From Blonde to Brunette: A Comprehensive Guide on Dyeing Bleached Hair Brown

Transitioning from bleached blonde to a rich, vibrant brunette can be a rewarding change, but it’s not as simple as slapping on any old brown dye. Bleached hair is highly porous and lacks the natural pigments needed for brown dye to adhere correctly, often resulting in muddy, green, or ashy undertones. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, providing you with the knowledge and techniques to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting brunette shade.

Understanding the Challenges of Dyeing Bleached Hair Brown

Before diving into the dyeing process, it’s crucial to understand why dyeing bleached hair brown can be tricky. Bleaching strips your hair of its natural pigments, particularly the warm undertones (red, orange, and yellow). When you apply a brown dye, which typically contains cool pigments (blue and green), these colors can interact with the underlying yellow tones in your bleached hair, leading to unwanted green or ashy results. Furthermore, bleached hair is more porous, meaning it absorbs color quickly and unevenly, which can lead to patchiness and fading. Addressing these challenges upfront is key to achieving a successful transition.

Essential Tools and Products for the Dyeing Process

Before you even think about mixing dye, ensure you have all the necessary tools and products on hand. Preparation is paramount to a successful at-home hair dyeing experience.

• Color-Depositing Shampoo and Conditioner (for red/orange tones): If you have strong yellow tones after bleaching, starting with a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner, particularly one with red or orange pigments, can help to neutralize the yellow and create a more even base before applying brown dye.
• Filler (Optional): A filler is a color product designed to add back the missing undertones to bleached hair. This is crucial for preventing a muddy or ashy result when going brown. Fillers usually come in red, orange, or gold tones, depending on your target brunette shade. Consult with a professional or online resource to choose the best one for your situation.
• Brown Hair Dye: Choose a high-quality brown hair dye specifically formulated for covering or correcting color. Select a shade that matches your desired brunette look, taking into consideration your natural skin tone. Be mindful of the level of the dye you select (e.g., light brown, medium brown, dark brown). The level refers to the lightness or darkness of the color. Go a shade lighter than your desired result, as color tends to look darker initially.
• Developer: The developer is the chemical solution used to activate the hair dye. Choose the right developer volume based on the dye manufacturer’s instructions, your hair’s condition, and how much lift you require (usually 10 or 20 volume are sufficient for depositing color). For bleached hair, it’s often best to use a lower volume to minimize damage.
• Mixing Bowl and Application Brush: A non-metallic mixing bowl and an application brush will ensure the dye is mixed and applied smoothly and evenly.
• Gloves: Protect your hands with a pair of disposable gloves.
• Old Towel or Cape: Wear an old towel or a hairdressing cape to protect your clothing from staining.
• Hair Clips: Sectioning your hair will make the application process easier.
• Petroleum Jelly or Barrier Cream: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream around your hairline and ears to prevent staining your skin.
• Hair Conditioner: Deep conditioner is essential to restore moisture to your hair after the dyeing process.
• Timer: To keep track of the processing time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dyeing Bleached Hair Brown

Now that you have all the necessary tools and products, it’s time to begin the dyeing process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure optimal results:

1. Prepare your Hair: Begin with clean, dry hair. Do not wash your hair for 24-48 hours before dyeing to allow natural oils to protect your scalp.
2. Do a Strand Test: This is the MOST IMPORTANT step. Before applying the dye to your entire head, conduct a strand test. Apply the dye mixture to a small section of hair, preferably at the nape of your neck, and follow the product instructions for timing. This allows you to see how the color will take to your hair and adjust if necessary before committing to the entire head. This step is especially critical for bleached hair. Note the processing time, result, and any potential unwanted tones. If you aren’t happy with the results, you can adjust the dye shade or use a filler before the whole head application.
3. Prepare the Mixing Area: Cover your work area with old newspapers or plastic bags to protect it from stains. Put on your gloves and old towel or cape.
4. Mix the Dye: Following the instructions provided on the dye packaging, mix the brown hair dye and developer in the mixing bowl. If using a filler, mix it into the dye mixture as per its instructions. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, consistent consistency.
5. Section your Hair: Use your hair clips to divide your hair into four to six sections. This will make application much easier. Start at the back, lower sections of your hair and work your way to the top.
6. Apply the Dye: Start by applying the dye to your roots first, using the application brush. Be sure to saturate your roots evenly, as this is where new growth will be most visible. Then, apply the dye to the rest of your hair, working section by section, from roots to ends. Make sure to saturate all the hair strands evenly. Comb through each section to ensure even coverage and no clumps.
7. Processing Time: Once all of your hair is covered, follow the dye’s instructions for processing time. This usually ranges from 20 to 45 minutes. Set a timer to ensure you don’t over-process. Over-processing can damage your hair and lead to undesirable results.
8. Rinse Thoroughly: After the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Do not use shampoo at this stage.
9. Apply Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to your hair and leave it on for 5-10 minutes, or as directed on the product. This will help restore moisture and prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle.
10. Final Rinse: Rinse out the conditioner thoroughly with cool water.
11. Dry and Style: Gently towel dry your hair and style as usual. Allow your hair to air dry for better results if you have the time.

Addressing Potential Problems

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some common issues when dyeing bleached hair brown:

• Green or Ashy Tones: As mentioned, this is usually the result of the blue/green pigments in brown dye reacting with yellow tones in bleached hair. Using a filler can prevent this. If it does happen, you can try washing your hair with a red or orange toned color depositing shampoo or conditioner, or using a toner to neutralize the unwanted tones.
• Uneven Color: If your color appears patchy, this can be due to uneven application. You can try spot-treating the lighter sections with a diluted dye mix or using a gloss to blend everything together.
• Color Fading Quickly: Bleached hair is porous and prone to fading. Using color-safe shampoos and conditioners, avoiding hot water, and limiting heat styling can help maintain your new brunette hue.
• Dryness and Damage: Dyeing, especially after bleaching, can cause dryness and damage. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly and avoid harsh styling products.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brunette Color

Once you’ve achieved your desired brunette shade, it’s important to take steps to maintain its vibrancy and prevent fading:

• Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are designed to be gentler on colored hair, helping to prevent color from stripping away.
• Avoid Hot Water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle and can cause color to fade faster. Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water instead.
• Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat from styling tools can damage your hair and cause color to fade. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray.
• Use a Deep Conditioner Regularly: This will help keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
• Touch Up Roots Regularly: As your hair grows out, your roots will become visible. Touch up your roots with the same dye you used initially or go to a professional.
• Consider Using a Color-Depositing Mask or Gloss: These products can help to refresh your color and add shine.
• Protect Your Hair From the Sun: UV rays can fade your hair color, so wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.

When to Seek Professional Help

While dyeing your hair at home can be a cost-effective option, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help. If you’re not confident in your ability to handle the process or if you’re aiming for a drastic color change, it’s always best to consult a professional hairstylist. A professional colorist can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the best products and techniques, and help you achieve your desired results without damaging your hair. They also have access to specialized products and techniques that can give you a more even and long-lasting color.

Conclusion

Dyeing bleached hair brown can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the unique needs of bleached hair, preparing carefully, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a beautiful, vibrant brunette shade at home. Remember to do a strand test, use a filler if needed, take your time, and be patient. With the right approach, you can achieve your hair goals and enjoy your new brunette look! However, remember to prioritize the health of your hair, if unsure always seek professional help. Happy coloring!