Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Knowing what to expect
• Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right products
• Part 3 of 3: Dyeing dark hair
• Tips
• Necessities

Dyeing dark hair is difficult for many reasons. Sometimes the color cannot be seen at all, and sometimes it looks too orange. Bleaching your hair will give you the best results, but not everyone wants to go the extra mile, and not everyone wants to risk damaging their hair. Fortunately, with the right products you can dye your hair successfully without bleach it. Just keep in mind that you can only lighten your hair up to a certain point.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Knowing what to expect

1. Understand that you cannot lighten your hair without bleaching it. If you have dark hair, you can change it to another color with the same color value, such as from dark brown to dark red. It is not possible to go from dark brown to blonde without using bleach, be it a bleaching set or hydrogen peroxide.
   • You can try using a product that already contains bleach or hydrogen peroxide, but be aware that this may only lighten your hair to a certain point.
2. Just don't even think about getting pastel hair without bleaching. That is impossible. Even blondes have to bleach their hair and use toner first.
3. Remember that hair dye is transparent. Part of your hair color will always show through. For example, if you try to dye blonde hair blue, you will end up with green hair. Because your hair is so dark, the color in which you dye your hair will always turn out darker than what is on the box. If you have dark brown hair that you are trying to dye red, you will likely end up with dark red.
4. Be aware that some hair types and textures absorb dye better than others. There are different hair types, with different levels of texture and porosity. All of this can affect how well the hair can absorb dye. Asian hair, for example, is difficult to dye because the hair cuticle is so strong. Frizzy hair is also difficult to dye as it is very fragile and easily damaged.
   • Even if your best friend has exactly the same hair color as you, there is no guarantee that the same hair dye that was perfect for him or her will work just as well for you.

Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right products

1. Choose demi-permanent or permanent hair dye instead of semi-permanent hair dye. Demi-permanent hair dye contains a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, so it can lighten your hair to a certain point. Permanent paint is much stronger and can lighten your hair up to four levels. Unfortunately, this means that it can also damage your hair worse.
   • Semi-permanent hair dye cannot lighten hair; it will only deposit more color on top of your hair color.
2. Try a bright, concentrated hair dye, but understand it will be subtle. Light colors will not show on dark hair anyway. Brighter colors, such as blue or purple, will be visible, but very dark. These colors may be very visible as highlights in the sunlight; they may also not be visible at all in other types of light.
   • Look for "punk" hair dyes such as Directions, Manic Panic and Special Effects.
3. Use specialized products for best results, but expect few color options. There to be hair dyes made specifically for brunettes, such as Splat hair dye. These products are still fairly new and are available in few colors, such as purple, red and blue. When shopping, look for labels that say something like "For dark hair."
   • You can also try a color depositing paint like Splat or Manic Panic. These dyes are concentrated and can be more visible on dark hair versus other types of hair dye.
4. Opt for a cool or ash shade. Dark hair often turns orange when it lightens. Using a hair dye with a warm undertone will make your hair look even warmer. In some cases, your hair will even look orange. By using a cool or ash-like hair color, you can create a balance with the red tones, giving you a more accurate hair color.
5. Have a bottle of toner shampoo ready in case of orangish tones. You need not to do this, but it is a good idea. As mentioned before, dark hair often turns orange when it lightens. Washing your hair with purple or blue shampoo can help neutralize the orange tones.

Part 3 of 3: Dyeing dark hair

1. Choose your hair dye, preferably a cool shade. A permanent hair dye will give a much better result than a semi-permanent one because it contains ingredients that can lighten your hair. A demi-permanent paint will open the cuticle of the hair to let in more color, but it won't lighten your hair. A cool shade is also recommended as it will reduce the chances of orange tones in your hair.
   • If you have dark hair and would like brown hair, go for a light or medium ash colorblonde paint.
2. Divide your hair into sections and collect all of your hair except the bottom layer (roughly from ear level and below). Wrap it in a loose bun on top of your head, and secure it with a pin or hair elastic.
3. Protect your skin, clothing and workplace. Cover your counter with newspaper or plastic. Wrap an old towel or hair dye cape around your shoulders. Apply some petroleum jelly to your skin around your hairline, the back of your neck, and your ears. Finally, put on gloves.
   • You can also put on an old T-shirt instead of a towel or hair dye cape.
   • You may not need to buy plastic gloves. Many hair dye sets come with gloves.
4. Prepare the set according to the instructions. Most of the time, you will just have to pour the paint into the application bottle with the cream base, then shake the bottle to mix it. Some sets will also have extra things like shine oil, which you will have to add as well.
   • You can also mix your paint in a non-metallic bowl with an application brush.
5. Apply the hair dye to your hair. Start by applying the dye to the roots of your hair, then blend it down with your fingers or an application brush. Apply more hair dye as needed.
   • You can apply the dye to your hair yourself using the nozzle of the bottle you mixed it in.
   • If you mixed the paint in a bowl, use an application brush to apply the paint to your hair.
6. Paint the rest of your hair in layers. Pull down the bun on top of your head to release another layer of hair. Get the rest of your hair back together in a bun, and apply more hair dye to this new layer. Continue until you reach the top of your hair.
   • Make sure to also paint the small hairs near your ears (sideburn area) and the temples of your head.
   • Paint the hair on top of your head last, as that area will absorb the paint the fastest.
   • If you have very thick hair, you may have to divide your hair into small sections and work in layers to make sure you cover all of your hair with the hair dye.
7. Bring your hair together in a bun and let the hair dye set. The amount of time it takes for your hair to work depends on the type of dye you are using. Most brands will tell you to wait about 25 minutes, but some brands may have a longer processing time. Check the packaging to be sure.
   • Cover your hair with plastic wrap, a plastic bag, or a shower cap. This will trap the heat from your head and allow the paint to soak in better.
8. Rinse the paint with cool water and then use conditioner. Once the processing time is over, rinse your hair with cool water. Keep rinsing until the water is clear. Using a color protecting conditioner, wait 2-3 minutes and rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticles. Do not use shampoo.
   • Many hair dye sets also contain conditioner.
9. Dry and style your hair as desired. You can let your hair air dry or you can blow dry it. If your hair has turned too orange, don't worry. Simply wash your hair with a purple or blue toner shampoo; follow the instructions on the bottle.

Tips

• Consider adding some red, orange, and yellow color corrector to your hair dye. This will help balance out any orangeiness caused by the lighter dyeing.
• You can also try a highlight set designed for dark hair. Mix it with a volume 30 developer.
• Keep your hair healthy before and after dyeing by using deep conditioners and hair masks.
• Lighten your hair a little at a time to avoid damaging your hair. It is best to lighten your hair a little bit each time instead of dyeing it all at once.
• Use color protecting shampoos and conditioners to protect color, maintain shine and keep your hair healthy.
• If you can't find color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, use sulfate-free products instead.

Necessities

• Light-colored, cool-toned hair dye set
• Old towel, old shirt, or hair dye cape
• Non-metal bowl (optional)
• Shower cap (optional, but recommended)
• Application brush (optional, but recommended)
• Plastic pins
• Vinyl gloves