Q&A for How to Dye Black Hair Red

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  • Question
    Can you dye black hair without bleaching it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If your hair is naturally black, yes, you can use a permanent dye to lighten it up to 3 levels. If it was dyed with permanent color, then a color-remover may be able to remove the dye so you don't have to bleach it.
  • Question
    Can you dye black hair blonde?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can, but it is a multi-step process and it may damage the hair significantly. This is not something you should try at home; see a professional colorist.
  • Question
    Can you dye naturally red hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but it can be stubborn. Naturally red hair's pigment is deeper inside the strand, making it more difficult to change. I'd recommend seeing a professional colorist.
  • Question
    Can you dye brown hair red?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but if it is dyed brown, not natural, you will need to remove the brown color with either bleach or a color-remover kit.
  • Question
    Can you use red dye over black hair?
    Karen Leight
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Karen Leight is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Karen Renee Hair, a private salon suite inside the Salon Republic Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Karen is a licensed cosmetologist specializing in hair color, balayage technique, and women’s and men’s precision haircuts.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes. If you have naturally black hair, you can add red highlights without bleaching. However, if you have dyed black hair, you won't be able to add any more color without lightening first.
  • Question
    My hair was dyed black and I had blonde highlights. I dyed all of it black again. Now the black is fading and the blonde is showing through again. If I just dye all of it red will it look right?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    No, dyeing all of it red may not give you the result you want. This is a complex color correction scenario, so it may be best to go to professional hair stylist.
  • Question
    How do I keep my dyed hair dyed longer?
    Community Answer
    Use a coloured conditioner and avoid washing your hair too often.
  • Question
    Why do I have to dye my hair twice?
    Community Answer
    You don't absolutely have to, but depending on how dark and/or porous your hair is, you most likely will. By sure to rinse and dry your hair first. If your hair is only somewhat red, and you'd like it to be redder still, you'll need to dye it again. Don't redo the roots on the second pass, however, because they will absorb more color than the first time.
  • Question
    How can an African-American temporarily color her hair maroon and red?
    Community Answer
    Check out L'Oreal Casting Creme Semis. They leave your hair feeling conditioned and last really long.
  • Question
    If I have dyed my hair twice and still don't have the color I wanted, can I redo it again?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but then I'd leave it alone for awhile, you don't want to overdo it. Dye has chemicals that strip your hair of natural and very beneficial oils.
  • Question
    Can I dye my hair red without bleaching it first?
    Community Answer
    If your hair is brown or dark brown, you might be able to get away with just using hair dye. Be sure to check the "preview" label to see how the dye will look on your hair. If there isn't a "preview" label, consider going a shade or two lighter than you actually want.
  • Question
    How can I turn my black hair red without using bleach?
    Community Answer
    You can use Kool-Aid to dye it red. Cherry is great for a deep red, and Tropical Punch is great for a vibrant red. Depending on how dark your hair is, you may have to use the Kool-Aid dye multiple times.
  • Question
    What level of peroxide should I use?
    Community Answer
    Look at a hair bleach chart to determine what level you need for the color of your hair.
  • Question
    How do I change my hair from purple to red?
    Community Answer
    Depending on how dark the purple is, you can just add the red in. This may take a few tries, but soon it'll be red.
  • Question
    How long should I wait between dyes, and which is the best boxed hair dye?
    Community Answer
    Leave your hair at least a week before redyeing. The best box dye depends on your hair but look for Schwarzkopf and Loreal as they seem to be rather decent.
  • Question
    Are there any red hair dyes I can use without bleaching my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Just find the hottest red, and go with it. It may only provide shades or highilghts, but it should work.
  • Question
    I dyed my hair red, and it came out way to bright. What should I do now? I wanted a darker red.
    Eager Learner
    Community Answer
    Possibly you should add a darker color to it, like black, but only a small amount or else it will become black altogether. If you use chalk dye, mix the red with the black to get the color you want, then apply it.
  • Question
    How do I dye my hair temporarily?
    Community Answer
    Buy a semi-permanent hair dye (it will be marked TEMPORARY or SEMI-PERMANENT), and follow whatever instructions correspond with the kit. Some brands include L'Oreal,Colorista and Sally Beauty.
  • Question
    I have red hair, dyed it black, and now I want it back to my natural red. How can I do that?
    Community Answer
    You can try products like Color Oops that are designed to remove hair color and take hair back to the lightest color it was before it was dyed. I've used it before and it felt a lot like using bleach and made my hair feel pretty rough, but it stripped the dyes out. It'll be with the hair dyes at just about any store.
  • Question
    Should I do the roots first or last when I do a touchup with the semi-permanent color?
    Community Answer
    I would start with the roots and go down from there. You should most likely divide the hair as you would for permanent dying. Considering that it is a touch-up, you wouldn't need to apply a lot. But, it is your call, if you want you roots to stand out more, apply more to your roots; if you want your ends to stand out, apply more at the bottom.
  • Question
    Do I have to bleach my hair before using a permanent hair color?
    Community Answer
    No, not necessarily, but if you have dark black hair, you may be better off bleaching it. If you have dark hair and don't want to bleach, try using a bright color. It may show up better.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to bleach black hair prior to applying dye?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should bleach your hair first.
  • Question
    My mom is letting me get the tie-dyed look with temporary colors, but I don't know what color I should do. My hair is light red naturally. What would suit me best?
    Community Answer
    Since you have red hair, I would choose a cooler tone, like a purple or blue color.
  • Question
    How do I lighten my dyed hair safely?
    Community Answer
    Putting lemon juice in your hair and being in the sun often can naturally lighten your hair.
  • Question
    Since I have dark thick hair and I dye it red do I have to bleach it?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what color of red you are going for. If you are going for a bright red, bleach your hair first. If you are going for more like a dark red/ burgundy color, you don't have to bleach.
  • Question
    Instead of dyeing my whole hair, can I just dye the ends? This is my first time.
    JeeWriting
    Community Answer
    Of course! Your hair, your style. You can do it in any way you want. In fact, you can go as far as only dyeing the roots.
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