Are you eager to transition from a bold bleached look to a rich brown hue? It’s a common misconception that dyeing your hair immediately after bleaching is the norm. But here’s the twist: rushing into it could lead to disastrous results.
This post uncovers the crucial timeline for safely dyeing your hair brown post-bleaching. Stay tuned as we unravel the secrets to achieving that flawless brown transformation without compromising your hair’s health.
Can You Dye Your Hair Brown After Bleaching?
Yes, you can dye your hair brown after bleaching. However, it’s crucial to follow specific steps to achieve optimal results and prevent damage.
Preparations Before Dyeing
Gather your materials
Gather all the necessary supplies. You can read more about what you need later.
Read and follow hair dye packaging instructions
After getting your supplies, read the instructions on the hair dye packaging. Make sure that you follow each of the recommended steps. This way, you can avoid mishaps.
Clean your hair with gentle shampoo
Cleanse your hair with a gentle shampoo. This will prevent the addition of harsh chemicals that can further damage your bleached hair.
Also, don’t use a toning shampoo straight after bleaching. It may cause more damage to the hair’s structure.
Moisturize using hair conditioner
After shampooing, use a moisturizing conditioner to nourish your hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly to remove the conditioner, then pat your hair dry with a towel.
Put on gloves for protection
Put on gloves to protect your hands from staining during the dyeing process. Drape the old towel around your shoulders to catch any drips.
Part your hair into several sections
Begin by parting your hair into several sections. Make sure to keep these manageable for easy application. Use clips to hold the strands to secure your hair in their respective sections.
Select the Right Shade of Brown
Choose 2-3 shades lighter
Choose a hair dye colour 2-3 shades lighter than the colour you want. This will balance out the darkening that might happen when you dye your hair since it has undergone bleaching.
Consider your natural hair colour
Pick a brown shade that complements your complexion. If you have a warm skin tone, go for golden or caramel shades of brown. If you have a cool skin tone, choose ash or neutral tones.
Choose a de that has conditioning agents
Once you’ve found the perfect shade, choose a dye that includes conditioning agents. This will help nourish and protect your hair.
Materials and Tools to Use
Get the perfect brown hair colour with these essential materials and tools. Here’s what you’ll need to dye your hair brown:
Materials to Use
- Protein filler
- Hair dye
- Developer
Protein filler: Protein filler evens out the porosity of your bleached hair before applying the dye. It prevents patchiness and ensures a more even colour.
Hair dye: Choose a hair dye colour that is 2-3 shades lighter than the colour you want. Bleached hair absorbs more colour than healthy hair. Use demi-permanent or semi-permanent dye.
Developer: If you use a demi-permanent dye, you’ll need a developer with a lower volume (usually 10 or 20 volume). This will avoid further damage to your hair during the colouring process.
Steps to Dye Bleached Hair Brown
Step 1. Gentle combing
After preparing your hair, comb it to detangle and divide it into sections. Creating four parts will help you apply the dye more easily.
Step 2. Apply the protein filler
Before colouring your hair, apply a protein filler first. This ensures a more even colour distribution.
Allow the protein filler to penetrate your hair for the time indicated on the product’s label. Rinse it out before proceeding.
Step 3. Choose hair dye colour 2-3 shades lighter
Choose a hair dye colour that is 2-3 shades lighter than the colour you want. Bleached hair is more porous, so it absorbs more colour. It may end up looking much darker than intended.
Step 4. Mix the dye
Mix the color with the developer according to the package instructions. Stir until the consistency is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5. Wear gloves and apply the dye
Wear gloves, and start applying the hair dye to each section. Cover your hair and start from the roots, working your way down to the tips.
Step 6. Wait for the colour to develop
Your hair dye’s instructions will provide an estimated time for the colour to develop. Keep an eye on your hair colour and ensure the dye doesn’t sit longer than recommended.
Step 7. Rinse and condition
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Apply a color-safe conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.
Step 8. Gentle towel drying
Finally, towel dry your hair before styling it as usual.
How to Take Care of Your Dyed Brown Hair
The 48 hours rule
After dyeing your hair, wait at least 48 hours before washing it. This allows the colour to set in and reduces the risk of fading.
Wash hair every other day
Wash your brown hair every other day or less, as frequent washing can strip away colour. If needed, use a dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil.
Rinse with cold water
Whenever you wash your hair, rinse with cold or lukewarm water instead of warm water. The cold water helps to seal the hair cuticles and preserve the hair colour.
Use color-protecting shampoo and conditioner
Invest in a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner to keep your brown hair vibrant, such as blue shampoo for brown hair.
Apply deep conditioning weekly
Use deep conditioning treatments like hair masks or coconut oil. This helps restore moisture to your hair. Apply a deep conditioner to your hair once a week.
Use leave-in conditioners and hair oils
Leave-in conditioners and hair oils are good for your hair. Use argan oil or jojoba oil; they provide extra protection for your brown hair. Apply a small amount after washing while your hair is still damp.
Put on heat protectants
Apply a heat protectant before using heat-styling tools. This will prevent damage and colour fading. It’s also better to air dry your hair whenever possible.
Gentle detangling with a wide-tooth comb
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair after washing, reducing the risk of breakage. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up.
Spray with uv protection sprays and serums
UV rays from the sun can cause your brown hair to fade or become brassy. Protect your hair by using sprays and serums with UV protection during sun exposure.
Practice regular trims for strong ends
Regular trims help to maintain healthy hair and prevent split ends. Aim to trim your hair every six to eight weeks for strong ends and vibrant colours.
Common Issues of Dyeing Bleached Hair Brown
You have to be careful when dyeing your hair brown after bleaching. Below are some common issues you might come across:
- Hair turning green in colour
- Fade brown hair colour
- Unexpected color outcomes
- Allergic reaction to hair dye
Hair turning green in colour
This can happen due to the combination of a hair dye with a cool undertone and the residual bleach in your hair. Try using a hair dye with warm undertones like caramel or chocolate brown.
Fade brown hair colour
Bleached hair is porous, which may cause the colour to fade more than on unbleached hair. To prevent the fading, consider using a blue shampoo for brown hair. It can help neutralize any brassiness and maintain the colour vibrancy.
Unexpected color outcomes
If you notice that your hair turns out darker or redder than expected, even if you’ve chosen a lighter shade of dye. This may be because of the porosity of bleached hair. Bleached hair absorbs more colour than healthy hair.
If this happens, you can use a red protein filler before dyeing to ensure a more even distribution of colour.
Allergic reaction to hair dye
Bleached hair may be more sensitive to the chemicals in dye products. Be sure to do a patch test before applying the dye to your entire head. This will help you identify any potential adverse reactions beforehand.
Ways to Fix Uneven Coloration
Use color-blending product
Colour-blending products can help even out your roots and the rest of your hair. You can apply tinted dry shampoos over your roots. It will help blend off-color areas and give a more uniform appearance
Tone your hair
Put a temporary tone on your hair a few shades darker. It can help conceal unwanted undertones like orange, yellow, or green. While doing this, use a good moisturizing hair mask to replenish your strands.
Use colour correction treatment
Some cases might need a colour correction treatment from a professional hairstylist. They have experience in dealing with uneven colouration.
Common Tips from Hairstylists
Have a fresh haircut
Before dyeing your hair, ensure you get a haircut to remove any damaged or split ends. This will help your new colour look more vibrant and healthy.
Be patient with the processing time
During the colouring process, it’s important to be patient. Allow the dye enough to process to achieve the best results. Leaving the dye on too long or not long enough can result in an uneven or unwanted colour.
Schedule Regular Touch-Ups
Schedule regular touch-ups to maintain your brown hair colour. As your hair grows, the new roots may show a colour difference, and your bleached hair may fade over time.
FAQs
Is it okay to put brown dye over bleached hair?
Yes, it is generally safe to apply brown dye to bleached hair. But it’s safe that you wait at least two days before dyeing bleached hair. This will ensure better results and lessen potential damage.
What happens if you put brown dye over bleach?
When you put brown dye over bleached hair, your hair colour changes from blonde to brown. But, make sure to choose a hair dye that is 2-3 shades lighter than your desired color. Bleached hair tends to absorb more colour, resulting in a darker shade than intended.
Can I use box dye to transition from blonde to brown?
Yes, you can use box dye to transition from blonde to brown. Take your time and follow the instructions on the box for the best results.
What’s the best method to dye bleached hair brown at home?
The best method to dye bleached hair brown at home involves using a protein filler and the right shade of hair dye. Start by applying a protein filler to even out the hair’s porosity. Then, choose a dye 2-3 shades lighter than your desired colour.