Abstract: A new multi-step process for dyeing human hair achieving improved coverage and gentle treatment of the hair and, in addition, allowing the production of numerous hair dye shades using a relatively small number of hair dye compositions, which process consists of the following steps:a) Application of an alkaline oxidation hair dye composition comprising at least one developing substance and at least one coupling substance as well as an oxidizing agent mainly onto that part of the human hair which is next to the scalp, whereby the mixture is adjusted to the hair shade desired for the total dyeing result;b) rinsing and shampooing of the hair after completed processing of the dyeing composition;c) application of an acidic oxidation hair dye composition comprising at least one developing and at least one coupling agent as well as an oxidizing agent, to the total hair, andd) rinsing of the hair after complete processing of the hair dye.