Can you store opened hair dye?
The short answer is: yes. As long as you haven’t mixed the color cream with the activator, you can store an opened hair dye for a while. How long and how to best store an opened box dye—read on in this article.
Watch the correct mixing ratio
Before dyeing, it’s smart to read the instructions on the packaging carefully. Every hair dye is a bit different, especially mixing ratios between color cream and developer. If you only want to touch up roots or color a small section, be sure to follow the instructions—but don’t mix the entire tube at once. The mixture should be fresh, not pre-made.
Instead of mixing all the color cream with developer directly in the tube or bottle, we recommend scooping only what you need into a separate bowl. Use a measuring spoon or kitchen scale for precision, depending on how exact you want to be. The key is keeping the ratio correct—usually between 1:1 and 1:2 between color cream and activator.
The rest of the color cream stays untouched in the tube, and the developer remains in its bottle. That saves product, is better for the environment, and makes it easy to reuse leftovers next time—provided you store them properly.
How to properly store color cream and activator
To make sure that leftover dye stays usable for next time, proper storage is essential. First and foremost: color cream and activator must never be mixed if you plan to save them. Even a tiny contact triggers the chemical reaction meant for your hair—after that, the product is ruined.
Keep the unopened or partially used tube in its original packaging. If the tube is open, make sure it’s sealed tightly—with its cap or, if needed, some aluminum foil and a rubber band. The same goes for the activator bottle. Store both in a dark and cool place, like a bathroom cabinet or drawer, away from sunlight and heat sources.
Cool, but not cold, is ideal—the fridge is usually too humid. Room temperature between 59–72 °F (15–22 °C) is optimal. Under these conditions, both color cream and activator can last several weeks without any issues. That way, you can dye next time without worry.
Care after dyeing and between applications
Freshly dyed hair always needs a bit of extra care. Dyeing can affect hair structure even with a gentle product. That’s why good hair care after dyeing is important. Immediately after rinsing out the color, a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask helps keep hair calm and soft.
Between dyeing sessions—whether you’re just touching up roots or refreshing highlights—it’s smart to use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos without drying ingredients. Hair oils, leave-in conditioners, or hair masks once or twice a week also help preserve color vibrancy and healthy-looking hair.
Using a heat protectant when blow-drying or straightening can really make a difference. It keeps hair elastic, prevents breakage, and adds shine. If you dye regularly, prioritize deep care to enjoy long-lasting, beautiful results.
Our recommendation for box hair dye
If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective box hair dye, we highly recommend NATURIGIN. This product contains natural ingredients that care for your hair while delivering even color results. It’s an excellent choice for those with sensitive scalps or anyone avoiding harsh chemicals.
The formula is free from ammonia and parabens—two ingredients often associated with skin irritation or unpleasant odors. Instead, NATURIGIN features plant extracts and oils that soften and hydrate hair. Even after several uses, hair stays strong and glossy, not dry or brittle.
Another plus: application is easy, just like any other box dye. But with NATURIGIN, you can feel good about taking care of your hair. It’s available in many natural shades—from warm blonde to soft brown and classic black—perfect for refreshing color or covering gray hair.
Once you try NATURIGIN, you’ll notice how gentle care and beautiful results can go hand in hand. And with the right handling of leftovers, your color will stay fresh—in both your hair and the packaging—for next time.
