Q&A for How to Dye Dark Hair Without Bleach

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  • Question
    Can I dye my black 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
    You can achieve a rich red on naturally black hair in a single step if the hair is virgin. However, if your hair has been previously colored or if you want a vibrant red, you may have to use bleach and the recolor.
  • Question
    Can you lighten your hair with box color?
    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 potentially lift your hair one or two levels with a box dye. This won't work if you've previously colored your hair or if the box dye isn't made for lightening.
  • Question
    Do you have to bleach your hair to dye it brown?
    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 you are dying your hair darker than the color it currently is, you do not have to bleach it. You should only have to use bleach to lighten the hair.
  • Question
    Can you dye dark 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 you are changing the tone but not lightening your hair, you should be able to dye it without using bleach. If you have never dyed it before. you can also go 1-2 levels lighter without bleach.
  • Question
    How can I lighten my dark hair without using bleach?
    Gina Almona
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, nothing will lighten dark hair without pre-lightning it. I do not recommend trying this at home as it could break the bond of your hair severely.
  • Question
    I have dark brown hair, and I want to bleach my hair enough to dye it pink. My question is, what are the chances my hair will turn red or orange instead?
    Jon Cornfoot
    Community Answer
    If you don't use toner, your hair will turn orange. I suggest getting your hair done professionally first, then maintaining it by yourself.
  • Question
    In Part 1 Step 3 it says that blonde hair will turn blue dye green. I bleached my hair and used a lovely blue dye and it turned out perfectly. Why didn't it go green?
    Community Answer
    This is probably because you used bleach. Without the bleach, your hair is a darker color and will not take in the blue dye as well. If you bleach blonde hair though, it is almost a white platinum color. The blue dye will attach to this color much better.
  • Question
    I have darker hair with a little red in it. If I use a bleaching kit, will it turn my hair blonde or ash blonde?
    Amber
    Community Answer
    It really just depends how dark your hair is. The bleach could turn it completely blonde or just an ashy blonde, or even a reddish tint.
  • Question
    I have dark- to medium-brown hair. What would happen if I had the ends dyed purple, no bleach?
    Community Answer
    The purple would show up on the hair, but it would be very dark. If you're adamant about not bleaching it, then I would suggest putting the color on and using a hairdryer to dry the color in. Wait for the dye to be fully dried onto your hair, then let it sit for another 10 minutes before washing out. It will make the color brighter, but it will not be vibrant or neon without the bleach.
  • Question
    I use an at-home dye, b61, on my hair twice. It turned out a pretty honey brown, but I want to be a dark ash blond or light ash brown. How can I achieve that still?
    Jennifer Mckinley
    Community Answer
    Different brands of coloring use different numbers and letters and numbers to describe their brand colors. I assume you currently have leftover color from the brand that makes the b61, so you do need to be careful when switching brands; if you go by the number, you may get a very unwanted color. To make your hair less "warm" and more ashy, you would want to use a color with the word "ash" or "cool". This counteracts the red tones so you will be less gold. Ash can sometimes be too much, though, giving you a greenish cast. Go to a local beauty supply such as Sally's and they can see your hair and point you in the right direction.
  • Question
    If I have dark brown hair will it work if i dye my hair burgundy?
    Crystal
    Community Answer
    As long as you choose dark red, it should work. But red hair is a lot of maintenance, so be prepared.
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