Dye Bleached Hair Back To Natural Color A Step-by-Step Guide
Hey guys! Ever bleached your hair and then thought, "Oops, maybe I want my natural color back?" It’s a super common situation, and you're definitely not alone. Going back to your roots (literally!) can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can totally nail it. This guide, packed with pro tips from a professional hair stylist, will walk you through everything you need to know to dye your bleached hair back to its natural color while keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Understanding the Process
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why dyeing bleached hair back is a bit different than a regular color job. Bleaching strips your hair of its natural pigment, leaving it porous and more susceptible to damage. Think of it like this: your hair's cuticle, the outer layer, is like shingles on a roof. Bleach lifts those shingles, making the hair shaft more open and prone to losing moisture and color. That's why color can fade faster on bleached hair. Additionally, the underlying tones left after bleaching (usually yellow or orange) can interfere with your desired result if not properly addressed. Understanding these factors is the first step in achieving a successful and long-lasting color transformation.
When you're dealing with bleached hair and aiming to restore your natural color, it's not just about slapping on any dye. The process requires a strategic approach to ensure the color adheres properly and looks natural. The porosity of bleached hair, which we discussed earlier, means it absorbs color quickly, but it also releases it just as fast. This can lead to uneven color distribution and rapid fading if you're not careful. Moreover, the absence of natural pigments means you're essentially starting with a blank canvas, which requires careful color selection and application techniques to mimic the multi-dimensional look of natural hair. This involves considering the underlying tones in your bleached hair and using a color formula that neutralizes those tones while depositing your desired shade. A professional stylist understands these nuances and can customize a plan to achieve the best possible results, minimizing the risk of unwanted hues or damage.
Another critical aspect of the process is preparing your hair for the color treatment. Bleached hair tends to be dry and brittle, making it essential to replenish moisture and protein before applying dye. Deep conditioning treatments and protein masks can help strengthen the hair shaft and create a smoother surface for color to adhere to. This not only improves the vibrancy and longevity of the color but also reduces the risk of further damage during the dyeing process. Additionally, it's important to avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours before coloring, as the natural oils on your scalp can act as a protective barrier against harsh chemicals. By taking these preparatory steps, you're setting the stage for a healthier and more successful color transformation, ensuring your hair looks and feels its best after the treatment.
Choosing the Right Color
Okay, this is crucial. Don't just grab any box off the shelf that looks close to your natural color. Matching your natural shade is trickier than it seems. First, think about your natural hair color – is it warm, cool, or neutral? Warm tones have hints of gold, red, or orange, while cool tones lean towards blues, purples, or greens. Neutral tones are, well, in the middle! Holding color swatches up to your roots (if you have some regrowth) in natural light is a great way to compare shades. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and go a shade lighter. It’s always easier to go darker later than to try and lighten hair that’s been freshly dyed.
When selecting the perfect shade to revert your bleached hair back to its natural color, it's essential to consider the concept of undertones. As we've discussed, bleached hair often reveals underlying pigments like yellow or orange. If you simply apply a dye that matches your natural color without accounting for these undertones, you might end up with a result that's too warm or muddy. For instance, if your bleached hair has a lot of yellow, applying a neutral brown dye might result in a greenish tint. To counteract this, you might need to incorporate a color with cool undertones, such as ash or violet, to neutralize the yellow. Similarly, if your hair has orange undertones, a blue-based dye can help balance the warmth. This color correction process is a fundamental aspect of professional hair coloring, and it's what allows stylists to achieve natural-looking, multi-dimensional results.
Beyond undertones, it's also vital to consider the level of the dye. Hair color levels range from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde), and you'll want to choose a dye that matches your natural hair level as closely as possible. This might require a bit of research and comparison, but it's a crucial step in achieving a seamless transition. If you're unsure about your natural level, you can consult a professional color chart or seek advice from a stylist. It's also worth noting that natural hair color isn't usually a single, uniform shade. It often has variations in tone and depth, which contribute to its natural appearance. To replicate this, you might consider using a dye with multiple tones or even blending two slightly different shades to create a more realistic result. This attention to detail can make a significant difference in the final outcome, ensuring your hair looks naturally beautiful and vibrant.
Gathering Your Supplies
Time to get organized! You'll need: your chosen hair dye (obvi!), a developer (usually comes with the dye, but make sure it's the right volume – more on that later), a mixing bowl, an applicator brush, gloves (super important!), an old towel (dye stains, guys!), hair clips, a timer, and a deep conditioner. Having everything ready before you start will make the process way smoother. You might also want to grab a color-depositing conditioner in your chosen shade to help maintain the color and prevent fading down the road.
When assembling your supplies for dyeing your bleached hair back to its natural color, it's crucial to pay close attention to the developer volume. The developer is a hydrogen peroxide solution that opens the hair cuticle, allowing the dye to penetrate the hair shaft. The volume of the developer indicates its strength, and choosing the right volume is essential for achieving the desired color result and minimizing damage. For dyeing bleached hair back to a darker shade, a low-volume developer, such as 10 or 20 volume, is generally recommended. These lower volumes deposit color without lifting the hair's natural pigment, which is ideal for transitioning from light to dark. Using a higher volume developer on bleached hair can lead to unnecessary damage and potentially result in uneven color or hot roots (where the roots process faster and appear lighter than the rest of the hair).
In addition to the developer volume, it's also wise to consider the quality of the dye you're using. Investing in a reputable brand that offers a wide range of shades and consistent results can make a significant difference in the final outcome. Look for dyes that are specifically formulated for bleached or damaged hair, as these often contain conditioning agents that help protect and nourish the hair during the coloring process. Semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes are generally gentler options for bleached hair, as they don't contain ammonia and deposit color without significantly altering the hair's structure. However, they also tend to fade faster than permanent dyes, so you'll need to be prepared to touch up the color more frequently. Ultimately, choosing the right dye and developer is a balancing act between achieving your desired color and maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s do this! First, do a strand test. This is non-negotiable, especially with bleached hair. Apply the dye to a small, hidden section of your hair (like underneath) and see how it takes. This will save you from any major color surprises. If the strand test looks good, proceed with the full application. Protect your clothes and skin with the towel and gloves. Mix the dye and developer according to the instructions. Section your hair and apply the dye evenly, starting at the roots. Work your way down to the ends, making sure every strand is saturated. Once you’re done, set a timer for the recommended processing time (usually on the dye box). Don’t leave it on longer than recommended, as this can damage your hair.
When embarking on the application process of dyeing your bleached hair back to its natural color, precision and attention to detail are paramount. Starting at the roots is a common recommendation because the roots are typically the virgin hair (hair that hasn't been previously treated) and require the most processing time. Applying the dye to the roots first ensures that they receive adequate color saturation and blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair. However, with bleached hair, it's important to be mindful of the fact that the roots may process faster due to the heat from your scalp. To avoid hot roots, some stylists recommend applying the dye to the mid-lengths and ends first, leaving the roots for the last 15-20 minutes of the processing time. This technique allows for even color distribution and prevents the roots from becoming significantly darker or brighter than the rest of the hair.
Another critical aspect of the application process is ensuring even saturation. Bleached hair is highly porous and absorbs color quickly, so any missed spots or uneven application can result in a patchy or streaky appearance. To avoid this, it's essential to work in small, manageable sections and thoroughly saturate each strand of hair with dye. Using an applicator brush can help you achieve precise and even coverage, especially around the hairline and part. It's also helpful to have a mirror handy so you can check the back of your head and ensure no areas are missed. Once you've applied the dye, gently massage it into your hair to ensure even distribution. Remember, patience and meticulousness are key to achieving a flawless, natural-looking color result.
Rinsing and Aftercare
Time’s up! Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. This is super important to remove all the dye. Then, apply the deep conditioner that came with the dye (or your own). Leave it on for the recommended time and rinse again. When your hair is still damp, be extra gentle – it’s more fragile when wet. Avoid heat styling for a few days to give your hair a break. And remember that color-depositing conditioner we talked about? Now’s a great time to start using it to keep your color fresh.
Proper rinsing and aftercare are just as crucial as the dyeing process itself when it comes to restoring your bleached hair to its natural color. Rinsing with cool water helps to seal the hair cuticle, which, as we discussed earlier, is the outer layer of the hair shaft. Sealing the cuticle helps to lock in the color molecules, preventing them from fading quickly. Hot water, on the other hand, can cause the cuticle to open, allowing color to leach out. Rinsing until the water runs clear is essential to ensure all excess dye is removed, which can prevent staining and buildup on the scalp. It's also a good idea to avoid using harsh shampoos immediately after dyeing your hair, as these can strip the color and dry out your strands.
Following up with a deep conditioning treatment is vital for replenishing moisture and protein lost during the bleaching and dyeing processes. Bleached hair tends to be dry and brittle, making it prone to breakage and split ends. A deep conditioner helps to hydrate and nourish the hair, restoring its elasticity and strength. Look for conditioners that contain ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and natural oils, as these can help to repair and strengthen damaged hair. Leaving the conditioner on for the recommended time, or even longer, can allow it to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. In addition to deep conditioning, incorporating a color-depositing conditioner into your regular hair care routine can help to maintain the vibrancy of your color and prevent fading. These conditioners deposit a small amount of pigment each time you use them, helping to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant between dye jobs. By prioritizing proper rinsing and aftercare, you can ensure your newly colored hair stays healthy, shiny, and beautiful.
Maintaining Your Natural Color
So, you’ve got your natural color back – awesome! Now, how do you keep it looking its best? First, use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. These are formulated to be gentle on dyed hair and won’t strip the color as quickly as regular shampoos. Wash your hair less often – every other day or even every three days is ideal. When you do wash, use cool water. Heat fades color, remember? Deep condition regularly, especially if your hair is still feeling dry or damaged. And try to minimize heat styling. If you do use heat, always use a heat protectant spray. Finally, schedule regular trims to get rid of any split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.
Maintaining your natural color after dyeing bleached hair requires a consistent and thoughtful approach to hair care. As we've discussed, using color-safe shampoo and conditioner is a fundamental step in preserving the vibrancy of your color. These products are specifically formulated to be gentle on dyed hair, minimizing the risk of color fading and stripping. They often contain ingredients that help to seal the hair cuticle and protect the color molecules from washing out. In contrast, regular shampoos may contain harsh sulfates and detergents that can accelerate color fading and leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. Choosing a color-safe shampoo and conditioner is an investment in the longevity and beauty of your hair color.
In addition to using the right products, adjusting your washing frequency can also make a significant difference in how long your color lasts. Over-washing your hair can strip away natural oils and color, leaving it looking dull and lifeless. Washing your hair every other day or even every three days allows the natural oils to condition and protect your strands, helping to prolong the vibrancy of your color. When you do wash your hair, opting for cool or lukewarm water is another effective way to prevent color fading. As we've discussed, hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to leach out, while cool water helps to seal the cuticle and lock in the color. By making these simple adjustments to your washing routine, you can significantly extend the life of your hair color and keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
Pro Tip: When to See a Professional
Look, sometimes DIY isn’t the best option, and that’s totally okay! If you’ve had a major color correction disaster in the past, your hair is severely damaged, or you’re just feeling nervous, seek out a professional hair stylist. They have the expertise and experience to get you the results you want without further damaging your hair. Plus, they can formulate a custom color blend that’s perfect for your hair. There’s no shame in asking for help!
Knowing when to seek professional help when dyeing bleached hair back to your natural color is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome and minimizing the risk of damage. If you've had a history of color correction mishaps or your hair is currently in a severely damaged state, consulting a professional stylist is highly recommended. Correcting a botched dye job can be complex and challenging, often requiring specialized knowledge and techniques to avoid further damage. Similarly, if your hair is already weak, brittle, or prone to breakage, attempting to dye it yourself could exacerbate the problem and lead to more extensive damage. A professional stylist can assess the condition of your hair, recommend appropriate treatments to improve its health, and develop a customized color plan that minimizes the risk of further damage.
Another situation where professional help is invaluable is when you're aiming for a significant color change or require a precise color match. Bleached hair is highly porous and can absorb color unevenly, making it challenging to achieve a uniform and natural-looking result. A professional stylist has the expertise to formulate a custom color blend that takes into account your hair's current condition, undertones, and desired shade. They can also use advanced application techniques to ensure even color distribution and minimize the risk of hot roots or other color discrepancies. Additionally, a stylist can provide valuable guidance on aftercare and maintenance, helping you to prolong the vibrancy of your color and keep your hair looking its best.
Conclusion
Dyeing bleached hair back to your natural color is totally achievable, guys! Just remember to take it slow, choose the right color, and be patient with the process. With these tips, you'll be rocking your natural shade in no time. And hey, if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. Happy coloring!
