Not really. If you've dyed your own hair before at home then this will be very familiar to you. Just read through the included application instructions thoroughly, or review on the website. The Consistency, Scent, and Rinse-out will be the three key differences. (1)Consistency: it will be thicker than your traditional chemical dye (ketchup/pudding consistency). (2)Scent: instead of reeking of noxious chemicals, it will smell like plants and herbs (strong & earthly while mixing, fades as you apply). You can add fragrance essential oil to the mix if desired; we keep it pure since many people have allergies to synthetic perfumes and they're usually toxic poisons too—yuck. (3)Rinse-Out: our henna based dyes are powders. After mixing with water, they apply as a pudding-like paste. As it dries it will thicken (best consistency to administer all pigment & treatment qualities). So when you rinse, it will take a little longer than the chemical dyes. Use conditioner to make the process easier; just condition twice as you rinse-out. Other than that, it's very similar—minus all the chemicals & synthetic nasties.