What are some tips for coloring your own hair?

One tip for a people dying their own hair is to choose a color two shades lighter or darker than their current color. Another tip is to avoid ruining good clothes by wearing a smock or an old shirt.

Hair dyes are not subject to the same testing as other color additive products. Some studies have linked hair dyes with a risk to cancer. Health experts recommend dying hair less often or waiting until hair begins to gray to reduce the chances of contracting the disease.

Certain chemicals in hair dye can cause allergic reactions. Doing a patch test on a small area can help determine how the skin reacts to they dye. Most hair dyes include instructions for doing the test.