Are you looking to give your bleached hair a little bit of color? Box dye can be an easy, affordable option – but can you use box dye over bleached hair?
I’m going to share the pros and cons of using box hair dye over bleached hair, and let you know if doing so can end up damaging your hair.
So, if you’d like to find out more, keep on reading for some box dye tips…
What Are The Benefits Of Using Box Hair Dye?
Box hair dyes offer a convenient and affordable option for changing your hair color at home.
They provide several benefits over professional salon treatments, making them an attractive choice for many individuals.
Firstly, box dyes are generally more cost-effective than visiting a salon. When compared to the costs of professional color treatments, which can be quite expensive, using a box dye can save you a significant amount of money.
Secondly, convenience and flexibility are key benefits of box dyes. You can easily purchase them at your local store or online, and apply the dye at a time that suits you best.
The process typically takes less time than a salon appointment, allowing you to fit hair coloring into your busy schedule.
One of the advantages of box dyes is that they come in a wide variety of shades and colors, giving you the opportunity to experiment with different looks.
Many box dyes also offer semi-permanent options, allowing you to try new colors without committing to them long-term.
Box hair dyes often contain conditioning and nourishing ingredients that help maintain your hair’s health.
Ingredients such as coconut oil, keratin, and argan oil can provide nourishment and protect your hair, making it feel more manageable and soft after the coloring process.
Lastly, using box dye on bleached hair can be a safe option for hair color correction if done carefully and with proper guidance.
As long as you follow the instructions and choose the appropriate shade for your bleached hair, you can successfully achieve the desired color and improve the overall appearance of your hair.
What Are The Downsides Of Using Box Dye?
When you decide to use a box dye on bleached hair, there are several potential downsides to consider.
Being aware of these risks can help you make a more informed decision about coloring your hair with these products.
One significant concern is the potential for damage to your hair. Box dyes can be harsh on your hair, especially if it has already been bleached.
Bleach weakens the hair’s structure, and applying a dye on top of it could cause even more damage, such as breakage, dryness, and split ends.
Another issue to consider is the unpredictability of the color result. Box dyes are formulated to work on a wide range of hair types and colors.
However, when applied to bleached hair, the dye may not produce the desired shade. You might end up with an ash-toned or an overly vibrant color instead of the desired hue.
Box dyes can cause uneven color application. Since bleached hair is more porous, the dye may be absorbed more quickly in certain areas, such as the roots, and slower at the ends.
This can lead to an unbalanced color distribution, making your hair look patchy or inconsistent.
The use of heat during the coloring process can also be a downside of using box dyes.
This additional heat, combined with the potential for damage from bleaching and dyeing, may weaken your hair’s structure and cause it to become more fragile and prone to breakage.
Can You Use Box Dye Over Bleached Hair?
Yes, you can use box dye over bleached hair, but it’s essential to approach the process carefully to avoid damage and achieve the desired results.
Bleached hair often has a porous texture and lacks natural pigments, which can affect how the dye is absorbed.
When choosing a box dye for your bleached hair, consider the following factors:
- Color: Opt for a color that is one to two shades lighter than your desired outcome, as bleached hair tends to absorb dye more intensely. If you’re going from blonde to dark, pick a dye with a cool or neutral tone to avoid unwanted brassy or reddish hues.
- Ammonia-free formulas: Look for ammonia-free dyes, as they are less damaging than their ammonia-based counterparts. These dyes are gentler on your already processed hair and will help maintain its overall health.
To successfully use box dye over bleached hair, follow these steps:
- Evaluate your hair’s condition. If your hair is extremely damaged or weak after bleaching, it’s best to wait a few weeks and focus on restoring its health with deep conditioning treatments before applying any dye.
- Conduct a strand test. This allows you to see how your bleached hair will react to the box dye and if any adjustments are needed before applying it all over.
- Apply a protein filler or color filler, especially when going from blonde to a darker shade. This helps even out the hair’s porosity and provides a more uniform result.
- Follow the instructions provided with the box dye, ensuring you mix and apply the dye correctly to avoid patchy or uneven color.
- Rinse the dye out thoroughly and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to nourish and seal the hair cuticle.
What Are the Benefits of Box Dyeing Over Bleached Hair?
Using box dye over bleached hair can offer some benefits to those looking for a change in their hair color or to restore some vibrancy.
Box dye provides convenience, affordability, and versatility compared to the more expensive salon treatments. Here are a few benefits of using box dye on your bleached hair:
First, box dye is designed to be user-friendly. You can easily apply it at home without the need for any professional assistance.
This saves you time and effort, as you won’t need to book and visit a salon.
It’s an affordable option with a wide variety of colors to choose from, allowing you to experiment with different shades until you find your desired look.
Using box dye on your bleached hair can improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
Since your hair has already been subjected to the bleaching process, a box dye can help restore some of the lost moisture and provide a protective layer that prevents extra damage.
This results in a softer, smoother, and healthier look.
Applying color over bleached hair may offer a unique tone and vibrancy that would not be achievable otherwise.
With the pale yellow base that bleached hair provides, you have an open canvas to create a new shade.
It could be anything from a bright blond to a warm chocolate brown, or even a bold green or blue.
This way, you have more control over the final result, allowing you to personalize your hair color as desired.
How Can I Avoid Damaging My Bleached Hair with Box Dye?
To avoid damaging your bleached hair with box dye, it’s essential to take several steps to properly prepare and care for your hair.
When considering these factors, you can minimize potential damage and keep your locks looking healthy and vibrant.
Firstly, assess the condition of your bleached hair. If it feels dry, damaged, or overly porous, it’s essential to give it some extra care before coloring at home.
Treat your hair with a deep conditioner or protein filler to restore much-needed moisture and strength.
Doing this before applying box dye will prevent more harm and allow for a more even color distribution.
Choose a box dye that’s suitable for your hair type and the specific color you desire.
Avoid using dyes containing harsh chemicals like ammonia or metallic salts, which can lead to even more damage.
Opt for a dye with a lower developer volume, as it will be gentler on your bleached hair.
Always conduct a strand test before applying the dye all over your head.
This not only helps you evaluate the color but also allows you to gauge how your hair will react to the dye.
When applying the box dye, follow the instructions carefully, ensuring you don’t leave the dye on your hair for too long.
Over-processing the hair can lead to unnecessary damage. After rinsing the dye, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of your new shade.
To keep your hair healthy and minimize damage, use a deep conditioning treatment or protein filler in your routine every few weeks. These products will nourish your hair and prevent breakage.
What Are the Best Box Dyes for Bleached Hair?
When it comes to selecting the best box dye for bleached hair, consider several factors, such as the type of dye, the color you wish to achieve, and the manufacturer.
Box dyes can be found in both permanent and semi-permanent forms, each offering different benefits depending on your hair needs.
Permanent box dyes are suitable for those who desire long-lasting color and total coverage for any existing color or gray strands.
However, using permanent dyes on bleached hair can sometimes result in unpredictable color outcomes, due to the hair’s altered porosity.
A strand test is always recommended before using a permanent dye on bleached hair to ensure the color develops as expected.
Semi-permanent box dyes are an excellent choice for those who prefer a more temporary color change or want to experiment with different shades.
These dyes often have a gentler formula, which can be more forgiving on bleached hair, causing less damage.
Semi-permanent dyes do not provide the same coverage as permanent dyes, but they can still give your hair a vibrant, beautiful color.
When selecting a box dye, the manufacturer plays a vital role in the quality and performance of the product. Some well-reviewed box dyes for bleached hair include:
- John Frieda Precision Foam Color: This dye offers precision color application with foam technology for even coverage. It is especially useful in covering grays and provides a range of natural-looking shades.
- Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color: A popular choice for covering grays, this product offers a clean and vegan formula with a nourishing hair mask for added protection.
- Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel: Best for blondes, this temporary gel color provides a gentle, ammonia-free formula for a subtle, natural-looking color boost.
- Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit: Known for its non-toxic formulation, this kit provides a salon-quality experience at home, offering a great selection for those who prioritize healthier hair.
How to Prepare Hair for Box Dye
Before you start applying box dye over your bleached hair, it’s essential to prepare your hair in the best possible way.
Proper preparation will help ensure your hair color turns out even, vibrant, and long-lasting.
First, choose the right shade of dye for your hair. The shade you pick should complement your current hair color, especially when you’re working with bleached hair.
If your hair is very light, consider choosing a color slightly darker than what you’re aiming for, as it may show up lighter on bleached hair.
To allow the dye to penetrate your hair cuticles effectively, it’s best to have clean, dry hair.
Washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo the day before or a few hours before you apply the box dye will remove excess oils and product buildup from your hair.
Just make sure to avoid using any conditioner, as it can create a barrier that may prevent the dye from working correctly.
As you prepare to put color over your bleached hair, gather all your supplies, such as gloves, a timer, a brush or applicator, and the box of dye.
Make sure you have ample dye to saturate your hair strands entirely, especially if you have thick or long hair. You may need more than one box for even coverage.
Now that you have everything together, you can start applying the dye.
Begin by applying a protective barrier, such as petroleum jelly, around your hairline and on your ears to keep the dye from staining your skin.
Put on the gloves provided with the dye kit to protect your hands from stains.
Proceed to mix the box dye according to the provided instructions. Once you’ve prepared the dye, you can start applying it to your hair.
Be thorough and systematic, working from roots to ends. Make sure to saturate each hair strand for even coverage.
Once your hair is fully covered with dye, set a timer for the recommended processing time, as indicated by the box dye instructions.
Keep an eye on the timer to ensure your hair processes for the proper amount of time.
When the timer goes off, you can rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, followed by a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to seal the cuticle and help maintain your vibrant new color.
How Soon After Bleaching Can I Apply Box Dye?
After bleaching your hair, it’s natural to wonder how long you should wait before applying a box dye.
The short answer is that it’s best to give your hair at least a day or two before dyeing it.
This is because immediately applying box dye on bleached hair may not produce the best results and can potentially harm your hair. So, patience is key here.
When bleaching hair, the melanin molecules responsible for determining your hair color are oxidized, turning your hair into a pale yellowish color.
During this process, the hair also loses moisture, causing it to be more vulnerable to damage from other chemical treatments.
To prepare your hair for box dye application, it’s essential to pre-condition it.
A deep conditioning treatment helps to restore the much-needed moisture and maintain the hair’s integrity.
This is also an opportune time to choose your desired color.
As a piece of useful advice, opt for a shade that is slightly darker than your target color, as bleached hair tends to absorb more dye.
Following the color process, be sure to make aftercare a priority. Invest in color-safe shampoo and conditioner, as well as other products that can help maintain your hair’s health and vibrancy.
Does Permanent Dye Fade Faster on Bleached Hair?
Bleaching your hair has a significant impact on its structure, which can affect how the permanent dye behaves when applied to bleached hair.
As a result, you might notice that the color fades faster on bleached hair compared to unbleached hair.
When you bleach your hair, it goes through an oxidation process that removes melanin molecules, responsible for your natural hair color, and turns it into a pale yellow color due to the keratin protein.
This process damages the hair cuticle, making it more porous and vulnerable to fading.
When you apply permanent dye to bleached hair, the damaged hair cuticle has difficulty retaining the color molecules, causing them to wash out or fade faster.
Bleached hair requires more care and maintenance to keep its color vibrant.
Factors like washing frequency, your choice of hair products, exposure to sunlight, and heat styling can all contribute to the rate at which the permanent dye fades from your hair.
To help maintain your hair color, here are some tips:
- Limit the frequency of washing your hair, perhaps to 2-3 times a week.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, which are gentler on your hair and would help retain color longer.
- Use cold water when washing your hair, as hot water can open up hair cuticles, allowing color to escape.
- Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV protection spray.
- Minimize heat styling to prevent future damage and color fading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Box Dye To Dye Your Hair At Home
When it comes to using box dye on your hair at home, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
Firstly, be sure to choose the right type of hair dye. There are two main types available – permanent hair dye and semi-permanent dye.
Permanent hair dye provides a longer-lasting color and better gray coverage, but it’s also more damaging to your hair.
Semi-permanent dye is less harsh and lasts for a shorter period. Assess your needs and select the appropriate dye accordingly.
Before starting the dyeing process, make sure your hair is clean but not freshly washed. Avoid washing your hair less than 24 hours before applying the dye.
The natural oils on your scalp act as a protective layer during the coloring process, helping to minimize irritation and damage.
Many DIY hair color enthusiasts make the mistake of not adequately understanding the color wheel.
Recognizing the relationship between colors can help you achieve the desired shade and avoid any undesired results.
For example, if your goal is to neutralize a yellow tone, you should use a violet-based color. Familiarize yourself with the color wheel to optimize your results.
To ensure even coverage, section your hair into four parts – two in front and two in the back.
Apply the dye evenly throughout each section, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends.
If you have a friend that can help, their assistance can ensure better application and reduced chances of uneven coverage.
Resist the temptation to rinse your hair with hot water after dyeing. Hot water lifts the outer layer of hair color, causing it to fade faster.
Instead, rinse your hair with cold water, which can help seal up the hair cuticle and prolong the color’s vibrancy.
Lastly, consult the box dye’s FAQs or any available tutorials before you start.
Each product might have specific instructions or precautions that are essential to achieving optimal results.
Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to maximize your success in dyeing your hair at home.
Summary
The answer is yes, you can use box dye over bleached hair. It’s vital to approach the process carefully and to ensure you’re using a suitable product for your hair type.
Box hair dyes offer an affordable and convenient option compared to professional salon treatments.
However, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with using box dye on bleached hair, such as damage or uneven color distribution.
To minimize any unwanted effects, make sure you properly prepare your hair before coloring and follow the instructions provided with the box of dye closely.
Choose a shade that complements your existing color and consider factors such as ammonia-free formulas, protein fillers, and low developer volumes when selecting a product.
Finally, be sure to take proper aftercare measures by nourishing your hair with regular deep conditioning treatments to keep it healthy and vibrant.
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