how to bleach dyed black hair

3 min read 22-01-2025

Meta Description: Transforming dyed black hair back to its natural color or a lighter shade requires patience and the right approach. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, safety precautions, and professional tips for successfully bleaching dyed black hair at home or in a salon. Learn about the process, potential risks, and how to maintain healthy hair throughout the bleaching journey.

Understanding the Challenges of Bleaching Dyed Black Hair

Bleaching previously dyed black hair is significantly more challenging than bleaching natural hair. Black hair dye contains permanent pigments that deeply penetrate the hair shaft. Removing these pigments requires a more intensive and potentially damaging process. This means understanding the risks and taking precautions is crucial.

Why Black Hair Dye is Difficult to Remove

The pigments in black hair dye are designed to be long-lasting. They bind to the hair's cortex, the inner layer, making them tough to lift. Repeated bleaching attempts can lead to severe damage if not handled properly. This damage can manifest as breakage, dryness, and an overall unhealthy appearance.

Assessing Your Hair's Condition and Setting Realistic Expectations

Before you start bleaching, it's essential to evaluate your hair's health. Damaged or weak hair is more prone to breakage during the bleaching process.

Checking Hair Health

Visual Inspection: Look for split ends, breakage, or excessive dryness.
Strand Test: Gently pull a few strands of hair to assess their elasticity and strength. Weak strands indicate a need for extra hair care before bleaching.

Realistic Expectations for Bleaching Dyed Black Hair

It is highly unlikely that you can achieve a bright blonde or platinum color in a single session. Bleaching dark hair often requires multiple sessions, spread out over several weeks, to allow your hair to recover between each application.

The Step-by-Step Bleaching Process

The following steps outline the process of bleaching previously dyed black hair. Remember, patience is key.

1. Gather Your Supplies

You'll need:

High-volume developer (30-40 volume): Higher volume developers lift color faster, but increase the risk of damage. Consult a professional for the appropriate volume.
Professional bleaching powder: Choose a powder specifically designed for lifting dark hair.
Developer: This mixes with the bleaching powder.
Mixing bowl and brush: Use a non-metallic bowl and brush.
Protective gloves: Essential to protect your skin.
Protective cream: Apply a thick cream to your hairline and ears to prevent bleach burns.
Old towel or cape: Protect your clothes.
Deep conditioner: To help restore moisture after bleaching.
Purple shampoo and conditioner (optional): To counteract brassiness (yellow tones).

2. Perform a Strand Test

A strand test is crucial. Apply the bleach mixture to a small, hidden section of your hair to check for damage and see how the color lifts.

3. Prepare Your Hair

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This removes any product buildup that could interfere with the bleaching process. Do not condition your hair.

4. Apply the Bleach Mixture

Follow the instructions on your chosen bleach kit carefully. Section your hair for even application. Apply the bleach starting at the roots and gradually moving down, ensuring even coverage.

5. Process and Rinse

The processing time varies based on your hair type and the desired level of lift. Keep a close eye on your hair's condition. When you've achieved the desired level of lightness, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

6. Deep Condition

After rinsing, apply a deep conditioner to help hydrate and repair your hair. Leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly.

7. Tone (Optional)

If you notice brassiness or unwanted yellow tones, use a toner specifically designed to counteract these shades.

Maintaining Healthy Bleached Hair

Maintaining the health of bleached hair is crucial after the bleaching process. Bleached hair is more vulnerable to damage and requires extra care.

Regular Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning treatments should be part of your regular hair care routine. This will help to keep hair moisturized, prevent breakage, and maintain its health.

Heat Protection

Always use a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools such as straighteners or curling irons.

Limit Heat Styling

Excessive heat styling can further damage already weakened hair. Aim to let hair air dry whenever possible.

Professional vs. At-Home Bleaching

While bleaching at home may seem cost-effective, achieving consistent and safe results is much more difficult. For best results and to minimize damage, it is highly recommended to seek professional help at a reputable salon. A stylist can determine if your hair is suitable for bleaching, select the right products and techniques, and provide expert guidance throughout the entire process.

Conclusion: Bleaching Dyed Black Hair Safely

Bleaching dyed black hair requires patience, careful planning, and a commitment to aftercare. While a dramatic color change is possible, remember to prioritize the health of your hair. Always weigh the risks and consider seeking the expertise of a professional hair stylist for optimal results and to avoid irreversible damage. Don't hesitate to consult a professional if you have any questions or concerns.