THINKING ABOUT TRYING OVERTONE FOR THE FIRST TIME?  

If you’ve never used semi-permanent color before, you probably have questions like:  

• “How do I use Overtone?”  

• “Is this going to stain everything?”  

• “How long do I leave it on?”  

• “What if I choose the wrong shade?”  

• “Will it look patchy?”  

• “What should I buy first?”  

First-time color can feel intimidating. The good news is Overtone was designed to be approachable, conditioning-first, and beginner-friendly.  

This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect and how to get the best results the first time.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• What Overtone actually is and how it works  

• Which product to start with  

• How to apply it step by step  

• How long to leave it on  

• How to avoid mess and staining  

• What results to expect on different starting shades  

• How to maintain your color  

• What to do if you don’t love the result

WHAT IS OVERTONE AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM HAIR DYE?

Overtone is a semi-permanent, conditioner-based hair color system.  

That means:  

• No ammonia  

• No peroxide  

• No developer  

• No bleach required for most tonal shifts  

• Vegan and cruelty-free  

• Curl-safe and conditioning-forward  

Instead of chemically altering your hair, Overtone deposits pigment on top of the hair shaft while hydrating it.  

For beginners, this matters because:  

• It fades gradually  

• It doesn’t permanently alter your base  

• It conditions while coloring  

• It’s more forgiving than permanent dye

WHICH OVERTONE PRODUCT SHOULD I START WITH?

If you’re new, start simple.  

For Full Color Change  

Use:  

Overtone Color Depositing Treatment Mask

This gives you the most visible first-time result.  

Processing time:  10 to 30 minutes depending on desired intensity.      

For Subtle or Gradual Change  

Use:  

Overtone Color Depositing Daily Conditioner

This is ideal if:  

• You want to test a shade gently  

• You prefer a softer shift  

• You’re nervous about bold color  

It builds pigment gradually with each wash.

HOW DO I APPLY OVERTONE FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Let’s break it down step by step.      

Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry or Slightly Damp Hair  

Hair should be:  

• Free of heavy styling products  

• Not freshly deep conditioned  

• Fully detangled  

Avoid clarifying immediately before coloring if you have a sensitive scalp.      

Step 2: Protect Your Space  

Yes, color can stain.  

Before applying:  

• Wear an old t-shirt  

• Lay down a towel  

• Use gloves (we offer free gloves with purchase)  

• Section your hair for control  

If you want extra precision:   Add a color brush + bowl to your order

Step 3: Apply Generously and Evenly  

Saturation is everything.  

If hair is not fully coated, results may look uneven.  

Work in sections:  

• Apply from root to tip  

• Comb through if needed  

• Ensure no dry patches      

Step 4: Let It Process  

How long should you leave Overtone on?  

• 10 to 15 minutes for subtle deposit  

• 20 to 30 minutes for bold results  

Longer processing deepens intensity but does not chemically damage hair.  

Set a timer.      

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly  

Rinse with lukewarm water until water runs mostly clear.  

Avoid shampooing immediately after application.  

Condition if needed, but most people find hair feels soft already.

WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT BASED ON MY STARTING HAIR COLOR?

This is critical for beginners.      

Light Blonde Hair  

Expect high vibrancy.  

• Pink will look bright  

• Purple will be saturated  

• Auburn will appear copper-forward  

If you want subtlety, choose muted tones.      

Dark Blonde or Light Brown  

Expect noticeable color but slightly deeper tone.  

• Reds will pop  

• Purple will appear bold  

• Blue and green will show clearly in light      

Medium Brown  

Expect jewel-toned richness.  

• Auburn adds warmth  

• Purple appears deep plum  

• Pink leans berry  

Pastels may appear subtle.      

Dark Brown or Black  

Expect tonal enhancement.  

• Reds show in sunlight  

• Purple appears as a sheen  

• Blue adds depth  

You will not achieve neon brightness without lightening.      

Gray Hair  

Expect blending, not full permanent coverage.  

• Warm tones soften contrast  

• Bright tones appear vibrant  

• Results vary depending on gray percentage

WILL IT BE MESSY?

Color can stain porous surfaces.  

To minimize mess:  

• Wear gloves  

• Wipe spills immediately  

• Use our stain remover stick

It can help remove pigment from:  

• Skin  

• Countertops  

• Tile  

• Sinks  

Results vary depending on surface porosity.

WHAT IF I CHOOSE THE WRONG SHADE?

First, breathe.  

Because Overtone is semi-permanent:  

• It fades gradually  

• You can layer a deeper tone over it  

• You can adjust intensity  

• You can clarify gently over time  

It is far more forgiving than permanent dye.

HOW LONG DOES OVERTONE LAST?

Up to 10 washes depending on:  

• Hair porosity  

• Wash frequency  

• Water temperature  

• Starting shade  

Hot water fades color faster.  

Frequent washing accelerates fade.  

To extend vibrancy:  

Use Overtone Color Depositing Daily Conditioner between washes.  

WHAT DOES MAINTENANCE LOOK LIKE?

Maintenance is simple.  

• Use Daily Conditioner 1 to 2 times weekly  

• Refresh with Treatment Mask every few weeks  

• Avoid harsh clarifying shampoos  

• Use lukewarm water  

For shine and polish:  

Use  The Gloss

For strength and growth support:  

Use  The Remedy

  

BEGINNER MISTAKES TO AVOID

1. Not using enough product  

2. Skipping sectioning  

3. Underestimating processing time  

4. Expecting lightening without bleach  

5. Not checking starting shade swatches

If you’re unsure about shade selection:  Take  the Shade Quiz

WHAT IF I’M NERVOUS ABOUT GOING TOO BOLD?

This is one of the most common first-time concerns.  

If you’re thinking:  

• “What if it’s too bright?”  

• “What if it doesn’t feel like me?”  

• “What if I regret it?”  

Start softer.  

Instead of choosing the most intense version of a shade, look for:  

• Rich jewel tones over neon brights  

• Auburn or copper instead of fire-engine red  

• Berry pink instead of hot pink  

• Deep plum instead of lavender  

You can always build intensity. Semi-permanent color allows layering.  

If you’re unsure about vibrancy, start with:   Overtone Color Depositing Daily Conditioner

Use it for 2 to 3 washes and evaluate. If you want more impact, follow up with the Treatment Mask.  

This gradual approach makes first-time color feel less overwhelming.

WHAT IF I WANT TO GO BOLD BUT DON’T WANT BLEACH?

Another common beginner question:  

“Can I get bright color without bleaching my hair?”  

The answer depends on your starting shade.  

• Light blonde: Yes, bold colors will show clearly.  

• Dark blonde or light brown: Yes, jewel tones and reds will appear vibrant.  

• Medium to dark brown: You can achieve deep, rich jewel tones.  

• Black hair: Expect tonal shifts, not neon brightness.  

If your goal is pastel on dark brown hair, you may need lightening first. But if your goal is rich, dimensional color without bleach, Overtone is designed for that.  

Many beginners are surprised by how visible reds, purples, and auburns are on brown hair without pre-lightening.   If you want to explore shades based on your current base:  Take  the Shade Quiz

HOW DO I PREVENT PATCHY RESULTS?

Patchiness usually happens for one of three reasons:  

1. Hair wasn’t fully saturated.  

2. Hair had uneven porosity.  

3. Sections were missed during application.  

To prevent this:  

• Use more product than you think you need.  

• Section hair into at least 4 parts.  

• Apply from roots to ends methodically.  

• Comb through if necessary.  

• Check your hairline and underneath sections carefully.  

If your hair is highly porous at the ends (for example, previously lightened hair), you may notice the ends grab more pigment. This is normal.  

If you want to even things out before coloring:  

Use  The Remedy as a strengthening treatment first.  

Stronger, more balanced hair tends to absorb pigment more evenly.

HOW DO I WASH MY HAIR AFTER COLORING?

Post-color care affects longevity.  

After rinsing:  

• Wait at least 24 hours before shampooing if possible.  

• Use lukewarm water instead of hot.  

• Avoid harsh clarifying shampoos.  

• Space out wash days.  

Hot water opens the cuticle and can cause color to fade faster. Cooler water helps pigment last longer.  

To extend vibrancy:  

Use  Overtone Color Depositing Daily Conditioner between washes.  

WILL IT STAIN MY SHOWER?

Semi-permanent color can stain porous surfaces.  

To minimize staining:  

• Rinse thoroughly after application.  

• Wipe down tile immediately.  

• Avoid letting color sit on grout.  

• Clean surfaces quickly after rinsing.  

If staining occurs, try:  

Overtone Stain Remover

It may help lift pigment from:  

• Skin  

• Countertops  

• Sinks  

• Tile  

Results vary depending on surface type and porosity.  

For skin staining around the hairline, apply a thin layer of conditioner to the skin before coloring as a barrier.