How to Dye Blonde Hair Brown

Co-authored by Karen Leight

Last Updated: November 2, 2022 References

Darkening your hair colour is a fun to way to mix up your look. Choose a shade of dye that compliments your skin. Apply the dye to your hair, wait for it to set, rinse it out, and then embrace your new brown-haired look!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Prepared

1
Purchase a box of brown hair dye. Head down to your local pharmacy or general store and find the hair dye section. Hold the boxes of brown dye next to your skin to help you decide which shade you like best. This will help you to imagine what it will look like next to your face. The colour on the box is a good indicator of how the colour will look on your hair.^{[1] X Research source}
- If you feel indecisive about which colour looks best, bring a friend with you and ask their opinion.
- If your hair falls below your shoulders or is very thick, purchase 2 boxes of dye.
- If you are dying grey hair, choose a colour that says “natural”. For example, “natural chestnut” or “natural light brown”. Additionally, read the label to make sure it says "grey coverage" or something similar.
- If you have platinum blonde or light blonde hair, start with a lighter filler color than the brown you want. If you go right into a dark brown, it may look green or muddy.
2
Shampoo your hair the day before you plan to dye it. This allows your scalp to produce natural oils, which protect your skin and reduce irritation from the dye. The natural oils make it easier for the dye to stain your hair which will make the colour look more natural and help it to last longer.^{[2] X Research source}
- Wash your hair 2 days before you plan to dye it if you have very dry hair.
- Don’t condition your hair the day before you dye it, as it closes your cuticle and makes it hard for the dye to penetrate your hair.
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3
Wear old clothes and gloves to protect yourself from the dye. Dye looks great in your hair but not so much on skin or clothes! Put on an old shirt that you don’t mind getting stained as applying dye is a messy process. Wrap an old towel or scarf around your neck to protect it from drops of dye and wear disposable gloves to stop the dye from staining your fingers brown.^{[3] X Research source}
- Spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
Open the box of dye and carefully pour it into a disposable bowl, then add the developer and mix the two together using the included brush. Place the bowl in the bathroom sink so that any spills can be easily washed away.^{[4] X Research source}

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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Dye

1
Divide your hair into 4 sections. Run a comb down down your middle parting to separate your hair into 2 sections. Divide each section of hair in half horizontally so that you have 4 sections of hair in total. This will make it easier to saturate all of the hair with dye. Secure each section with a hair tie or clip.^{[5] X Research source}
- Unclip each section before you dye it, then brush or comb each section.
2
Paint the first section of hair with dye using a brush. Select one of the sections at the front of your head to start with. Dip your brush into the bowl of dye and brush it over a 1 inch (2.5 cm) section of your hair that's closest to your face. Start at the top of the strands and work your way down to the bottom. Continue applying the dye to 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections until the entire front section is evenly saturated with dye.^{[6] X Research source}
- Alternatively, if the box comes with an applicator bottle, follow the instructions on the box to use this to apply the dye to your hair. Then, use your gloved hand to rub in the dye.
3
Continue applying the dye section by section. Unclip the other front section and brush out your hair. Then, paint 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections of your hair with the dye until all of the hair on the front of your head is saturated. When you've finished with the front of your hair, remove the ties or clips from 1 of the back sections and repeat the process. Finish by applying dye to the last section and ensure that each strand is evenly coated with dye to ensure a rich, even color.
- It normally takes around 1 hour to apply the dye. If you have very thick or long hair, it may take a bit longer.
- If you are dying your hair by yourself, use mirrors to help you see the back of your head. Place a portable mirror opposite the bathroom mirror and look in the portable mirror to see a reflection of the back of your head. This will help you to see any spots that you have missed. As an alternative, ask a friend or relative to help you.
4
Schedule an alarm for the length of time you need to leave the dye in your hair. Read and follow the time instructions on the on the box of dye. Avoid leaving the dye in your hair for longer than directed as this can cause damage to your hair. Similarly, don’t rinse the dye out earlier than recommended as this can make the colour look faded and patchy.^{[7] X Research source}
- Wear a shower cap to stop the dye from dripping.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Rinsing Your Hair

1
Take a shower and rinse the excess dye out of your hair. Remove the shower cap and get into the shower. Place your hair under the flow of water and let the water pressure rinse any excess dye out of your hair. Keep your hair under the water until no more dye is leaking from your hair.^{[8] X Research source}
- Rinse your hair with warm water.
2
Condition your hair using the conditioner from the dye box. Open the packet of conditioner and squeeze it onto your hair. The conditioner will help to set the colour of the dye and will make your hair feel soft and silky. Leave the conditioner to soak into your hair for 1-2 minutes before rinsing it out.^{[9] X Research source}
- Let your hair dry naturally or blow dry it. This will reveal your beautiful new hair colour!
3
Wait 24 hours before you shampoo your hair. To avoid the colour fading, wait a day before shampooing your hair. Look for a shampoo that is labeled for use on color-treated hair. Additionally, choose a shampoo that is sulphate-free as sulphates will make your hair swell and cause the colour to leach out.^{[10] X Research source}
- Purchase a sulphate-free shampoo from a health store or a pharmacy.
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