly. Wear gloves and protect clothing and work surfaces.

Aftercare to make colour last

• Use sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoos and conditioners.
• Wash less often and use cool water when rinsing to help preserve pigment.
• Use conditioning and colour-depositing products to refresh tone between full applications.
• Avoid excessive heat styling or use heat protectant products to prevent premature fading.

Choosing products

Pick a product that matches the look you want (temporary, semi, demi or permanent) and any ethical or ingredient preferences you have. If you need to lift hair first, pick a reputable, dust-free bleaching kit designed for home use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

Recommended bleaching kits

If your plan requires pre-lightening, these kits on our site are popular choices for at-home use. Read each product page for full instructions and safety information before buying.

• Official Crazy Color Bleaching Kit (30 Volume)
• Crazy Colour Bleaching Kit
• Manic Panic Flash Lightning 30 Volume Bleach Kit

When to consult a professional

If you’re making a dramatic change (for example, dark brown to platinum) or your hair is already damaged, a salon colourist can assess hair health, manage the lift safely and achieve a more predictable result. Professionals can also blend shades and tone hair to avoid unwanted brassiness.

Further help

If you’re unsure about which products to choose or how to combine a bleach with a particular dye brand, check the product pages above for details or contact us for advice.

FAQs