How to Mix Hair Dye

Co-authored by Gina Almona

Last Updated: February 23, 2021 References

Mixing hair dye and developer together means that you are one step closer to having a brand new hair color. Making sure that you have the right bowl, mixing utensil, and gloves are key to keeping the mixing process clean and tidy. When combining the dye and developer, use the correct ratio and combine the mixture until it's smooth. It's also possible to mix together 2 different colors together to create a new shade of hair dye!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Mixing Dye and Developer

1
Purchase 2 boxes of hair dye if you have long or coarse hair. Hair that is longer than your shoulders, or is extremely thick, will require more dye than what's in just one box. Prepare both boxes together at the same time.^{[1]
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- It's better to have too much hair dye rather than having not enough to cover all of your hair.
- You can also purchase the dye and developer separately from specialty hair product stores.
2
Get a glass or plastic bowl for mixing the dye and developer in. This is where you will combine your hair dye products, and what will keep it all contained. Never use a metal bowl as it can oxidise the dye, which means that your hair color might not change.^{[2]
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- Metal bowls can also cause hazardous chemical reactions.
- If you dye your hair regularly, having a dedicated bowl is best.
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3
Place an old towel or newspaper where your hair dye will sit. This will protect the surface from the dye. Make sure that you move everything out of the way so that the surface is flat. If you're using a towel, pick a towel that you don't mind getting stained.^{[3]
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- A dark colored towel is another option if you don't have an old towel or newspaper. It will adequately hide stains that are caused by the dye.
4
Put on latex or plastic gloves. If you purchased a box of hair dye, then it's likely that a pair of gloves will have been included in the pack. Put the gloves on before you begin mixing the dye and developer, as this will protect your skin from the chemicals.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Gina Almona
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.}^{[5]
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- This will also help to prevent your skin from getting stained by the dye.
- Now is also a good time to drape an old towel over your shoulders to protect your clothes when it comes to applying the hair dye. You could also wear an old t-shirt.
5
Combine the hair dye and developer using a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. The ratio of hair dye to developer will be specified in the instructions that come with your hair dye package. Following the correct ratio is crucial for your hair to be dyed properly.^{[6]
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- If you buy a box of packaged hair dye, then the box will normally have the correct ratio in each unit of dye and developer. However if you buy the dye and developer separately, you will have to measure these out. Using a small set of scales will help.
6
Use a plastic fork to mix together the dye and developer. Mix these together until the mixture is smooth and consistent in color and texture. You can also use a silicone mini whisk to achieve the same result.^{[7]
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- Never use metal utensils to mix together the dye and developer.
- The dye and developer can easily clump together using a brush, which means that the final consistency might not be as smooth or well combined.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Combining Colors

1
Choose 2 complementary colors from the same brand to mix together. Complementary colors work well together, such as a red shade and a brown shade. Avoid mixing together contrasting or opposite shades, such as blonde and black.
- You only need to mix colors if you want a particular shade that isn't available or just enjoy creating a custom color. If you want an easier option, you can look for a pre-mixed shade, such as a red-brown, a brown-red, or a blue-black.
- Contrasting shades will be too dominant to work well together, while similar shades can complement each other nicely.
- The 2 colors need to be from the same brand. This will ensure that the colors combine well, as the formulas will be similar. It will also ensure that the same ratio of dye to developer is required.
- Colors that you are mixing together need to have the same developing time to work effectively. Check the instructions on the back of the box to make sure that the time required for each is the same.
2
Take note of the lightening strength of both colors. When you are picking colors to mix together, keep an eye on the number that is with the color formula. The higher the number, the more that it will be able to lighten your hair.
- Try to keep the 2 colors within the same 2-3 shades. For example, one shade that's slightly darker and one that's slightly lighter than your natural color works well.^{[8]
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3
Combine a 1:1 ratio of the 2 hair dyes together. Make sure that you use the exact same amount of each shade. This will ensure that the color is uniform throughout your hair.
- Using a 1:1 ratio of the 2 colors also means that you can easily replicate the color later if needed, such as if you want to dye your roots at a later stage.
- If you want to mix your dyes in a different ratio, write down the formula you create so that it's easy to replicate. This will be especially helpful when you want to touch up your roots!
- Use a small set of scales to weigh out the shades if you aren't using a full unit.
4
Follow the dye and developer mixing ratio. Mix together the 2 different hair dyes that you have already combined, and then add the developer. Combining 2 shades together will double the amount of hair dye that you have. This means that you will need to calculate the right amount of developer to mix this with.^{[9]
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- For example if the ratio for your hair dye to developer is 1:1, then you will either need to double or triple the amount of developer that you use.
- If you bought boxed hair dye, then your developer is likely already included in the box. You shouldn't need to purchase it separately. Check the product label to see if it's included in your kit.
5
Write down the color combination after you have dyed your hair. Include the brand and full color and number combination that is written on the dye box. This means that you can replicate easily in the future if you want to dye your hair again, or if you need to touch up the roots.
- Even if you weren't happy with the final look of your mixed hair dye, writing it down will ensure that you don't accidentally repeat the combination in the future.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What do I need to mix hair dye?

Gina Almona
Professional Hair Stylist
Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.

Gina Almona

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Always make sure that you're fully prepared with gloves, a bowl, a brush, and enough product to cover your whole head. Also, give yourself plenty of time—you never want to rush when you're coloring hair.
Question

Can I mix 2 different shades of blue together?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as they are the same type of dye (semi permanent versus permanent).
Question

Can the developer on its own also be used as conditioner?

Community Answer

Developer is hydrogen peroxide and does to hair what kitchen bleach does to your skin. It does not condition in any way.

Warnings

Wipe up any spills of the hair dye mixture immediately with an old sponge or damp cloth to avoid it staining any furniture or surfaces.

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Always wear protective gloves when handling hair dye and developer.

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