Color care begins before the dye is applied. FDA guidance emphasizes reading the package directions and understanding that a reaction is possible even if you have used hair dye before.
Before application
Follow the product instructions for a skin test before every use. A test does not guarantee that a reaction will not occur during coloring. Check the ingredient list for anything that has caused a problem for you previously, and do not apply dye to an irritated or damaged scalp.
During coloring
Wear gloves, keep dye away from the eyes and never use scalp hair dye on eyebrows or eyelashes. Follow the specified timing rather than leaving the product on longer, and rinse the scalp thoroughly afterward.
If something goes wrong
Contact a healthcare professional about a reaction and report cosmetic problems to FDA through its reporting channels. Always follow the specific product label; this short checklist is not a replacement for its instructions.
Illustration: a color-care shampoo, not a hair dye.
Original editorial summary. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Hair Dyes. Reviewed October 30, 2026. General information only, not individual medical or legal advice.