FAQ
What is the Hummingbird®?
The Hummingbird® is a precision hair color applicator tool that offers a fast, seamless, mess-free experience. We aim to provide a superior hair dyeing experience every time, both in salons and at home. Learn more here about how The Hummingbird® works and why it wins out over conventional applicators.
What is the difference between the hair dye bottle I usually use and The Hummingbird®?
The commonly used hair dye applicator bottle is a two-part bottle that squirts color using gravity. This requires shaking color down towards the nozzle, much as we do with a ketchup bottle. Color comes out in uneven and uncontrolled spurts.
In order for the common bottle to work, the head and body must be positioned underneath the bottle which has to stay upside-down. This position limits visibility which is important when applying dye.
The Hummingbird® was designed by a hairdresser and is all about precision, results and experience. Composed of precisely engineered parts, most importantly, a double-valved system that allows color to be applied in an upright position so you can see what you're doing, while providing ultimate control of the flow of color. The beak takes precise partings and spreads the color.
Precisely applied hair color means healthier hair, superior results and a less messy, premium experience.
The Hummingbird® is a patented 3 in 1 tool that can be used again and again!
Which brands of hair dye can I use in The Hummingbird®?
The Hummingbird® works and plays well with virtually every professional or home formulation that you would normally use in a bottle. This includes most professional and home glosses, liquid toners, liquid semi-permanent hair colors, light lotions, light gel formulations, and virtually all box colors.
The Hummingbird® does not work well with colors specifically formulated for bowl and brush applications, direct dye masks that are very thick, or gels that become too thick. If you can pick up a wad of color in your hand, it will not work in The Hummingbird®.
See our full list of approved brand hair colors here.
What makes The Hummingbird® a 3-in-1 Tool?
Unlike the typical hair color bottle applicator, The Hummingbird® can be used to Part, Apply and Spread.
It's "beak" takes long clean partings, which means excellent color coverage and fewer missed spots.
The double valve system gives ultimate color control so you can apply evenly along the parts, or all over.
No more messy spreading hair dye with your hands or fingers! Use the long side of The Hummingbird®'s beak to gently push the color into the areas you want to color.
Plus, The Hummingbird® works upright, so you can see and control all the action!
How do I clean The Hummingbird®?
Little known fact! Hummingbird®'s do not like dishwashers, as the high heat damages the material.
It's super easy to take the components apart, using the yellow spoolie provided, to clean narrow areas like the beak and valve. Then, simply air dry overnight before reassembling. Your Hummingbird® is then ready to use again and again.
Pro Tip: for hard to remove color, add a tsp of salt and warm water to your bottle, and shake vigorously with your mixing cap to break it up!
Watch this video and fast forward to step #8 to see how easy and fun she is to clean!
My dog chewed up my Hummingbird. Are there replacement parts?®
Contact Us with the heading Replacement Parts and we will try and fix Fido’s damage. Parts are priced separately and shipping is added, but certainly less than buying a whole new bird!
Umm, unless Fido chewed up the entire bird.
Why is it called The Hummingbird®?
Kathryn, a professional hairdresser, and inventor of The Hummingbird®, did not set out to make a bird shaped hair color applicator.
Over the many years creating prototypes, and over countless iterations, the function always drove the design. The body and head shape, the beak, the "eyes" all have an important purpose.
Magically, she somehow transformed into a bird. It was Kathryn's son, that thought she most resembled a Hummingbird with her long beak, and thus The Hummingbird was born!
We provide the bird, it's your imagination and creativity that gives her the wings to fly.
Why the price?
The Hummingbird® is made up of 9 custom components and two accessories, all engineered to fit perfectly together so the upright action works. It costs a lot to manufacture, but we wanted it to be just right so our Hummingbird® friends have the best hair color experience ever!
Troubleshooting The Hummingbird®
Color not coming out, sputtering, or extremely hard to squeeze.
One of two reasons:
1) The Hummingbird® is not assembled correctly. It’s ideal to assemble the Hummingbird® a time or two before using it with color in order to create the necessary seal. Watch our “Care and feeding of your Hummingbird®” in our video section linked below or look at the booklet provided in your package. When assembled properly, The Hummingbird® makes a nice strong squeak, which means you’ve got it, so your color should flow well. Most importantly, the valve needs to be seated properly in the applicator FIRST, and next the colored part of the tube is inserted all the way into the valve. Screw the Hummingbird® head on firmly until feels snug. Try your squeak again.
2) If you know you’ve assembled properly, consider your hair color. Is it too thick? Bowl and brush color formulations do not work well in The Hummingbird®. It likes formulations that are meant for a bottle; light lotions, light gels and liquid glosses.
Watch the "Care & Feeding" Video for more tips.
Does the Hummingbird® work for all hair dye colors?
Yes! The Hummingbird® works well with almost every hair dye you'd normally see in a bottle, including your favorite colors.
Is the Hummingbird® the best applicator for hair color at home?
We certainly think so. The Hummingbird® is a precision-designed hair color applicator bottle that's used upright, so you get a smooth, even dye and a mess-free experience. Our community is full of firsthand experiences and can show you what you're missing.
Is the Hummingbird® used in salons?
Absolutely. In fact, the Hummingbird® was designed by a hairdresser. We're excited to see all the gorgeous results in salons and in homes.
Does the hummingbird® work on grey hair?
Yes. Stick to our brand list and use the Hummingbird® as directed for the best results.
Does Dye Candy sell other hair care products?
Right now, we’re focused on The Hummingbird® hair dye applicator bottle and getting you an experience you'll love.
What's the best box dye brand for The Hummingbird®?
Most likely, your favorite box dye brand will work perfectly with the Hummingbird®. Check our list of suggested brands to make sure before getting started.
Is there a gentle hair color?
Some hair dye brands are marketed as natural and gentle. We can't speak for them, so it's best to do your research and consult a professional. However, we can guarantee a flawless experience when you dye your hair with the Hummingbird®.
What's the best way to color my hair?
Using the Hummingbird®, of course! Our hair dye applicator bottle was carefully created with you in mind. See some of our community’s results here.
Is the Hummingbird® effective for hair root touch ups?
The Hummingbird® is perfect for hair root touch-ups. Our hair dye bottle is all about precision. With the Hummingbird®, you have more control over every aspect of the hair dyeing experience.
Should I color my hair myself or go to a professional?
That’s up to you! The Hummingbird® makes for a fabulous, mess-free experience both at home and in a salon.
Will coloring my hair damage it?
We know that dyeing your hair is fun! But yes, coloring your hair too often can damage it over time. The Hummingbird® helps keep your hair healthy by getting you an even dye and not oversaturating your hair. Overall, it’s important to practice good hair health and consult with a professional when you have concerns.
Can I get color and highlights in the same day?
Sure, sounds fun! Consult your hairdresser if you have specific questions, especially when tackling highlights at home.
What's the difference between semi-permanent hair dye and permanent hair dye?
Semi-permanent hair dye lasts about 3 weeks. Permanent hair dye is, well, permanent. Typically, you need to touch up your roots every 6-8 weeks.
Semi-permanent is lower maintenence because it fades out. Permanent hair dye changes the structure of your hair, so you'll need to continue to maintain it as your hair grows out.
How often should I shampoo my hair after coloring it?
Most professionals recommend shampooing two to three times per week to keep hair healthy and prevent color fading.
How many boxes of hair dye do I need?
This depends on your hair length and type. For most people with medium to long hair, we suggested starting with two boxes of hair color.
Do I need to shampoo before coloring my hair?
Nope! Actually, you can wash your hair anywhere from 12-36 hours before dyeing it, depending on your hair type, natural oils, and regular wash schedule. The oils in your hair help with coloring, so don’t feel pressured to wash it if that’s not your routine.