How to Dye Bleached Hair

You can change your hair color subtly or boldly, whether it's simply adding silver, creating highlights, or transforming your hair into vibrant shades like blue, purple, or pink, or even blending multiple colors together. The natural color of your hair is gone after bleaching, and now it's ready to absorb a new hue. This can be a lengthy process requiring careful attention, so pick a time when you're not too tired and can focus to achieve the desired result.

Determine the desired hair color. After bleaching, you need to decide on the color you want. The hair's outer layer has been disrupted during the bleaching process, allowing the hydrogen peroxide (the main ingredient in bleach) to penetrate and strip the hair of its natural color. Depending on your original color and the length of time the hydrogen peroxide was on your hair, your hair may appear yellow, white, or slightly reddish after bleaching. Now your hair is ready for color, and it will absorb it more quickly and deeply than if it were not bleached. You can choose natural shades like browns, blacks, reds, or blondes, or opt for bright colors like cherry red, blue, purple, pink, or other vibrant hues. For a more natural effect, it's best to select a color that's 1-3 shades away from your natural hair color.

• Consider the color of your hair after bleaching and the base color of the dye you plan to use. These two colors may clash, resulting in unexpected outcomes. If your bleached hair is yellow and you use a blue dye, your hair may turn green after dyeing. On the other hand, purple-based dyes will complement the yellow of your hair and create a more beautiful result. You can refer to the color wheel to help select a suitable shade. To find the base color of the dye, look for a "color chart" or a similar section on the manufacturer's website, which categorizes colors into warm, cool, and neutral tones. You can also purchase different components of the hair dye kit at beauty stores. The packaging of these products will indicate their base colors (e.g., blue, blue-purple, purple, red-purple, red, etc.). By paying attention to the dye's color chart, you can reduce the risk of your hair not taking the desired color.
• Look back at photos from your childhood. This will give you an idea of how your hair will react to certain colors. Hair with warm tones (like honey blonde or similar shades) will respond better to warm colors. Similarly, hair with cool tones (like ash blonde or chestnut brown) will have cooler tones after dyeing.
• Keep in mind the work environment when dyeing your hair; many workplaces consider unnatural, bright colors to be unprofessional.

Determine how long you want to keep your dyed hair color. There are various types of hair dyes available in the market, including permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary dyes, each offering different durations of color retention. These hair dyes can be purchased at beauty stores or supermarkets.

• Permanent hair dye is highly durable and can provide natural-looking colors, as well as vibrant or bold shades. However, permanent dyes can be harsh on the hair due to their strength and need to stay on the hair for a significant period of time during the dyeing process.
• Semi-permanent dyes are less long-lasting than permanent ones, typically lasting through 20-25 washes. This type of dye can darken your hair by 1-2 shades and also create eye-catching highlights.
• Temporary hair dyes are available with shorter color retention times.
• Semi-temporary dyes offer more natural-looking colors and typically last through 10 washes. These dyes don't require mixing and can be applied directly after opening the box. Temporary dyes will fade gradually, especially with exposure to air and shampoo. They usually don't contain ammonia or peroxide, making them better for weak or damaged hair.
• Temporary dyes are often used for color touch-ups or experimenting with different hair colors. They may come in forms like dye shampoos, foam creams, spray dyes, hair chalks, and wax dyes. Temporary dyes coat the hair shaft rather than penetrating it, meaning the color will wash out in 1-3 shampoos. Be aware that after the temporary dye fades, the resulting color may not be what you expected. For example, if you bleach your hair and use temporary blue dye, you might end up with green hair once the blue fades.

Condition your hair with a deep conditioner beforehand. Used 1-2 days before dyeing bleached hair, deep conditioners restore moisture lost during the bleaching process. There are many options for deep conditioners, ranging from affordable store-bought products to expensive ones, as well as DIY deep conditioning treatments. DIY deep conditioners typically use food ingredients. You can search online for "deep conditioner recipes" that feature ingredients like bananas, avocados, mayonnaise, yogurt, eggs, coconut oil, and others. This step helps prevent your hair from becoming brittle after dyeing by adding moisture and improving hair elasticity, which is its ability to return to its natural shape. It's ideal to condition your hair before bleaching, but if that's not possible, you should still apply deep conditioner before dyeing your hair again.

Use a protein treatment for your hair. Protein treatments fill in gaps in the hair strands, promoting even color application and enhancing the vibrancy of the dye. Protein is often included in hair dye formulations as well. To apply protein directly to your hair, simply rub a small amount between your palms and spread it across your hair. There's no need to rinse it out before dyeing. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of protein treatment to your hair dye (but be cautious, as adding too much protein can dilute the dye and cause it to drip).

• If you want to adjust the color of your hair, you can also use a protein treatment. For example, if you're aiming to change bleached yellow hair to a warm brown, you need to combine three basic colors (red, yellow, and blue). In this case, yellow is the color of the bleached hair, so you should use red protein treatment with brown dye that has a cool blue undertone. When combined, these colors will yield the desired result.

Test for skin reactions. This step may seem like a hassle when you're eager to start dyeing your hair, but it's crucial to avoid severe rashes (or worse) if you're allergic to any of the ingredients in the dye. To test for a skin reaction, apply a small amount of dye behind your ear and leave it for 24-48 hours. Check for any signs of allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, or a burning sensation. If any signs of an allergic reaction occur, even mildly, you should try a different dye. Be sure to conduct a skin test with any new dye you try.

Prevent staining. Chemical hair dyes can easily stain your skin and hands, so it's important to protect your skin properly. Wear gloves and an old towel around your shoulders to shield your clothes. Apply a small amount of Vaseline along the hairline and neck to prevent dye from staining your skin. Have a bottle of alcohol-based toner (skin toner) on hand to quickly wipe off any dye that drips onto your skin, countertops, or floor.

Mix the dye. If you're using permanent dye, you will typically need to mix the dye with a developer to achieve the desired color. Follow the instructions on the product packaging to mix the ingredients properly.

Test the dye on a small strand of hair. Take a few strands of hair from the back of your neck and apply the dye, starting from the roots and working your way to the tips. Set a timer according to the recommended time in the instructions (about 20 minutes). Rinse or wipe the dye off, then place the hair on a white towel to check the color. This step helps you determine whether the dye color meets your expectations before applying it to your entire head. It also allows you to estimate how long the dye should remain on your hair.

Apply the dye to your hair. Divide your hair into four sections. Pin up three sections while you apply the dye to the fourth section. Apply the dye to each section, about 2.5 cm wide, starting from the roots and moving down to the tips, ensuring the hair is thoroughly saturated. Once all four sections are done, massage the dye through your hair as if you were shampooing it. Be sure to read the instructions on the dye box for proper usage.

Set a timer. Read the instructions on the dye box to find the recommended processing time. Typically, you will leave the dye on for about 20 minutes or longer, starting the timer when you apply the dye to the last section of your hair.

• Some dyes even recommend using a blow dryer to help the color process more effectively.

Rinse out the dye and apply conditioner. Gently rinse your hair with warm water until the water runs clear. Use the conditioner that came with the dye kit and apply it to your hair. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time on the packaging, then rinse it out thoroughly.

Pat your hair dry with a towel or let it air dry naturally. Using a blow dryer can further dry out your hair and may cause significant damage while it's in a fragile state. Avoid assessing the color while your hair is still wet, as it will always appear darker when damp.

Avoid washing your hair for 2-3 days. Water, soap, and heat can reduce the dye’s adherence to the hair, causing the color to fade. After dyeing, it's best to leave your hair for three days to allow the color to fully set into the cuticle, which is open during the dyeing process. If the color fades after washing, you can re-dye your hair, but keep in mind that it may cause further damage. If your bleached hair doesn’t take the color well, consider seeking professional help at a salon for restoration.

Care for your hair. Your hair will be dry and brittle after dyeing, so it will need deep conditioning to restore moisture and elasticity. Use a deep conditioner (either store-bought or homemade) at least once a week, leaving it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing out. It may be more effective if you apply heat using a blow dryer while the conditioner is in your hair. If you’re using a homemade deep conditioner with food ingredients, ensure it's still fresh and not spoiled. If you made the conditioner several days (or a week) prior, especially if stored in the fridge, dispose of it and mix up a fresh batch.

Touch up your color every 6-8 weeks. If you're happy with your current hair color, you may want to maintain it. Even if you've chosen a permanent dye, the color will begin to fade, and your natural hair will start to grow back in 6-8 weeks. However, you don't need to re-dye your entire hair; simply focus on the roots. Apply dye to your scalp and brush it through the remaining hair before the recommended processing time runs out.

• For the most effective touch-up, apply dye only to the newly grown hair and stop when you reach the previously dyed sections.

Decide on the hair color you want. After bleaching your hair, the next step is choosing the color you wish to dye it. The bleaching process opens up the hair's cuticle, allowing the peroxide (the main ingredient in bleach) to penetrate and strip the natural hair color. Depending on your natural hair color and the time the bleach was applied, your hair may now appear yellow, white, or slightly reddish. Food coloring typically comes in four colors (red, yellow, green, and blue), and these can be mixed to create a variety of shades. For instance, red and green make brown, yellow and red combine to form orange, and blue and red create purple.

• Don’t forget to consider the bleached hair color. The base color plays a role in the final result.

Mix the dye. Add a few drops of food coloring to an empty shampoo bottle. The recommended ratio is 6 drops of food coloring for every 30 ml of shampoo. Make enough mixture to cover the hair sections you plan to dye. Seal the bottle and shake to mix well. Add 1 tablespoon of water, seal it again, and shake for another 2 minutes. You now have your homemade dye ready to use.

Test the color on a strand of hair. Take a small section of hair from the back of your head and apply the dye, starting from the roots and working down to the tips. Set a timer for 20 minutes and check the color. If it's not the desired shade, leave it on for a little longer. Rinse or wipe off the dye, then place the strand on a white towel for another test. This step helps you determine if the color is what you expected before dyeing your entire head and also gives you an idea of how long the dye should stay on.

Apply the dye to your hair. Divide your hair into four sections. Pin three sections back while you work on the fourth one. Apply the dye to each section starting from the roots and smoothing it down to the tips. Once all four sections are covered, massage the dye into your entire head of hair as if you're shampooing.

Cover your hair and start the timer. Use an old shower cap to cover your hair and leave the dye on for anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how intense you want the color. Start timing from the moment you finish applying the dye to the last section of hair.

Rinse your hair. Gently rinse out the dye with warm water until the water runs clear.

Dry your hair. Use a towel or a blow dryer to dry your hair. Alternatively, you can allow it to air dry. Since this is not a chemical dye, it won't leave your hair brittle, so you can safely blow dry your hair immediately after dyeing.

Avoid washing your hair for 2-3 days. Water, soap, and heat can reduce the color’s adherence to your hair, causing it to fade. After dyeing, it's best to leave the color in for 3 days, allowing the dye to set into the hair cuticle. The color may not be exactly as you expect once it starts to fade. For instance, if you’ve bleached your hair and dyed it bright red, the color may turn orange as the red fades.

Dip-dye your hair with Kool-Aid drink mix powder. Dip-dyeing involves dipping the tips of your hair into the dye solution. This technique is easier than applying the dye to your entire head, as Kool-Aid is more difficult to manage than regular hair dye (since it's liquid rather than creamy). The dye can easily stain and might leave marks on your skin.

Choose and mix the Kool-Aid powder. Select sugar-free Kool-Aid powder in a flavor that will give you the color you want. Tropical Punch will give you a brighter red, Cherry will result in a deeper red, and Black Cherry combined with Strawberry will yield a bright red shade. Don't forget to account for your pre-lightened hair color, as this will also influence the final dye result. Pour 1 cup of warm or hot water into a bowl, then mix in 3 packets of Kool-Aid powder and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, stirring well to ensure the powder dissolves completely.

Test the color on a strand of hair. Take a small section of hair from the nape of your neck and dip it into the Kool-Aid mixture. Set a timer for 20 minutes and check the color. If it's not as expected, leave it a little longer. Rinse the color out or wipe it off and lay the strand on a white towel to check it again. This step helps you determine if the color is what you want before dyeing your whole head, and it also lets you estimate the necessary soaking time for your hair.

Dip your hair into the dye. Tie your hair into a ponytail and dip the entire ponytail into the Kool-Aid mixture. You'll need to stay still for about 30 minutes while your hair soaks, so be sure to have a book or a movie ready to pass the time. Set a timer to track the soaking duration.

Rinse your hair. Gently rinse your hair with warm water until the water runs clear.

Dry your hair. Use a towel or a blow dryer to dry your hair. Alternatively, you can let it air dry. Since this is not a chemical dye, your hair won't become brittle, so you can safely use a blow dryer right after dyeing.

Avoid washing your hair for 2-3 days. Water, soap, and heat can weaken the bond of the dye to your hair, causing the color to fade. It is recommended to leave your hair untouched for 3 days to allow the dye to fully absorb into the hair cuticle. Your hair color may not look exactly as expected after the dye fades. For example, if you bleached your hair and dyed it bright red, it could turn orange as the red fades away.

Prepare the dye. Coffee dye will give you a chocolate brown hair color. Brew a strong pot of coffee and allow it to cool. Pour 1 cup of brewed coffee and 2 cups of dry conditioner into an empty shampoo bottle. Add 2 tablespoons of used coffee grounds and stir well.

Apply the dye to your hair. Divide your hair into 4 sections. Clip 3 sections back while you dye the fourth section. Using your hands, massage the dye into your hair starting from the roots and working down to the ends. Once you've applied the dye to all 4 sections, massage it through your entire head like you're shampooing your hair.

Cover your hair and start the timer. Use an old shower cap to cover your hair and leave the dye on for about 1 hour. Start timing once you've applied the dye to the last section of your hair.

Rinse your hair thoroughly. Gently rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar to help the coffee color settle in, then rinse with cool water until it runs clear.

Dry your hair. Use a towel or blow dryer to dry your hair, or simply let it air dry. Since this is not a chemical dye, your hair won't become brittle, allowing you to use a blow dryer immediately after coloring.

Avoid washing your hair for 2-3 days. Water, soap, and heat can reduce the color's ability to adhere to your hair, causing it to fade. After dyeing your hair, leave it untouched for 3 days to allow the color to penetrate the hair cuticle.

Choose your desired hair color. After bleaching, decide the color you want. The bleaching process damages the cuticle, allowing hydrogen peroxide (the main bleaching agent) to lighten your hair. Depending on your natural color and the time the bleach is left in, your hair may turn yellow, white, or slightly red. Plant-based dyes can offer natural colors with fewer risks compared to harsh chemical dyes. Teas, henna, and other herbs are excellent for dyeing. Tea can create a range of colors from brown or black to golden or red. Black tea is great for dark shades, Roman chamomile enhances yellow hues, and rooibos (South African red tea) produces red tones. Henna provides rich, dark shades and is available in natural food or herbal stores. It also thickens hair by coating each strand. You should consider your bleached hair's current color as it contributes to the overall mix.

Mixing the dye. You can use the formulas provided here or look up additional recipes online for the right ratios to achieve your desired color.

• Using henna powder. Combine henna powder with chamomile or another lighter herb to soften the intensity of the color after dyeing. Mix 2 parts henna powder with 1 part chamomile powder in a non-metal bowl. Pour hot water to create a paste, then add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and allow it to cool.
• Using tea bags or loose tea. Place 3-5 tea bags (or the equivalent amount of loose tea) into 2 cups of water and boil for 3-5 minutes. Let the tea cool and pour it into a bottle.
• Using black walnut powder. For a rich brown color, combine ¼ cup of black walnut powder with 3 cups of water and let it sit overnight. Rinse your hair with this mixture daily to maintain a deep and intense color.
• Search online for other mixtures. Use the search term “natural hair dye recipes” to discover formulas using other herbs like marigold petals, yellow chrysanthemums, rosemary leaves, and more.

Test the color on a strand of hair. Take a few small strands from the back of your neck and apply the dye, starting from the roots and working towards the tips. Set a timer for 20 minutes and check the result. If the color is not as expected, add more time. Rinse or wipe off the dye and place the strands on a white towel for another check. This step helps you verify if the color matches your expectations before dyeing all of your hair, and it allows you to estimate the dyeing time.

Apply the dye to your hair. Divide your hair into 4 sections. Pin 3 sections back while applying the dye to the fourth section. Use your hands to apply the dye, starting from the roots and working down to the ends. After applying dye to all 4 sections, massage the dye through your hair as if shampooing.

Cover your hair and start the timer. Use an old shower cap to cover your hair and leave the dye on for anywhere between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the herb and the intensity of color you desire. Start the timer once you’ve applied the dye to the last section of your hair.

Rinse your hair thoroughly. Gently rinse out the dye with warm water until the water runs clear.

Drying your hair. You can use a towel or a blow dryer to dry your hair, or simply let it air dry. Since this is not a chemical dye, it won't make your hair brittle, so you can safely use a blow dryer to dry your hair immediately after dyeing.

Avoid washing your hair for 2-3 days. Water, soap, and heat can cause the color to fade and wash out. Allow the color to settle into the hair cuticle for three days to maintain its intensity.

Choose the desired hair color. After bleaching, you need to decide on the color you want. The hair cuticle has been opened during the bleaching process, allowing hydrogen peroxide (the main ingredient in hair bleach) to enter and strip the color. Depending on your natural hair color and how long the bleach was left in, your hair may turn yellow, white, or slightly red. You can opt for natural colors like brown, black, red, or golden hues, or go for bold shades like cherry red, sky blue, purple, pink, or other vibrant colors. Keep in mind your work environment when choosing a color, as many workplaces consider brightly colored hair unprofessional. For a more natural effect, pick a shade that's 1-3 tones away from your natural hair color. Looking at childhood photos will help you understand how your hair reacts to different colors. Hair with warm undertones (like honey blonde) responds well to warm shades, while hair with cool undertones (such as ash blonde or chestnut brown) will pick up cooler tones when dyed.

Bring a photo of your desired hair color to the salon. Find images of the hair color you want in magazines and bring them to the salon with you. This will help the stylist visualize the color you desire. Magazines, social media, Pinterest, and other media can inspire your choice.

Consult with a hairstylist. Hairstylists are experts at mixing colors, highlighting, and lowlighting. They understand how to achieve the best hair color for you. They are trained in the chemistry of hair dyes and know how different colors will interact with each other.

Inform your hairstylist if you're sensitive to hair dyes or other chemicals. They may suggest a patch test for allergies and reschedule your appointment, or recommend a gentler dye that might be better suited for you.

Consider dyeing your hair at a beauty school. Hair dyeing services at salons can be expensive, often starting at several hundred thousand. Beauty schools are training centers for hairstylists, and they usually offer affordable haircuts and coloring services. Experienced professionals supervise students, guiding them and correcting mistakes to ensure the client’s hair isn’t damaged. Prices typically depend on the expertise of the supervising professionals.

Schedule your next hair appointment. To maintain your beautiful hair color, it's recommended to visit the salon every 6-8 weeks for color touch-ups.

• Some doctors advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid using chemical hair dyes. A small amount of chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and may be passed to the fetus or through breast milk. However, the amount is minimal, and the risk of transmission is quite low. If you're concerned about this, you can consult a doctor or opt for natural hair dye alternatives.
• Certain chemical hair dyes have been linked to cancer. Hair dyes formulated before the 1970s were found to have associations with cancer, which led to changes in some ingredients. However, modern dyes still contain substances considered to have potential cancer risks. Studies on the direct link between hair dyes and cancer have shown mixed results. If you're worried about this issue, consider consulting a doctor or using natural hair dye alternatives.
• Avoid using chemical dyes on your eyelashes or eyebrows. Dyes can easily come into contact with the eyes, causing severe irritation or even leading to vision loss. It's best to consult with a hairstylist or beauty professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• The lighter the bleached hair color, the more vibrant the color will appear, especially with pastel shades like red, pink, purple, and blue. If you prefer a softer, more delicate look, you should take this factor into account.