Dyeing your hair black after bleaching it can seem like a straightforward process, but achieving a rich, even, and long-lasting result requires careful planning and execution. Bleaching significantly alters your hair’s structure, making it more porous and susceptible to damage. This means that applying black dye directly without proper preparation can lead to uneven color, rapid fading, and increased dryness and breakage. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to dye black hair over bleached hair successfully, covering everything from pre-dyeing treatments to aftercare routines.
Understanding the Challenges of Dyeing Bleached Hair Black
Bleached hair presents unique challenges when it comes to applying darker colors, especially black. The bleaching process strips away the natural pigments in your hair, leaving it lightened but also more vulnerable. The porosity of bleached hair is significantly increased, meaning it absorbs moisture (and dye) much more quickly than untreated hair. This can lead to patchy or uneven color application if you’re not careful.
Another common problem is “color filler fall out,” where the black dye fades rapidly, revealing unwanted undertones, often brassy or green, that were not properly neutralized during the initial bleaching process. Bleached hair is also more prone to damage, so the additional chemical processing of dyeing it black needs to be done with gentle and protective techniques.
Preparing Your Hair for Black Dye
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful black dye job on bleached hair. It involves addressing the porosity and potential damage, as well as ensuring that the hair is in the best possible condition to receive the new color.
Assessing Your Hair’s Condition
Before you even think about opening a dye box, take a good look at your hair. Is it dry and brittle? Does it break easily? Does it feel gummy when wet? These are all signs of damage that need to be addressed before dyeing. If your hair is severely damaged, consider postponing the dye job and focusing on intensive repair treatments first. Damaged hair will not hold color well and is more likely to suffer further breakage.
Protein Treatments
Protein treatments help to rebuild the hair’s structure by filling in the gaps created during the bleaching process. These treatments strengthen the hair shaft and reduce porosity, allowing the black dye to adhere more evenly and last longer. Look for products containing ingredients like keratin, collagen, or silk amino acids. Apply the protein treatment according to the product instructions, and be careful not to overuse it, as too much protein can make the hair brittle.
Moisturizing Treatments
Bleaching can leave your hair extremely dry, so moisturizing treatments are essential. Hydrated hair is more elastic and less likely to break. Use deep conditioners, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners to replenish moisture. Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, or hyaluronic acid. Consistent moisturizing will improve your hair’s overall health and its ability to retain color.
Color Filler: Neutralizing Underlying Tones
One of the most important steps in preparing bleached hair for black dye is using a color filler. This involves applying a dye that contains warm tones, such as red or orange, to counteract the cool tones that often emerge after bleaching. A color filler creates a balanced base for the black dye, preventing it from fading to green or blue. Choose a color filler that is one to two shades lighter than your desired black. Apply it according to the product instructions, and rinse thoroughly before proceeding with the black dye.
Choosing the Right Black Dye
Not all black dyes are created equal. When dyeing bleached hair, it’s important to choose a formula that is gentle, long-lasting, and specifically designed for processed hair.
Permanent vs. Demi-Permanent Dye
Permanent dyes provide the most long-lasting color but can also be more damaging. Demi-permanent dyes are gentler and gradually fade over time, making them a good option for those who are unsure about committing to a permanent black. For bleached hair, a demi-permanent dye is often recommended, as it causes less damage and still provides good color coverage.
Ammonia-Free Options
Ammonia is a harsh chemical that can further damage bleached hair. Look for ammonia-free dye options, as they are gentler and less likely to cause breakage. These dyes often contain nourishing ingredients that help to protect and condition the hair during the dyeing process.
Considering Undertones
Black dye comes in different undertones, such as blue-black, jet black, and natural black. Consider your skin tone and desired look when choosing the right undertone. Cool undertones (blue-black) can complement fair skin, while warm undertones (natural black) can look great on darker skin tones. Do some research and look at examples of different black shades on various skin tones to help you make the best choice.
The Dyeing Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have prepared your hair and chosen the right dye, it’s time to start the dyeing process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful and even application.
Patch Test and Strand Test
Before applying the dye to your entire head, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for allergies. Also, do a strand test on a hidden section of your hair to see how the dye will look and how long it will take to develop. These tests can prevent allergic reactions and unexpected color results.
Protecting Your Skin and Clothes
Wear gloves and an old shirt to protect your skin and clothes from staining. Apply petroleum jelly to your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
Applying the Dye Evenly
Divide your hair into small sections and apply the dye evenly from root to tip. Use a dye brush to ensure thorough coverage. Pay close attention to the roots, as they tend to be more resistant to color.
Processing Time
Follow the dye instructions carefully for processing time. Do not leave the dye on for longer than recommended, as this can damage your hair.
Rinsing and Conditioning
Rinse the dye thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a deep conditioner to help restore moisture and seal in the color. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing again.
Aftercare: Maintaining Your Black Hair Color
Proper aftercare is essential for maintaining the vibrancy and health of your newly dyed black hair.
Using Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Use shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle and prevent color fading. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as they can strip the color from your hair.
Washing Your Hair Less Frequently
Washing your hair too often can cause the color to fade faster. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, and use dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil.
Avoiding Heat Styling
Heat styling can damage colored hair and cause the color to fade. Minimize your use of heat styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. When you do use heat, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Deep Conditioning Regularly
Continue to use deep conditioning treatments regularly to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. This will help to prevent breakage and maintain the vibrancy of your black color.
Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
The sun can fade hair color, so protect your hair from direct sunlight by wearing a hat or using a hair product with UV protection.
Touch-Ups
As your hair grows, you may need to touch up the roots to maintain a consistent black color. Use the same dye that you used for the initial application and follow the instructions carefully.
Gloss Treatments
Consider using a gloss treatment every few weeks to boost shine and refresh your black color. Glosses deposit a small amount of color and help to seal the cuticle, making your hair look healthier and more vibrant.
Dyeing bleached hair black requires patience, preparation, and proper aftercare. By following these steps, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting black color without compromising the health of your hair. Remember to prioritize your hair’s condition and choose products that are gentle and nourishing.
Why is dyeing black over bleached hair tricky?
Dyeing black over bleached hair can be challenging due to the porosity of bleached hair. Bleaching strips the hair of its natural pigments and opens up the hair cuticle, making it more absorbent. This increased porosity means the hair is more likely to grab color unevenly and fade quickly, resulting in a patchy or dull black rather than a rich, consistent shade.
Moreover, bleached hair often has underlying warm tones (yellow, orange) that can affect the final black color. These warm tones can cause the black dye to appear muddy or less vibrant, especially if the dye isn’t formulated to neutralize these tones. Without proper preparation and color correction, the bleached hair may not hold the black pigment effectively, leading to disappointing results.
What steps should I take to prepare my bleached hair before dyeing it black?
Before applying black dye, it’s crucial to fill the porosity of your bleached hair. Use a protein filler treatment a few days before dyeing to strengthen the hair shaft and create a more even surface for the black dye to adhere to. Follow this with a moisturizing deep conditioner to rehydrate the hair and prevent it from becoming too dry during the dyeing process.
Also, consider using a color depositing mask or toner in a shade that neutralizes any remaining warm tones in your bleached hair. This will help create a more neutral base for the black dye, ensuring a truer and more vibrant result. Ensure that your hair is clean and dry before applying the black dye.
What type of black dye should I use on bleached hair?
When dyeing bleached hair black, opt for a demi-permanent or semi-permanent dye instead of permanent dye, especially for the initial application. Demi-permanent dyes deposit color without significantly lifting the hair’s natural pigment, minimizing further damage to already compromised bleached hair. These dyes also tend to fade more gracefully, allowing for easier adjustments in the future.
Look for dyes specifically formulated to cover bleached or damaged hair. These dyes often contain moisturizing ingredients and color-locking technologies that help the black pigment adhere better to the hair shaft and prevent premature fading. Also, choose a shade of black that complements your skin tone and personal style. Consider a black with cool undertones (blue, violet) if you want a richer, deeper black that minimizes any lingering warm tones.
How do I apply black dye evenly to bleached hair?
To achieve an even application, section your hair into small, manageable sections using clips. Apply the black dye liberally and evenly to each section, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Ensure every strand is saturated with dye to prevent patchiness and uneven color distribution.
Use a tint brush to meticulously apply the dye, paying close attention to the hairline and the roots, where color tends to fade fastest. Massage the dye into each section to ensure thorough coverage and penetration. Once you’ve applied the dye to all sections, comb through your hair to evenly distribute the product and eliminate any potential gaps.
How long should I leave the black dye on bleached hair?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the processing time for the black dye. Generally, demi-permanent and semi-permanent dyes require a longer processing time than permanent dyes. Leaving the dye on for the recommended time allows the color molecules to fully penetrate the hair shaft and deposit the black pigment effectively.
However, be cautious not to exceed the recommended processing time, as over-processing can lead to damage and dryness, especially for already compromised bleached hair. Regularly check the color development during the processing time to ensure you achieve the desired shade of black. Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
How can I prevent the black dye from fading quickly on bleached hair?
To prevent rapid fading, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for dark hair. These products help maintain the vibrancy of the black pigment and prevent it from washing out with each shampoo. Avoid using harsh sulfates and other aggressive cleansing agents, as these can strip the color and dry out the hair.
Minimize washing your hair frequently. Over-washing can accelerate fading, especially in porous bleached hair. When you do wash your hair, use cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can open up the hair cuticle and release the dye molecules. Additionally, protect your hair from sun exposure, which can also cause color to fade. Use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection or wear a hat when spending time outdoors.
What if the black dye fades to an undesirable tone on my bleached hair?
If the black dye fades to an undesirable tone (e.g., greenish or reddish), use a color-depositing conditioner or mask in a shade that neutralizes the unwanted tones. For example, a blue-based conditioner can counteract brassiness or orange tones, while a green-based conditioner can neutralize red tones. Apply the color-depositing product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Alternatively, consider using a semi-permanent black hair gloss to refresh the color and add shine. Hair glosses are temporary color treatments that can help even out the tone and enhance the vibrancy of your black hair. If the fading is significant or uneven, you may need to reapply the black dye, ensuring that you follow the preparation steps mentioned earlier to minimize further damage and promote even color absorption.