How to Use the Directions Hair Lightening Kit Before Colour
By Hunt Or Dye Home For Contact Lenses & Hair Dye | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to using the Directions Hair Lightening Kit 30 vol to pre-lighten hair for semi-permanent dye, with checkpoints to avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Use the Directions Hair Lightening Kit 30 vol to lift your natural shade before applying semi-permanent colour, following the included instructions closely and checking the lift every 10 minutes to avoid over-processing.
Why pre-lightening matters for vivid semi-permanent shades
Semi-permanent dyes like Directions colours sit on the surface of the hair and show up best on lighter, porous hair. If your natural colour is dark or you have previous dye build-up, pre-lightening creates the blank canvas that bright colours need to look true to tone.
The Directions Hair Lightening Kit is formulated with conditioning ingredients to help protect hair during the lightening process, and it includes a brush and accessories so you have the basics ready. However, it does not include a developer or bleach powder separately—the kit is designed as a complete lightening set, so check the pack for the exact contents before you start.
When to choose a lower volume or skip lightening
A 30 vol developer kit lifts several levels, which is useful for dark hair, but it is not the right choice for hair that is already light or damaged. If your hair is fine, previously bleached, or chemically relaxed, consider a lower volume or a gentler lightening method to avoid breakage.
Also, if you are planning to use a very dark semi-permanent colour, pre-lightening may not be necessary. The Directions kit is ideal before bright or pastel shades, but for deep tones you can often apply dye directly to dry hair.
Step-by-step: using the Directions Hair Lightening Kit
- Do a patch and strand test: Mix a small amount of the kit according to the pack instructions and apply to a hidden strand. Leave for the recommended time, then rinse and check the lift and condition. Common mistake: skipping this step and risking uneven results or irritation. If you have sensitive skin or previous damage, wait 48 hours before the full application.
- Prepare your workspace and protect skin: Put on gloves, drape a towel over your shoulders, and apply a barrier cream around your hairline. Divide dry, unwashed hair into four sections. Common mistake: applying to wet hair, which dilutes the mixture and causes uneven lift. Do not wash hair for 24 hours before lightening to allow natural oils to protect the scalp.
- Mix the lightening kit: Follow the ratios on the kit exactly—usually the powder and developer are mixed in a bowl until smooth. Use a plastic or glass bowl, not metal. Common mistake: guessing quantities, which can weaken or over-strengthen the lift. Mix only enough for one application and use immediately; discard leftovers.
- Apply quickly and evenly: Starting at the back and working forward, apply the mixture to mid-lengths and ends first, then roots. Saturate each section fully. Common mistake: applying to roots first, which causes hot roots because scalp heat speeds up processing. Work in thin sections and avoid overlapping on previously lightened hair.
- Check lift every 10 minutes: Do not exceed the maximum processing time on the kit. Wipe a small area with a damp cloth to check the colour. Common mistake: leaving it on too long, which damages hair and makes it harder for semi-permanent colour to hold. If you see the desired lift before time is up, rinse immediately.
- Rinse thoroughly and shampoo: Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear, then shampoo gently to remove all residue. Follow with a conditioner or mask. Common mistake: not rinsing enough, leaving bleach particles that continue to process. Rinse longer than you think necessary—at least five minutes.
- Dry and apply semi-permanent colour: Towel-dry hair and apply your Directions semi-permanent dye according to its instructions. The lightened hair should be clean and dry before dyeing. Common mistake: applying dye to damp hair, which can dilute the colour. Wait at least 24 hours if your scalp is sensitive, and always do a strand test for the dye too.
Product facts
- Directions - Hair Lighteneing Kit 30 vol: The Directions Hair Lightening Kit contains conditioning ingredients to help keep hair moisturised during lightening. This reduces the drying effect of lightening, making it a better choice if your hair is already somewhat dry.
Directions - Hair Lighteneing Kit 30 vol - Directions - Hair Lighteneing Kit 30 vol: The kit is supplied with a brush and required accessories. You won't need to buy separate tools, but you should still have gloves and a mixing bowl ready.
