How to Dye Your Hair at Home (Even Though You Probably Shouldn’t)

Color Wow Root Cover Up ($35 at the time of publication)
L’Oréal Magic Root Precision ($10 at the time of publication)

If you’re trying to hide gray roots, Marsman recommends a few different items. For most people, she thinks a root touch-up powder such as Color Wow Root Cover Up is the simplest way to temporarily hide gray roots. It’s easy to apply—kind of like eyeshadow—and it’s available in eight colors from platinum blonde to black. Marsman also suggests the L’Oréal Magic Root Precision pen as a good budget option for people with medium brown to black hair. It’s basically an applicator with a small brush at the end that you can use to strategically add color where you want it. Both options are temporary and should wash out with shampoo. If you’re not sure what shade to get, or if you’re not sure these touch-up products are right for you, ask your stylist for suggestions. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you!

dpHUE Gloss+ ($35 at the time of publication)

According to Marsman, color glaze is an excellent, low-stakes way to add shine and richness to your hair. You use the glaze like a conditioner, and it lasts until the next time you wash your hair. Marsman recommends dpHUE Gloss+, which comes in 11 shades. The glaze will only darken hair, not lighten it, and it works on both color-treated and untreated hair.

Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent ($7 at the time of publication)

The stylists I spoke to don’t recommend over-the-counter hair color because it’s just too easy to damage your hair and end up with bad, costly-to-fix results. However, for years I’ve covered my own gray hair with demi-permanent color. This is a low-ammonia formula that lasts about 20 washes. I have dark brown hair, and I’ve found demi-permanent color the most effective way to tone gray strands without the commitment of permanent dye. Your local beauty supply store should have a decent selection, but if it’s temporarily closed, I’ve found that Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent hair color is a good drugstore option. I used it years ago, and it covered most of my gray hair. As with all demi-permanent color, though, you’ll still see some sparse strands of particularly stubborn gray hair. And that’s fine—no one on your videoconference call will notice.

Just stay away from the permanent hair-color kits from the drugstore. You can’t really tell what your results will be from the picture on the box, and you’re stuck with that color whether you like it or not. Shai Amiel (who used to cut and color my sister’s hair), also known as The Curl Doctor, of Capella Salon in Los Angeles, noted, “There’s no one else that can fix it for you right now.” And when you do get back to the salon, correcting that DIY dye job will cost you. Amiel is one of many stylists offering his clients custom-mixed color that they can pick up and apply at home. You may want to ask your colorist if they’re doing something similar. But also take their advice if they tell you to lay off the hair color until salons resume business.

Even if you decide that coloring your hair on your own is too risky, you can still keep up appearances. Consider taking this time to play around with your personal style. You can teach yourself to braid or curl your hair. Get creative with silk scarves (video). Master the perfect chignon, and maybe you’ll emerge from your cocoon as a chic French butterfly.

If you must slather something on your hair, treat it with some deep-conditioning TLC. In an upcoming article we’re working on about cutting your own hair, Patty Mocarski, stylist and owner of New York City’s Little Space Salon, recommends treating split ends with Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask or the far less pricey Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist.

As Marsman emphasized, you can view staying at home as an opportunity. “I think it would be great if people took this time to give their hair a break from chemicals and styling,” she said. “Just look at it as a little hair vacation.”