How to Dye Hair with Leopard Spots

Last Updated: April 23, 2021

Do you want funky leopard print hair, but don't necessarily want to pay the big bucks at a salon? Doing it yourself is a fun, cheaper option. The secret to getting the spots just right is...celery!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Pre-Dye Preparation

1
Pick a color scheme. You’ll need to choose three colors: one base color, one border color, and one fill color.
- Keep in mind that it is easiest to do a lighter base color and darker border/fill colors.
- The typical combination for realistic leopard spots is a yellow/blonde base color, a black border color, and a lighter pink, red, or brown fill color.
2
Prepare your dyes. Place your border and fill colors in their own individual cups or bowls. If the dye box has specific instructions for preparing your dyes, follow them at this time.

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3
Cut several sticks of celery at their thickest sections. Make sure to cut them flatly and evenly.
- For varying spot sizes, cut some of the celery thinner than others. You will be using this celery to make the actual spots.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Instructions for Dyeing Shaved Hair

1
Dye your hair the light base color. Suggested colors are blonde, white, or an unusual pastel color (pink, green, blue).
2
Allow your dyed hair to dry if necessary. Keep in mind that your border and fill dyes made need to be applied to wet or damp hair. (See specific dyes/dye boxes for instruction.)
3
Dip the end of a celery stick into the border dye. Make sure to coat the celery end evenly.
- Avoid too much dye as you do not want it to drip on your hair right as you go to press it to your head.
4
Stamp the hair dye covered celery evenly all over the base section of your hair. You can space them however you like but remember to not have each spot facing the same way.
- It looks more realistic when the ‘C’ spots that the celery creates face different ways as they would on a real leopard.
5
Take a Q-tip and clean up any splotches that may have been caused by the celery. Simply wipe away any extra border dye.
6
Take another Q-tip or paint brush and dip it into the fill dye. Stamp or paint in the center of the spot until it is completely filled.
7
Wash and let your hair dry. See dye box for any specific post-dyeing instructions.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Instructions for Dyeing Long Hair

1
Follow the same steps listed in the Pre-Dye Preparation section. Dye the section of hair you have selected with the base dye as listed above. This step includes following the dyeing instructions and washing your hair out as prescribed by the dye box.
2
Comb the strand that has been dyed. If you are doing a large section of your head, begin work on half of the section.
3
Tape the bottom of your hair to a piece of cardboard with masking tape. This will hold it in place while you paint.
- If you do not have cardboard or something hard and flat to use, you can use your palm. Note that the pattern might not come out as perfectly as you would like.
4
Stamp the spots on to your selected section of hair. Follow the same steps listed in the above section.
5
Rinse your hair as prescribed by the dye box.
6
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How do you avoid the dye running when you wash it out?

Community Answer

Try rinsing it out with cold water the first time after application. Then wait a few days before using sulfate free shampoo to wash it out, again with cold water.