Can I dye my hair after bleaching? Wondering about coloring your hair post-bleaching? You’re not alone. Bleaching lifts the natural color, but what about adding new hues?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Understanding the facts is crucial. While bleaching alters hair color, it also affects its porosity. This can influence how the dye takes to your hair.
Let’s explore the science behind dyeing after bleaching and the steps to keep your hair vibrant and healthy.
What Is Bleaching
Bleaching is a chemical process that lightens your hair. It does this by breaking down the color molecules in your hair strands. Bleaching enables you to alter your hair color and prepare it for receiving a new dye.
Impact on Hair Structure
When you bleach your hair, it affects the hair structure by altering the cuticle layers. These layers protect your hair strands, and bleaching disrupts them.
Hydrogen peroxide is a key ingredient in the bleach. It can penetrate the hair strand and strip out its color. This change in hair structure can make your hair:
- More porous
- Weaker
- Susceptible to damage
Chemical Processes Involved
The chemical process in bleaching consists of using a bleaching powder and a developer.
The bleaching powder is often based on ammonium persulfate or potassium persulfate. This breaks the bonds in your hair and removes the color.
The developer (hydrogen peroxide) works with the bleaching powder to open up the hair cuticle. this allows the bleach to penetrate the hair and remove the pigment.
Possible Risks
Bleaching your hair comes with some potential risks, particularly if not done correctly. Excessive or improper bleaching can cause.
- Hair dryness and brittleness
- Loss of elasticity, leading to breakage
- Scalp irritation or burns
- Uneven color or patchiness
To cut these risks:
- Follow proper bleaching instructions
- Use the right products
- Take necessary precautions
Consult with a professional hairstylist to make sure you get the desired results without damaging your hair.
Possible Risks
Bleaching your hair comes with some potential risks, particularly if not done correctly. Excessive or improper bleaching can cause.
- Hair dryness and brittleness
- Loss of elasticity, leading to breakage
- Scalp irritation or burns
- Uneven color or patchiness
To cut these risks:
- Follow proper bleaching instructions
- Use the right products
- Take necessary precautions
Consult with a professional hairstylist to make sure you get the desired results without damaging your hair.
Effects of Bleaching on the Hair
When assessing the effect of bleaching on your hair, consider the following:
- Damage to hair
- Bleach and hair porosity
- Bleach and hair loss
Damage to Hair
Bleaching your hair causes damage due to the harsh chemicals present in the bleach. These chemicals strip the natural color and moisture from your hair. They make it dry and brittle. Your hair becomes more susceptible to breakage and split ends.
Bleach and Hair Porosity
Bleach increases hair porosity. Hair porosity refers to the ability of your hair to absorb and keep moisture.
Bleached hair tends to have higher porosity. High-porosity hair absorbs more water but also loses moisture fast.
This increased porosity can lead to further dryness and damage when you dye your hair after bleaching.
Check out our hair porosity quiz!
Bleach Causing Hair Loss
Bleach can also contribute to hair loss or hair fall. The chemicals weaken the hair shaft and damage the hair follicles. This makes them prone to breakage.
Repeated use of bleach increases the likelihood of hair loss. This is more present if you don’t take proper care of your hair after the bleaching process.
Can I Dye My Hair Dark After Bleaching It?
Yes, you can dye your hair dark after bleaching it. It is to wait before dyeing for the best results.
Bleaching oxidizes the melanin molecules in your hair, making them colorless and leaving a pale yellowish shade. To achieve a darker color, use a deep conditioner and treatments to add moisture and shine to your hair.
How Long After Bleaching Hair Can I Colour It?
It is better to wait at least a day or two before dyeing for the best results. Dyeing your hair immediately after bleaching can damage your hair and result in poor color outcomes.
Be patient and give your hair some time to recover before applying a new color.
Hair Preparations Before Dyeing
Before dying your hair after bleaching, consider the following:
- The right conditioner and shampoo
- Protein treatments
- Patch test for allergies
Select the Right Conditioner and Shampoo
Before dyeing your hair, it’s important to choose the right conditioner and shampoo.
Look for products with nourishing ingredients designed for color-treated hair. This will help ensure your hair stays healthy and retains the new color.
Use a deep conditioner a few days before bleaching to add extra moisture to your hair since the bleaching process can deplete it.
Protein Treatments
Protein treatments (or protein fillers) are a vital step to take before bleaching your hair. Both bleach and hair dye can weaken your hair and leave it feeling brittle.
Protein filler repair and strengthen your hair strands. These products make them more resistant to damage from chemicals. Apply a protein filler before dyeing your hair to reduce any potential damage.
Patch Test for Allergies
Before using any new hair products, perform a patch test to ensure you don’t have any allergies to the bleach or dye.
To do a patch test, mix a small amount of the bleach and apply it to a discreet area of your skin. The best places are behind your ear or on your inner arm. Wait 48 hours and observe for any irritation or allergic reaction.
If you experience discomfort or irritation, do not proceed with the bleaching or dyeing process.
Choosing the Right Hair Dye
When choosing a hair dye after bleaching, consider the type of dye that works best for your hair. There are two main types of dyes: permanent and semi-permanent.
Permanent dyes tend to last longer and provide more vibrant color. Still, they may cause more damage to your hair.
Semi-permanent dyes are less damaging and fade gradually. They allow for more frequent color changes without excessive harm to your hair.
For those with bleached hair, it’s best to use semi-permanent dye. This typo of dye is less damaging, and bleached hair is already in a more delicate state.
Choose a Dye Based on Natural Hair Color
Select a dye based on your natural hair color, as this will affect the final result of the dye job. If you have natural dark hair and use a blue or green dye after bleaching, the color may not show up as well as if you had chosen a red or purple dye.
To make things simpler, divide hair colors into categories:
| Tone Type | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Tones | Red (auburn, copper), Orange (peach, coral), Yellow (golden blonde) | Vibrant and energetic, evokes warmth and intensity, adds drama and playfulness |
| Cool Tones | Blue (navy, teal), Green (mint, emerald), Purple (lilac, deep violet) | Calm and sophisticated, creates depth and intrigue, unique and elegant appearance |
If your natural hair color falls under the warm category, it’s more compatible with warm-toned dyes. Cool-toned dyes tend to work well with cool natural hair colors.
Importance of Color Wheel in Choosing Dye
The color wheel can assist you in finding the best dye color for your bleached hair. It helps you understand color harmony and complementary colors. This makes it easier for you to pick a shade that looks good on you.
Consider this: When you bleach your hair, it exposes underlying warm tones like yellow or orange. To neutralize or dampen these tones, choose a dye color that’s opposite them on the color wheel.
If you’re dealing with yellow tones, you could opt for a cooler-colored dye like purple or blue. If you’re seeing orange tones, you may want to go with a cooler green dye.
Dyeing Hair After Bleaching
Before dyeing your hair after bleaching, take note of these safety measures:
- Wait for a day or two
- Use protein fillers
- Choose the right developer
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple guide to help you dye your hair after bleaching:
- Choose your hair dye: Pick your desired hair color and prepare the dye according to the instructions on the box or bottle. You may need to mix the dye with a developer.
- Get your supplies ready: Gather items such as a bowl, brush, gloves, and clips to section your hair.
- Prepare your hair: Ensure your hair is clean, dry, and free of any styling products. Section your hair into smaller parts for easier application.
- Apply the dye: Using the brush, apply the mixed hair dye to your roots first, ensuring even coverage. Work towards the ends, ensuring you cover the entire section.
- Follow the instructions from the dye manufacturer: Check your hair every few minutes to avoid over-processing.
- Rinse your hair: After the timer rings, rinse the dye from your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Apply a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to seal the color and maintain its longevity.
Post-Dyeing Hair Care
After you dye bleached hair, it is important to engage in the following practices:
- Maintain the color
- Nourish and hydrate
- Avoid further damage
How To Maintain the Color
After dyeing your hair, it’s essential to wait at least three days before washing it. This allows the pigment to settle into your locks and helps the cuticles recover and seal in the color.
Use a gentle shampoo designed for color-treated hair. When rinsing, use warm water instead of hot, as heat can cause the cuticles to open and release the pigment.
Apply a toner as directed to neutralize any unwanted tones and enhance the color’s vibrancy.
Take care to follow the time indicated on the packaging, as leaving the toner on too long can alter the color.
Nourishment and Hydration
Bleaching and dyeing your hair expose it to harsh chemicals. This can strip its natural moisture and elasticity.
Look for products containing natural oils and proteins to help restore your hair’s shine and vitality.
Allowing your hair to air dry after washing can also help maintain its health and prevent heat damage.
When detangling, use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair, starting from the tips and working your way up to avoid breaking your fragile locks.
Avoid Further Damage
Avoid using other chemical treatments (bleach over permanent hair dye or color removers). These can make your hair even more porous and damage its natural structure.
Limit the use of heat-styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand to reduce damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dye my hair dark after bleaching blonde?
Yes, you can dye your hair dark after bleaching it blonde. It’s best to wait at least a day or two before dyeing to ensure the best results. This allows your hair to recover from the bleaching process, which can damage your hair.
Can I dye my hair the same day after bleaching?
You can dye your hair the same day after bleaching, but experts don’t recommend it. Giving your hair at least a day or two of rest before dyeing helps prevent further damage and produces better results. It’s important to restore your hair’s moisture and treat it with care during this waiting period.
How do I fix over bleached hair?
To fix over-bleached hair, apply deep-conditioning treatment or a hair mask to restore moisture. Trim damaged ends often to prevent more harm. Apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil for extra care. Skip heat-styling tools to avoid worsening damage. Be gentle when brushing; use a wide-toothed comb. Give your hair time to heal, and ask a stylist if needed.
