Dyeing hair is always a tricky process for the inexperienced, particularly if you are taking on the task alone. It is always better to recruit a friend or family member to assist you with this. However, it is still very possible to dye one's own hair and still produce fantastic results.
Choosing the brand of dye is an important first step. Some dyes--such as the "mousse" types of non-permanent color--are actually designed to be self-applied. If you're aiming for a color that will wash out in a few weeks, these are by far the best route to go. Simply shake the can and spray the mousse into your gloved palm, then thoroughly work through your hair, just as you would shampoo. Take a quick shower half an hour later, and your hair will have undergone the transformation!
Permanent and semi-permanent dyes, however, require a lot more time and care to apply. Choose one only after reading the instructions beforehand and make sure that you have all the necessary tools: bleach (if needed--bleaching your hair yourself is not recommended, though), gloves, an application brush and a plastic dish. Some dyes will come with special applicators and many with these other items included. Wash and/or dry your hair as per the package instructions before you begin, and do a "swatch test" (also per package instructions) if this is your first time dyeing with the brand or if you have product allergies.
Pin a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing from dye spatters and wear plastic gloves to protect your hands. Avoid rubber gloves, as they will snag on your hair. Brush your hair so that it is straight and keep a rattail comb handy for separating strands. Part your hair down the middle. Position yourself in front of a mirror, sitting down if possible, and begin the process.
Dip the brush into the dye and, starting with the left side of your head, section off clumps of hair and apply the dye. Do not come too close to your scalp with the dye, and although you should be careful not to smear it on your face, neck or ears, it can be cleaned off once the process is finished. Don't stop the dyeing process to clean off skin--it will happen continuously and is easy enough to remove once the dye process is complete. Once you have finished a piece, pull it over onto the right side of your part to dry and move on. Continue until all visible hair on the left side of your head is coated in the dye. Then, move around to the back, the trickiest part. You may want to position another mirror behind you, or simply pull the clump up so that you can see it in the mirror before you to ensure that it is thoroughly covered, and let it rest on top of your head to dry. This is exhausting on the arms and a little tedious, so rest if need be, but keep in mind that the dye is already setting into much of your hair.
Once the back is done, the coated left side should be congealed enough that it can be moved back without getting dye on your face and neck. The back clumps can also be maneuvered to the left. Go through the same process on the right side of your head, pulling the clumps over onto the left in order to reach the bottom parts.
Once your whole head of hair has been coated, set a timer according to the package directions, and begin the process of cleaning dye spatters from your face, neck, and ears. Use soap and water, being careful not to touch your hairline, and if necessary a heavy-duty cleaner can be employed and quickly rinsed again with soap and water. Keep long hair away from your skin using a large clip.
Once the dye has set, it is time to rinse. It is recommended to do this in the shower so that you will have both hands free, putting your gloves back on once the water is running at an acceptable temperature. Be careful of shower curtains that could become accidentally speckled with dye. Following the package instructions, run warm water through your hair and shampoo accordingly, and remove your gloves once the water runs clear again. Ensure that you remove any dye on your body with soapy water before getting out of the shower, or you may find your skin dyed for quite a while! This is particularly important when dying hair black, and once you have removed your gloves, use caution when running fingers through your wet hair. Vestiges of dye may still be lingering there--once your hair is completely dry this will be nothing to worry about--and can still stain your skin at this point.
When you emerge from the shower, simply dry and style your hair as usual!
