The first thing you should do before beginning the dyeing process is to perform a strand and allergy test. This will give you an early heads up to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to the dye.

It is very important to ensure that the dye only contacts your hair, so make sure that gloves are worn at all times (a pair should come bundled with the product). You may also considering wrapping an old towel around your shoulders in order to protect your clothes and, more importantly, your skin.

Another tip to help minimize the risk of chemicals contacting your skin is to spread a reasonably think layer of Vaseline around your hairline, ears and neck. This coating will help protect the areas of your skin that are likely to contact the dye. If some dye does evade your defenses and accidentally colors your skin, you can try rubbing toothpaste directly onto the affected area. Believe it or not, this should take away the unwanted color.

It is also advisable to read the specific instructions for the product you are using. Different products contain slightly different instructions. Some may require you to begin with dry hair, while others freshly washed. You don't want to be halfway through the dyeing process only to discover your hair was in the wrong condition all along!

Once you have dyed your hair, there are a few key tips which will help you to maintain the new color:

Be careful of chlorine. It can severely strip or dull your color. Make sure you wear a cap if you want to go swimming.

Avoid washing your hair frequently. Harsh shampoo can strip out the color very quickly. Stick to mild shampoos which are specifically designed for colored hair. Condition as much as possible, however.

Sunlight oxidizes hair color. If you are spending a lot of time in the outdoors, make sure you wear a hat!