How To Dye Dyed Brown Hair Blonde

Imagine walking into a salon with dark, chocolate brown hair, dreaming of emerging with sun-kissed blonde locks. Many people find themselves in this exact situation, yearning for a lighter, brighter change after previously coloring their hair a darker shade. The journey from dyed brown hair to blonde can seem daunting, fraught with potential pitfalls like brassiness, damage, and uneven color. But don't let that discourage you.

Transitioning from brown to blonde isn't a simple one-step process, but with the right approach, patience, and the correct products, it's absolutely achievable. Understanding the nuances of hair coloring, the science behind lifting pigment, and how to protect your hair's health are crucial for a successful transformation. Whether you're aiming for a subtle honey blonde or a striking platinum, knowing the steps involved and the potential challenges will empower you to make informed decisions and achieve your desired results. Let's explore how to navigate this exciting hair color journey.

Main Subheading

Changing your hair color, especially when drastically altering it from a dark shade like dyed brown to a light one like blonde, requires understanding a few key principles. The existing brown dye in your hair adds a layer of complexity, as you’re not just lightening your natural pigment but also removing the artificial color molecules. This process involves lifting the artificial brown pigment before depositing the desired blonde tone.

The critical component in this transformation is a lightening agent, usually bleach. Bleach works by opening the hair cuticle and allowing the oxidizing agents to penetrate the hair shaft, breaking down the melanin (natural pigment) and the artificial dye molecules. However, this process can be damaging if not handled correctly. Hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. That's why a measured and careful approach is essential. Proper preparation, the right products, and a deep understanding of your hair's condition will significantly influence the final outcome and the health of your hair.

Comprehensive Overview

To successfully dye previously dyed brown hair blonde, a thorough understanding of hair color theory and the chemical processes involved is essential. Here’s a breakdown of crucial aspects:

Understanding Hair Color Levels

Hair color is categorized into levels, typically ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). When you dye your hair brown, you're essentially depositing artificial color to lower its level. To go blonde, you need to lift your hair several levels, which means removing both the artificial brown pigment and your natural pigment.

The Role of Bleach

Bleach, or hair lightener, contains an oxidizing agent (usually hydrogen peroxide) and an alkalizing agent (like ammonia). The alkalizing agent opens the hair cuticle, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the hair shaft. The hydrogen peroxide then breaks down the melanin and artificial dye molecules, effectively lightening the hair. The strength of the bleach is determined by the volume of the developer (the hydrogen peroxide solution). Higher volumes lift more quickly but also cause more damage.

Hair Condition and Porosity

The condition of your hair plays a significant role in how well it lifts and retains color. Porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture and chemicals. High porosity hair (often damaged or chemically treated) absorbs color quickly but also loses it quickly, while low porosity hair resists absorption. Understanding your hair's porosity helps you choose the right products and processing times. Damaged hair is more susceptible to breakage and uneven color absorption, making it essential to prioritize hair health before and during the lightening process.

Toning

After bleaching, the hair often has unwanted undertones like yellow or orange. Toning neutralizes these undertones to achieve the desired blonde shade. Toners contain pigments that counteract the unwanted hues. For example, purple toners neutralize yellow tones, while blue toners neutralize orange tones. Toning is a crucial step in achieving a clean, vibrant blonde.

The Importance of Strand Tests

Before applying any bleach or dye to your entire head, always perform a strand test. This involves applying the product to a small, hidden section of your hair to see how it reacts. A strand test allows you to assess the lifting speed, final color, and potential damage, helping you adjust your approach and avoid unwanted surprises.

Gradual Lightening

Drastically lightening hair in one session can cause significant damage. A gradual approach, involving multiple lightening sessions spaced several weeks apart, is often safer and more effective. This allows the hair to recover between sessions and minimizes the risk of breakage. Each session should aim to lift a few levels, gradually working towards the desired blonde shade.

Trends and Latest Developments

The world of hair coloring is constantly evolving, with new techniques and products emerging regularly. Here are some current trends and developments in achieving the perfect blonde from dyed brown hair:

Bond Builders

One of the most significant advancements in hair coloring is the introduction of bond builders like Olaplex, L'Oréal Smartbond, and Redken pH-Bonder. These products work by repairing and strengthening the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft that are broken during chemical processes like bleaching. Adding a bond builder to your bleach mixture can significantly reduce damage and improve the overall health of your hair. These treatments are now considered essential by many professionals.

Low and Slow Bleaching

The "low and slow" approach to bleaching is gaining popularity. This involves using a lower volume developer (e.g., 10 or 20 volume) and allowing the bleach to process for a longer period. This method minimizes damage compared to using a high volume developer for a shorter time. The extended processing time allows for more even lifting and reduces the risk of over-processing.

Balayage and Highlights

Rather than a full head of blonde, many people are opting for balayage or highlights to gradually transition from brown to blonde. Balayage involves hand-painting the lightener onto the hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect. Highlights strategically placed throughout the hair can add dimension and brightness without the commitment of a full color change. These techniques are gentler on the hair and require less frequent touch-ups.

Ash Blonde and Platinum Trends

Ash blonde and platinum blonde shades remain highly sought after. Achieving these cool-toned blondes requires careful toning to neutralize any yellow or orange undertones. Products like purple shampoos and conditioners are essential for maintaining these shades and preventing brassiness.

Natural and Organic Options

As consumers become more conscious of the ingredients in their beauty products, there's a growing demand for natural and organic hair lightening alternatives. While these options may not provide the same dramatic lifting power as traditional bleach, they can be a gentler choice for those looking to lighten their hair gradually. Ingredients like honey, lemon juice, and chamomile tea are sometimes used for subtle lightening effects.

Tips and Expert Advice

Successfully transitioning from dyed brown hair to blonde requires careful planning and execution. Here's some expert advice to help you achieve your desired results while minimizing damage:

Consult a Professional

While it’s possible to dye your hair at home, consulting a professional colorist is highly recommended, especially when making a significant color change. A professional can assess your hair's condition, determine the best approach, and use professional-grade products to achieve the desired results safely. They can also provide personalized advice on how to maintain your hair's health and color.

Prepare Your Hair

Start preparing your hair weeks before your lightening session. Focus on hydration and strengthening treatments. Use deep conditioning masks, hair oils, and protein treatments to improve your hair's overall health and elasticity. Avoid heat styling and harsh chemicals in the weeks leading up to your appointment.

Use Quality Products

Invest in high-quality lightening products, toners, and aftercare treatments. Cheap or low-quality products can cause more damage and yield unpredictable results. Look for reputable brands with positive reviews and consider using products specifically designed for color-treated hair.

Monitor Processing Time

Keep a close eye on the processing time when using bleach. Over-processing can lead to severe damage and breakage. Check your hair regularly during the process, and don't exceed the recommended processing time. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and rinse the bleach out early.

Deep Condition Regularly

Bleaching can strip your hair of moisture, so it's essential to replenish it with regular deep conditioning treatments. Use hydrating masks and leave-in conditioners to keep your hair moisturized and prevent dryness. Look for products containing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid.

Protect Your Hair from Heat

Heat styling can further damage bleached hair, so it's best to minimize its use. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage. Consider air-drying your hair whenever possible and using lower heat settings on styling tools.

Use Purple Shampoo and Conditioner

Purple shampoo and conditioner are essential for maintaining blonde hair and preventing brassiness. These products contain purple pigments that neutralize yellow tones, keeping your blonde looking bright and fresh. Use them once or twice a week, or as needed, to maintain your desired tone.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to go from dyed brown to blonde?

A: The time it takes varies depending on your hair's current color, condition, and desired blonde shade. It can take anywhere from one session to several weeks or even months to achieve the desired result safely. Gradual lightening is always recommended to minimize damage.

Q: Can I dye my hair blonde at home if it's already dyed brown?

A: It's possible, but it's generally safer to consult a professional, especially for significant color changes. A professional can assess your hair's condition and use professional-grade products to achieve the desired results safely. If you do attempt it at home, always perform a strand test first.

Q: What volume developer should I use?

A: The volume of developer depends on how much lift you need and the condition of your hair. Lower volumes (10 or 20) are gentler and better for gradual lightening, while higher volumes (30 or 40) lift more quickly but can cause more damage. It's best to start with a lower volume and increase it if needed.

Q: How can I prevent brassiness?

A: Use a purple shampoo and conditioner regularly to neutralize yellow tones. You can also use a toner after bleaching to correct any unwanted undertones. Avoid using hot water when washing your hair, as it can strip the color and cause brassiness.

Q: How can I repair damaged hair after bleaching?

A: Use bond-building treatments like Olaplex or L'Oréal Smartbond to repair broken bonds in the hair shaft. Deep condition your hair regularly with hydrating masks and oils. Minimize heat styling and use a heat protectant when you do. Consider getting regular trims to remove split ends and prevent further damage.

Conclusion

Transitioning from dyed brown hair to blonde is a journey that requires patience, knowledge, and the right products. Understanding the science behind hair coloring, the importance of hair health, and the latest trends can help you achieve your desired results while minimizing damage. Whether you choose to consult a professional or embark on a DIY project, remember to prioritize the health of your hair and take a gradual approach.

Ready to start your journey to blonde? Consult with a professional colorist to create a personalized plan for your hair. Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. Let's help each other achieve our blonde hair dreams!