Whether to apply hair color to wet or dry hair is a common question for those using at-home hair dyes like Natural Instincts. The answer depends on the specific type of hair dye you are using. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain if you should apply Natural Instincts to wet or dry hair, the pros and cons of each method, and tips for best results.
TL;DR: Can You Apply Natural Instincts to Wet Hair?
Natural Instincts hair color can be applied to either wet or dry hair, but for best results it is recommended to apply it to clean, towel-dried hair. Applying it to wet hair can dilute the color, while applying it to completely dry hair can make it harder for the color to penetrate the hair shaft.
About Natural Instincts Hair Color
Natural Instincts is an ammonia-free permanent hair color made by Clairol. It contains aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E to help condition hair while coloring. Natural Instincts comes in a wide range of shades to cover gray hair or enhance your natural color.
There are a few different formats of Natural Instincts hair color:
- Permanent cream hair color – this lasts up to 6 weeks and provides 100% gray coverage.
- Permanent liquid gel color – this provides 100% gray coverage and lasts up to 6 weeks.
- Root touch-up – a permanent color designed just for new growth and roots.
- Semi-permanent – this gradually fades over 6-12 shampoos with no peroxide or ammonia.
Should You Apply Natural Instincts to Wet or Dry Hair?
Natural Instincts can be applied to either wet or dry hair, but the manufacturer recommends shampooing, towel drying, and then applying to slightly damp hair for best results.
Here are the pros and cons of applying to wet vs. dry hair:
Applying to Wet Hair
Pros:
- Hair cuticle is more open, allowing better color penetration
- Color will appear darker and richer
- No need to wet hair separately before applying
Cons:
- Can dilute the hair color
- More difficult to ensure even coverage
- Increased drippage as hair is wet
Applying to Dry Hair
Pros:
- Easier to control and apply evenly
- Less messy – minimal drippage
- Truest color results
Cons:
- Cuticle is more closed, making color penetration more difficult
- The color may appear lighter and less vivid
- Hair must be wet separately before applying
Tips for Applying Natural Instincts to Wet Hair
If you do want to apply Natural Instincts straight to freshly washed wet hair, follow these tips:
- Shampoo hair with a clarifying or sulfate-free shampoo. This removes residue so color can penetrate.
- Towel dry hair so it is damp but not dripping wet.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle and ensure even saturation.
- Work in 1⁄4 inch sections, dividing hair with clips.
- Saturate each section fully from roots to ends.
- Leave on for the full processing time.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
Tips for Applying Natural Instincts to Dry Hair
If applying to dry hair, follow these tips for best results:
- Shampoo and towel dry hair until damp but not wet.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair and separate into sections.
- Wet hair in 1⁄4 inch sections until saturated but not dripping.
- Immediately apply color to each section and smooth through from roots to ends.
- Leave on for the full processing time.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
How to Do a Strand Test
It’s a good idea to do a strand test before coloring your full head with Natural Instincts, whether applying to wet or dry hair. Here are the steps:
- Choose a section of hair near your face to test.
- Prep the section of hair as you plan to prep your whole head.
- Apply color following all directions.
- Wait the full development time, then rinse.
- Check for any reactions or unexpected coloring.
- If all good, proceed to color your entire head of hair.
Doing a strand test can prevent surprises and help you determine if Natural Instincts is the right hair color for you.
How Long Does Natural Instincts Last?
How long Natural Instincts lasts depends on the specific type you use:
| Natural Instincts Product | Lasts For |
|---|---|
| Permanent cream color | Up to 6 weeks |
| Permanent liquid gel color | Up to 6 weeks |
| Root touch-up | Up to 6 weeks |
| Semi-permanent | 6-12 shampoos |
Permanent and root touch-up formulas will cover grays completely and last about 6 weeks before roots become noticeable. Semi-permanent shades gradually wash out over 6-12 shampoos.
Making Natural Instincts Last Longer
You can help extend the life of any Natural Instincts hair color by:
- Using a sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water
- Washing hair less often
- Using a hair-protecting shampoo and conditioner
- Avoiding chlorine and sun exposure
- Using a colored conditioner or gloss between dye jobs
Also, getting touch-up root applications helps keep permanent color looking fresh.
Can You Re-Dye Hair with Natural Instincts?
Yes, you can safely re-dye hair that has been colored with Natural Instincts. It is best to wait at least 2 weeks between color applications. Make sure to prep hair properly and do a strand test each time.
Natural Instincts can actually be applied right after another color treatment. However it is not recommended because it can cause unpredictable results. Waiting 2 weeks gives the first application time to stabilize.
What’s the Best Way to Prep Hair Before Natural Instincts?
Proper hair prep helps Natural Instincts colors absorb evenly and last longer. Follow these tips:
- Shampoo with a clarifying or sulfate-free shampoo 1-2 days before coloring.
- Do not condition hair right before applying color.
- Detangle hair and remove any oils, styling products, or buildup.
- If hair is dry, wet it in sections before applying color.
- Wear an old shirt and use petroleum jelly to protect skin near hairline.
What Are Some Good Conditioners to Use With Natural Instincts?
The best conditioners to use after coloring with Natural Instincts include:
- Clairol’s ColorSeal Gloss Clear Conditioner – Helps seal in color and provides additional shine.
- Clairol Natural Instincts Conditioner – Specifically designed for dyed hair.
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo – Sulfate-free and contains jojoba oil.
- Olaplex No.5 Conditioner – Repairs bonds and prevents fading.
- Briogeo Farewell Frizz Conditioner – Rosehip, coconut, and shea butter nourish dyed hair.
How to Do a Root Touch-Up with Natural Instincts
Natural Instincts makes an easy-to-use root touch-up formula to refresh your color between salon visits. Here’s how to apply it:
- Shampoo hair with a clarifying shampoo 1-2 days before application.
- Towel dry hair until damp but not fully wet.
- Put on gloves and apply petroleum jelly to skin near roots.
- Shake bottle well and remove cap.
- Part hair into sections and apply directly to roots.
- Massage in gently with fingers or brush.
- Leave on for full processing time.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
Root touch-ups preserve your salon color and let you go longer between full color appointments.
What’s the Best Natural Instincts Hair Color for Gray Coverage?
All permanent Natural Instincts formulas cover 100% of grays. The best shades for gray coverage include:
- Medium golden brown – Rich, warm shade disguises grays.
- Darkest brown – Almost black shade masks gray roots.
- Medium cool brown – Ashy tone neutralizes gray tones.
- Dark red – Vibrant shade overwhelms stubborn grays.
Make sure to pick a shade that matches your natural or desired hair color. The Natural Instincts website has a shade selector tool to help you choose.
Conclusion
Natural Instincts hair color can be applied to either wet or dry hair, but is designed to work best on clean, towel-dried hair. Applying to very wet hair can dilute and alter the color result. Completely dry hair can make it hard for the dye to penetrate and adhere. Doing a simple strand test is recommended to see how your hair takes the color. With proper prep and application, Natural Instincts offers an easy way to cover grays and liven up your hair color at home.