For several reasons, dyeing dark hair is a complicated process. Sometimes, the paint doesn't show at all and, other times, the hair looks too golden or orange. Bleaching can give you better coloring results, but not everyone is willing to go through the extra process or risk hair damage. Luckily, with the right products you can color your hair without bleaching it. Keep in mind that you can only lighten your hair to a certain degree.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Expectations or Results You Can Get
Step 1. Understand that you can't make your hair look brighter without bleaching it
If you have dark hair, you can choose another color to the same degree, such as dark brown to dark red. You can't turn dark brown to blonde without a bleaching product, neither a bleach set nor hydrogen peroxide.
You can use products that already contain bleach or peroxide, but keep in mind that hair lightening may only work to a certain degree
Step 2. Don't expect to get pastel colors without bleaching your hair
Such colors will never be found. Even people with blonde hair still need to bleach and adjust their hair color before getting pastel colors.
Step 3. Keep in mind that hair dye is translucent
Some of the original hair color will still be visible. For example, if you have blonde hair and want to dye your hair blue, there's a good chance you'll get green. Since your hair is dark in color, whatever dye you use will always give a darker result than the color shown on the box or product packaging. If you have dark brown hair and want to dye it red, there's a good chance you'll get a dark red.
Step 4. Realize that some hair types and textures interact better with hair dye than others
There are many different types of hair, with different levels of texture and porosity. These aspects can affect the hair's ability to absorb the dye. For example, Asian hair is more difficult to dye because it has a strong cuticle. African hair is also difficult to color because it breaks easily and is prone to breakage.
Even if your best friend has the same hair color as yours, there's no guarantee that the hair dye that gives her the best results will match your hair
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Product
Step 1. Choose a demi-permanent or permanent hair dye instead of a semi-permanent dye
Demi-permanent paint contains a small amount of peroxide which can lighten the hair color to some degree. This product can be a great option if you want to have a slightly lighter hair color. Meanwhile, permanent paint is harder and can lighten hair color up to four levels. Unfortunately, these products can also damage hair significantly more.
Semi-permanent paint will not lift the color. This product only saves or adds more color
Step 2. Use a light-colored concentrated paint, but understand that the results will not be as obvious
Light colors won't show up on dark hair, period! Striking colors, such as blue or purple may be visible, but the result will appear very dark. This type of color will show up when your hair looks like a lighter-colored section of your hair or highlight in the sun, but won't show up in other light.
Look for bold or "punk" hair dyes such as Directions, Manic Panic, and Special Effects
Step 3. Use specialty products for best results, but don't be surprised by the limited color options
There are several hair dye products specifically formulated for brown hair, such as Splat. These products are relatively new and come in a limited range of colors, such as purple, red, and blue. When shopping, look for labels that indicate that the product is formulated for dark hair (usually marked by the words “For Dark Hair”).
You can also use color enhancing paint, such as Splat or Manic Panic. These paints are concentrated and show significantly more color on dark hair than other paint products
Step 4. Choose a paint with a cool or pale gray color
Dark hair tends to look golden when lightened. If you use a warm color hair dye, the hair color will appear warmer (yellowish). Sometimes, the hair color will look like orange. Using cool or pale gray hair dyes helps balance out the reddish tones and gives a more accurate finish.
Step 5. Prepare a bottle of toner shampoo in case your hair looks golden at any time
You don't have to follow these steps, but it's a good idea to prepare the shampoo. As previously explained, dark hair tends to turn golden or yellowish when lightened. By shampooing your hair with a purplish or bluish toner shampoo, you can neutralize any golden or orange hues that appear in your hair.
Part 3 of 3: Dyeing Dark Hair
Step 1. Choose paints, especially cool colors
Permanent paint will give better results than semi-permanent paint because it contains ingredients that can lighten hair color. Meanwhile, demi-permanent paints can open up the cuticles to deposit more color in the hair, but will not lighten the hair color. Cool colored paints are highly recommended as they reduce the chances of a golden hue to appear in the final stain.
If you have dark hair and want a tan, choose a light or medium ash blond
Step 2. Separate the hair into sections
Gather all the hair, except at the bottom (around the middle of the ear and the bottom). Twist it into a loose loop at the top of your head, and secure it with bobby pins or a hair tie.
Step 3. Protect skin, clothing and work area
Cover the table with newsprint or plastic. Protect your shoulders with an unused towel or salon robe. Apply Vaseline to the skin along the hairline, the back of the neck, and the ears. Lastly, wear plastic gloves.
- You can also wear an old t-shirt instead of a towel or salon robe.
- You may not need to buy new plastic gloves. Some hair dye products already provide gloves in the purchase package.
Step 4. Prepare the paint according to the instructions
Usually, you just need to pour the paint into an application bottle that already has the base cream on it, then shake the bottle to mix the two ingredients. Some products also have additives, such as shine oil, that you can add.
You can also mix the paint in a non-metallic bowl with an application brush
Step 5. Apply the paint on the hair
Start by coloring the roots of the hair, then smooth it out using your fingers or an application brush. Add more paint as needed.
- You can apply the dye directly to your hair using the tip of the application bottle that was previously used to mix the dye.
- If you are preparing the paint in a bowl, use an application brush to apply the dye to your hair.
Step 6. Color the rest of the hair in stages (per layer)
Untwist the loop at the top of the hair and untwist a layer or section of hair. Gather the rest of the hair behind your head and twist it into a loop, then apply more paint to the layer or section of hair you just let down. Repeat and continue coloring until you reach the top of the head.
- Make sure you color the thin hair on your sideburns and temples.
- The hair on the top of the head needs to be colored last because this section processes the paint the fastest.
- If you have very thick hair, separate your hair into small sections and dye your hair section by section to ensure that all sections of your hair are evenly coated.
Step 7. Hold hair into a bun and let the paint process
The duration of the paint process depends on the type of paint used. Most paint brands advise users to wait for about 25 minutes, but some products may need to be left on longer. Check the product packaging to determine the duration that needs to be skipped.
Cover your hair with plastic wrap, a plastic bag, or a shower cap. The shield can retain heat and make the paint more effective
Step 8. Rinse the paint off with cold water, then condition the hair
After the processing time is over, rinse the hair with cold water. Keep cleaning until the rinse water looks clear. Use a conditioner that is safe for colored hair, wait for 2-3 minutes, then rinse hair with cold water to close the cuticles. Don't use shampoo.
Some hair dye products already have conditioner in the purchase package
Step 9. Dry and style hair as desired
You can dry your hair by aerating it or using a hairdryer. If the final stain looks too golden or orange, don't worry. Wash with a purple or blue toner shampoo. Follow the instructions for use on the product bottle.
Tips
- Add a color corrector pack to the red, orange, and yellow paint. This product helps reduce and balance the golden tones that appear as a result of the color brightening process.
- You can also use a highlighter product for dark hair. Mix the product with 30 volume of developer liquid.
- Keep your hair healthy before and after coloring using deep conditioner products and hair masks.
- Lighten hair color gradually to prevent damage to hair. It's a good idea to lighten your hair color per level with each coloring process rather than instantly lightening it to the highest level in one go.
- Use shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair to lock in color, highlight shine, and keep hair healthy.
- If you can't find shampoo and conditioner specifically for color-treated hair, use a product that doesn't contain sulfates.
