For certain people -- regardless of how closely they follow the directions included with their coloring kit -- their hair simply will not retain color. Before coloring your hair, you must prepare your hair for dying. Without proper preparation, your hair will dye unevenly, or the color will simply wash out. Luckily, by regularly caring for your hair and providing enough moisture, you can help your hair properly absorb hair dye.

Keep your hair moisturized. Condition your hair every time you wash it. Apply it after shampooing. Saturate the ends of your hair with the conditioner and work your way toward the top of your head. Stop several inches from your roots. Sparingly finger comb the conditioner into your roots. Rinse your hair with cool water after conditioning. Cooler water helps seal in moisture.

Do not wash your hair at least 24 hours before dying. This helps you build up the proper oils on your scalp and hair. The oils from your hair protect your scalp and also ensure that your hair is not too dry before you apply the dye.

Use a moisturizing hair dye when dying your hair. Follow the instructions accordingly and watch the color throughout the dying process. Rinse the dye out of your hair by gently massaging the color out under cold water. Apply a deep moisturizer to your hair after washing out the dye and leave-in for two minutes. Rinse the moisturizer out in cool water.

Do not wash your hair 24 hours after dying. Leaving your hair alone for the next 24 hours allows the hair to absorb more color and permits the color to fully set. Wash your hair in cold water during each wash and apply a moisturizer designed for color treated hair.