It happens to everyone, right?

First, you start to notice them in your hairbrush. Then in the shower. Until they’re all you see in the mirror. We’re talking about gray hair, of course. 

When it comes to your gray hair, you have two choices. You can grow gray with grace, or you can do something about it. Whatever you decide, we thought it best to provide some helpful tips. That way, you can be ready if you’re making the latter choice. 

If you’re noticing more grays in your mirror after every shower, read on for five things to do before you dye your hair. 

1. Select the Right Dye for You

When considering the right dye for you, there are three available options. You can choose between permanent, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent. 

Permanent hair dye is perfect for men who want a bold, long-lasting color. While it’s the most common type for covering gray hairs, it’s also the most damaging for your hair. 

Semi-permanent dye doesn’t last. It’s often called gloss. The goal of semi-permanent hair dye is to add shine while changing the tone. One important thing to note though is it doesn't’ lighten or darken the hair. It usually fades after 3 to 6 washes. 

Demi-permanent dye uses less peroxide than both permanent and semi-permanent hair dye. It also is free of ammonia. That lets demi-permanent attach to the hair follicles better for absorption. The result is a smooth tone that looks natural that darkens and glosses the hair. 

We recommend starting with demi-permanent dye. It’s the most solid choice for first-timers. It fades after 12 to 24 washes. That way, you’re not married to the color if you don’t like it.

2. Choose the Right Shade

Match your shade as closely as possible to your natural color, although most guys can go a shade up or down and still get great results with True Sons. You can use our shade selection tool to help you choose.

True Sons is an air-oxidising foam. That means you can use it to gradually dye so you won’t end up with flat, fake-looking results like the guys on the drug store dye boxes. 

Take your time and use a shade that’s close to your natural color as possible. Have a woman in your life you trust? Ask her opinion. 

3. Follow the Instructions

Men’s hair dye is an art form. That means you need to stick to the instructions—even if it goes against your instincts. 

Depending on the men’s hair dye you use, it will have specific instructions for applying it and how long to leave it in. 

It’s crucial to follow the recommended time stated in the instructions. Keeping it on too long could make it come out too light or dark, depending on the shade you choose.

4. Apply Vaseline or Chapstick Around Your Hairline

If you’ve never used men's hair dye before, what you’ll find out is that it can easily get on your skin if you’re not careful. The best way to make sure that your dye doesn’t get onto your skin is to use Vaseline or Chapstick around your hairline. 

While it may seem silly, trust us, it won’t seem silly if you end up with dye streaks around your hairline. Now that’s silly. 

Get out the Vaseline or Chapstick and get to work! You’ll be glad you followed this crucial advice in the long run.

5. Set Up the Work Station

You might be a newbie when it comes to dying your hair, but that doesn’t mean you have to act like one. 

If you’re like most guys, you don’t ask for directions and don’t read them either. Hey, it’s only our nature. 

We caution you to adjust when it comes to dyeing your hair. Setting up your station before you begin is the easiest way to ensure success. 

Here’s what you’ll need to do: 

1. Take off your shirt. 
2. Have a timer, a pair of gloves and Vaseline or Chapstick.
3. Have a large, clean space to work. 
4. Have a dark towel to wipe away any spills. 
5. Make sure your hair is clean but not too clean. 
6. Choose a time when you aren’t in a rush. 

Following these tips will ensure success. One last tip. If you have a buddy or a girlfriend that can help. That goes a long way to making sure you get every spot.

Use These Tips for DIY Men’s Hair Dye Success

Your hair is an extension of your look. Get it right, and it can attract the proper attention. Get it wrong, and well—we’ll skip those details. Using these five tips, you’ll be ready for a DIY men’s hair dye success story.

Looking for more help, advice and tips? Check out our blog for regularly updated content to help you dye like a pro.