How to Dye Over a Dark Hair Dye

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If you try to apply color over hair that’s already been dyed, it’s only going to get darker. To dye over a dark hair dye, you can choose a simple method, such as adding highlights or color sprays to your hair. You can also lift the color using special shampoos or color removers — this method will work for lightening your hair color just a few shades. For a more drastic color change, you can bleach your hair and apply a new color to achieve your desired look, making sure to use extra caution so that your hair doesn’t become super damaged.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Making Simple Alterations

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  1. If you want to lighten your hair without having to spend the time and money to dye all of it, try highlighting certain strands to create a new look. You can highlight your hair at home or have the highlights done. [1]
    • Choose highlights that are only a shade or 2 lighter than your hair color to avoid too harsh of a contrast.
  2. You can have your hair stylist add red tones to your hair, or you can use a red hair dye to do it yourself. There are even ways to naturally bring out the red tones in your hair , which can be done at home. Bringing out red tones will make your hair appear lighter while giving it more dimension.
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  3. These are colored sprays that you spray directly onto your hair for a quick and easy lightening option. They usually come in colors such as yellow, pink, silver, green, and blue. Once you spray the product onto your hair, you can comb through your hair to blend it. [2]
    • The spray is temporary, so it washes out when you take a shower.
    • These sprays work on even the darkest shade of hair.
    • By spraying on several layers, you can build up the color, if desired.
  4. Hair makeup is similar to an airbrush spray, but is a bit more subtle. It's a cream or mascara that comes in several shades, such as rose gold, copper, bronze, and red. Just rub it right onto your hair, or use a comb to spread it evenly. [3]
    • The mascara is great for covering up your roots or gray hair.
    • You can find hair makeup at some drug stores, beauty stores, or online.
    • Hair makeup isn't permanent and washes out easily.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Lifting the Color a Few Shades

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  1. A clarifying shampoo will help reduce the intensity of the dark color, as it causes your hair to fade faster. [4] Shampoo your hair with the clarifying shampoo at least twice in the shower for the best results.
    • If your hair wasn't colored recently, this may not have a huge effect on lightening your hair.
  2. If desired, you can get out of the shower and use a hair dryer to heat up the clarifying shampoo on your head before rinsing it out. This will help your hair cuticles open up to release even more color.
    • Tie your hair up with a hair clip and put on a shower cap. Heat your shampooed hair with a hair dryer for about 1 minute.
    • Be careful not to melt the plastic of the shower cap, and never use the hair dryer in the shower.
  3. Spray lemon juice or Sun-in on your hair to lighten the color. Use a bottle of Sun-in or a fresh lemon to spray lemon juice all over your hair. Use a brush to spread the liquid evenly throughout your hair, and use a hair dryer or the sun to create the desired effect.
    • The more heat you apply to your hair while it has the spray in it, the lighter your hair will become.
    • You can do this process multiple times, but don't be surprised if your hair doesn't lighten as much as you would like.
    • Your hair may feel dry after using lemon juice. Condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate it.
  4. Color removers will help strip your hair of the dye so that you can start to return to your natural color. Color removers can be a bit harsh on your hair, so try to use them sparingly and read the directions carefully to ensure you use the color remover properly.
    • Condition your hair deeply after you’ve used a color remover.
    • Try to wait a couple of months before using a color remover a second time to keep your hair from becoming damaged. However, some color removers are safe to use immediately after one use. Check the package to be sure, and consider the condition of your hair as well.
    • These products can be found at many drug stores or beauty supply stores, as well as online.
    • Consider visiting a professional for this process to ensure you get the results you want. [5]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Bleaching Your Hair Before Dyeing

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  1. Try using a deep conditioning mask on your hair a week or 2 before bleaching it, conditioning it several times. This will help strengthen and rejuvenate your hair, getting it ready for the bleaching process. [6]
  2. Do the bleaching in a place that will be easy to clean up and wipe down, like a bathroom or kitchen. Wear clothing that you don't mind getting ruined and a towel around your shoulders. Wear gloves so that the bleach won't damage your hands.
    • It's best to use a hairdresser's cape, if you have one. You can find them at local beauty stores or online. Alternatively, you can use a white towel or a towel you don't mind getting bleach on.
  3. Mix bleach with a developer to start bleaching your hair . Purchase a bleach kit for your hair, which will most likely also require a developer. Mix the bleach and developer together in a bowl, reading the instructions carefully to determine the exact measurements. [7]
    • A 20- or 30-volume developer will be best for your hair.
  4. Tie up the top layer of your hair using a hair tie or plastic clip so that you can easily reach the bottom layer. If you have really thick hair, you can separate the bottom layer of hair into 2 or 3 additional sections using plastic hair clips.
    • Make sure that you only use plastic clips when you are bleaching your hair.
  5. Use an applicator brush to apply the mixed bleach to 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections of your hair, until the bleach is evenly distributed. The bleach kit should provide you with the best strategy for bleaching your hair, but make sure you apply bleach to your roots last. [8]
    • If you have very thick hair, then you may need to divide your hair into smaller sections.
    • Your roots heat up the fastest, so if you bleach your roots first they will turn lighter than the rest of your hair.
    • Wear gloves over your hands and a towel around your neck to keep the bleach from damaging your hands or clothing.
  6. Use a shower cap to keep the bleach settled on top of your hair, allowing the heat from your head to remain trapped in the cap. Most bleaches will stay on your hair for 20-30 minutes, but keep checking your hair to see how the color is turning out. [9]
    • You shouldn't leave bleach in your hair for more than 1 hour.
  7. Once the 20-30 minutes are up, or if you decide you like the color of your hair before that time, rinse the bleach out with clean water. Shampoo and condition your hair afterwards. [10]
  8. Bleach can be very rough on your hair, especially if you’re going from a dark color to a light one. To prevent your hair from breaking off or becoming brittle, wait 2-3 months before bleaching your hair again if it didn’t get as light as desired the first time.
    • You can also deep condition your hair again to help keep it healthy in between bleaching sessions.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Applying the New Color After Lightening or Bleaching

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  1. that will complement your skin tone. Choose a hair dye that will look good on you and your current hair color. Make sure you've gotten your hair light enough so that it will accept the new hair color. [11]
    • When choosing a new color, opt for a dye that's 1 or 2 shades lighter than what you're actually going for. When you dye your hair at home it often comes out darker than you anticipated.
    Chris McMillan, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Choose hair color thoughtfully. "Color carefully. Try a glossing treatment to make the color richer without hurting the hair."

  2. Many times your hair dye kit will come with the developer, but if not, pick up a 20-volume developer from a drug store. Follow the instructions that come with your hair dye to mix the dye with the developer proportionally.
    • You can also purchase developer at a big box store, beauty store, or online.
  3. Pull together the top layer of your hair and secure it with a hair tie or clip. Divide the bottom layer into 2-4 sections for thicker hair. [12]
    • If your hair is thin, you can easily dye the bottom layer of your hair without sectioning it off.
  4. Use the applicator brush to apply the dye to your hair . Just like you did with the bleach, use the dye applicator brush to apply the dye to 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) sections of hair. Remember to do your roots last. [13]
    • Make sure your shoulders are covered to protect your clothing, and wear gloves to protect your hands from the dye.
    • You can tie your hair up and put a shower cap on once your hair is covered in dye, if desired.
  5. Each color and brand of hair dye will have different instructions, so read them carefully to determine how long you should leave the dye in your hair before rinsing it out. [14]
    • Use a timer to ensure you leave the dye in long enough to have the desired effect.
    • Don't leave the dye in longer than the allotted time on the box — it may damage your hair or skin.
  6. Once your timer has gone off or the time is up, rinse the dye out of your hair under cool running water. You can use a shampoo and conditioner appropriate for colored hair to get rid of any extra dye residue. [15]
    • Once the water runs clear, you'll know the hair dye has been washed out.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I lighten my hair after I dyed it too dark?
    April Ferri
    Professional Hair Stylist
    April Ferri is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Co-Owner of Widows Peak Salon, a hair salon based in Los Angeles, California. With over ten years of experience, April specializes in hair coloring and enhancing and transforming natural tones into vibrant shades for beautiful and low maintenance hair. Her work has been featured in Voyage LA Magazine, and she has worked as a stylist for LA Fashion Week.
    April Ferri
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If you have dark brown or black hair and it's been dyed that color, you're not just going to be able to put dye on it and achieve the results you want. You'd need to use a lightener. Usually for that, I'd recommend seeing a professional.
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  • Question
    Can I dye my hair from black to 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.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can apply red dye directly to naturally black hair to achieve a rich wine-colored hue. For brighter reds, you may want to bleach hair first and then dye.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Can you use blonde hair dye on dark brown 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.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can use blonde dye on dark hair, but it may become brassy and probably won't lift as light as you'd like. Some companies make special "high lift" dyes that will give you bright blondes without bleach.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
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      • Professionals will have the best method for coloring hair that's already dark, so visit a salon if you're able to.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Clarifying shampoo (optional)
      • Hair dryer (optional)
      • Lemon juice/Sun-In (optional)
      • Color remover/lightener (optional)
      • Deep conditioner
      • Towel
      • Gloves
      • Hair ties or clips
      • Bleach (optional)
      • Developer
      • Applicator brush
      • Shower cap
      • Hair dye
      • Comb

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      References

      1. ↑ https://theglowmemo.com/how-to-highlight-dark-brown-hair
      2. ↑ https://www.allure.com/gallery/dye-natural-hair-bright-colors-no-bleach
      3. ↑ https://www.allure.com/review/clairol-color-crave-hair-makeup-temporary-hair-color
      4. ↑ April Ferri. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
      5. ↑ April Ferri. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/how-to-bleach-hair
      7. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/how-to-bleach-hair
      8. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/how-to-bleach-hair
      9. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/how-to-bleach-hair
      1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/how-to-bleach-hair
      2. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/hair/11-things-know-dyeing-your-own-hair
      3. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a9192034/how-to-dye-your-hair-at-home/
      4. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-color-your-hair-at-home
      5. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-color-your-hair-at-home
      6. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-color-your-hair-at-home

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To dye over your dark hair, you’ll first need to bleach it if you want to lighten your hair. Make sure you wear gloves when working with bleach to protect your skin. After you’ve bleached your hair, you can apply any color dye you want. When you choose a color, go for a dye that’s 1 or 2 shades lighter than you want, since the real color often turns out darker than you expect. Alternatively, if you want to change the tone of your hair without bleaching it, apply a red hair dye directly to your dark hair to make your hair appear lighter. You can also highlight your hair to lighten it without dyeing it all. For more tips from our Cosmetic co-author, including how to use temporary hair sprays to color your hair, read on!

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