Whether you have black hair or brown hair, dyeing it can feel like a big commitment. The truth is, with the right hair dye for dark hair and a solid game plan, you can get great color results at home.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to dye dark hair at home — from picking the color and dye, to prepping your hair, to applying it step by step. Plus, we'll highlight the got2b® color products that work for dark hair so you can find the best match possible.
Hair color is measured on a level system from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Dark hair typically falls between 1 and 4. If you want to dye dark hair, your starting level determines what colors are achievable and how.
- Going darker or staying at a similar depth means depositing color, which works with your natural base rather than against it. It's the most straightforward type of coloring and ideal for deepening your shade or shifting the tone.
- Going significantly lighter or adding vivid colors often requires bleaching first. Bleaching lifts your natural pigment so that brighter shades like pinks, blues, or teals can show up properly. On unbleached dark hair, vivid semi-permanent colors will add a subtle tint or sheen rather than full, opaque color payoff.
- To find out how a color will appear on your hair, you should always do a strand test. Apply a small amount of the mixed dye to a section of hair and let it process for the recommended time. This will give you an idea of how the color will look and is especially important for dark hair where results can vary.
Note: Once you've mixed your color, apply it within 2-3 minutes. Don't use the same mixture for both your strand test and your full application, as too much time will have passed, and oxidation will have affected the formula. Mix a fresh batch from a new kit for your full application.
Not all hair dye works the same way on dark hair — and the right pick depends entirely on what you're going for. Here's a quick breakdown:
For a permanent, rich color on dark hair — including black hair:
The got2b® Metallics™ Midnight Black gives you a multi-dimensional, radiant finish with cool, shimmering tones. It's fade resistant, lasts over 30 washes, and works for all hair textures. Some other Metallics™ shades — like Smokey Violet and Cosmic Teal — also work on darker bases without bleaching.
For vivid, metallic color on lighter bases:
Other Metallics™ shades work best on medium brown through to blonde hair. Check the shade guide below to see what's recommended for your starting color.
For vivid, customizable semi-permanent color on pre-lightened hair:
The got2b® Color Remix™ range delivers bold color that lasts up to 15 washes. Each kit includes a brush, tray, and pastelizer to dial intensity from full vivid to soft pastel. Note: Color Remix™ shades are recommended for light brown through to bleached hair (Radical Red, Shocking Pink) or dark blonde through to bleached (Peacock Teal, Purple Punch, Blue Euphoria, Silver Era).
Not sure which shade is right for your hair? Jump to the got2b® Shade Guide below.
Before you open anything, take a few minutes to get yourself and your space ready. It makes the whole process smoother.
Set up first:
- Wear old clothes or use a color cape.
- Lay down an old towel on your work surface and have a timer ready.
- Put on the gloves included in your kit.
Prep your hair:
- Don't wash your hair right before coloring. Start with dry, not freshly washed hair.
- If you're going lighter, bleach first. Follow the instructions in your chosen got2b® Bleach It kit carefully and make sure your hair is fully processed and dry before moving on to color. You can also follow our tips on how to bleach your hair at home if you need help.
Whether you're applying dye directly to dark hair or you've bleached first, make sure you follow the instructions on your dye kit when it comes time to apply.
For permanent color (all got2b® Metallics™ shades):
- Combine the color cream with the developer lotion.
- Apply the prepared mixture evenly from roots to ends.
- Massage it in with your fingertips to make sure all your hair is evenly covered.
- Leave to develop for 30 minutes.
For semi-permanent color (all got2b® Color Remix™ shades):
- Pierce the color cream tube and mix it with the conditioner in the included tray.
- Using the included brush, apply your color mixture evenly through the hair.
- Leave to process for 20-30 minutes for vibrant results, or just 1-5 minutes for pastel tones.
Pro tips for even application:
- Work in sections for thorough coverage
- Start at the back of your head where the hair is densest
- Apply the color about half an inch away from the roots first, then blend toward the ends
- Use the applicator brush for precise application around the hairline
Set a timer and let your color develop. Stick to the maximum time in your instructions.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water until it runs clear. Apply the color after treatment or care conditioner included in your kit to towel-dried hair, leave for 2 minutes, and rinse. Now you’re free to dry, style, and enjoy your hair!
Once you've got your color, here are a few tips to keep your hair looking and feeling its best:
- Wash in cool or lukewarm water, as this is gentler on color-treated hair.
- Limit heat styling: Heat styling can affect color-treated hair. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant first.
- Protect your hair from the sun: If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, shield your hair with a hat or UV-protective hair product.
Ready to switch up your look? Explore the full got2b® color range and find the shade for you.
Not sure which shade is recommended for your starting color? Use this table to find the right got2b® product for your hair, or to see if you need to bleach first.
Shade
Works on
Dark brown → light brown
Black brown → medium brown
Dark brown → dark blonde
Medium brown → dark blonde
Light brown → medium blonde
Light brown → bleached blonde
Light brown to medium brown → light blonde
Dark blonde to light brown → platinum blonde
Shade
Works best on
Medium blonde → bleached blonde
Light brown → bleached blonde
Dark blonde → bleached blonde
It depends on your goal. For a richer, deeper shade with a radiant metallic finish, got2b® Metallics™ is a great option — some shades work directly on brown hair without bleaching. For vivid, customizable color, got2b® Color Remix™ lets you dial the intensity from full vivid to pastel — just make sure your hair is lightened first for the best results.
It depends on the shade. Some got2b® Metallics™ shades — like Smokey Violet and Cosmic Teal — are designed to work on darker bases and deliver vivid, metallic results without bleaching first. For brighter shades like pinks, blues, or pastels, you'll need to lighten your hair first so the color can show up properly. Check the shade guide above to see what works for your starting color.
If you want purple on dark hair without bleaching, got2b® Metallics™ Smokey Violet is a great option. It's designed to work on darker bases — from black brown through to medium brown — and delivers a rich, multi-dimensional metallic finish without needing to lighten first. The darker your starting color, the more subtle the result. On medium brown hair, the violet tone comes through more visibly.
Absolutely. Going darker or shifting your tone with a permanent dye like got2b® Metallics™ is very manageable at home. For more significant changes, like lifting dark hair before applying vivid color, take your time and follow the kit instructions carefully. The key is choosing the right product for your starting color and goal, doing a strand test first, and not rushing the process.