How to Dye Hair That Was Dyed Black

Black hair can beautiful, but problematic to lighten.

Many girls desire black hair, which exudes mystery, intrigue and excitement. Black is the rock-star color of choice for celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, Winona Ryder, Krysten Ritter and Courteney Cox. However, black isn't right for everyone, and if you often experiment with your hair color, you may be ready to move on. Unfortunately, coloring dyed-dark hair back to a lighter shade is a difficult task, because black pigment penetrates deepest into the hair shafts and naturally thwarts your efforts to lighten it.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hot oil treatment
• Dish detergent
• Old t-shirt
• Old towel
• Newspapers
• Dye removal pad
• Household cleaner
• 1 to 2 pairs rubber gloves
• Coloring bowl
• Coloring brush
• Comb
• Jheri Redding Color Fix or L'Oreal ColorZap
• Hair dye
• Toner
• Shower cap
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. 

   Going blonde from a much-darker shade could severely damage your hair.

   Think rationally. Avoid panicking and overreacting. You may think black hair looks awful on you, but get a second opinion. You're about to embark upon one of the most difficult tasks in the cosmetology world. Lightening hair that's been dyed black may result in split ends, dryness, stretching, thinning and breakage.

2. 

   See what magic washing can do.

   Try home remedies at first. Washing as often as possible with lemon juice, heavy-duty dandruff shampoo and deep conditioners can take out some of the black. Use a hot oil treatment like VO5 to strip some of the color. It's also possible to use dishwashing soap or shampoos with high concentrations of detergent, like Prell.

3. 

   Sometimes the work is best left to the pros.

   Consult a professional. Color correction is big business because licensed hair dressers know what's best. Colorists can determine your hair type and which procedures will work best in your case. They also have every known hair care product on hand, and take a personal stake in your success. You should definitely go to a salon and fork up the cash if your hair is severely damaged, breaking off or over-dyed, or if you want to lighten your hair at least three shades. While it may cost you $100 or more, you will be guaranteed the look you want with minimal damage.

4. 

   Brown and red are easier transition colors than light blonde.

   Choose your plan of attack if you're set on doing it yourself. You may want to gradually lighten your hair through streaky highlights, rather than subjecting your entire head to the damaging effects of bleach. You may want to try demi- or semi-permanent color over the black to add subtle shades of red or brown, without using ammonia or bleach. Or you may decide to bleach your hair and add permanent dye containing ammonia and peroxide. Your best bet is to go for a gradual lightening plan, from black to brown or red, rather than right to platinum blonde.

5. 

   Stock up on the necessary hair dyeing products.

   Buy the necessary products. Whenever dye is involved, you'll need to pick up cleaning items from the supermarket and beauty supply store, like household cleaner, a scrub brush, paper towels or a newspaper to place around the sink, a mixing bowl, a dye brush, rubber gloves and dye removal pads. Purchase a product like Color Fix from Jheri Redding or ColorZap from L'Oreal to strip away the dye. Purchase whatever hair dye you prefer.

6. 

   Coloring your hair can be tricky.

   Mix the ColorZap or Color Fix product into your mixing bowl as directed. Work the product through your hair from the roots out with your coloring brush, using a comb and rubber-gloved hands to ensure the hair is evenly saturated. After about 25 minutes, wash out using shampoo and conditioner. Next, prepare your dye as directed on the package. Mix in your bowl, spread using your brush and comb through hair. Secure a plastic bag over your hair with a hair clip, and use a hair dryer to help the chemicals react more effectively. When the time is up, rinse out the dye, following with shampoo and a deep conditioner. Use the cleaning products you purchased to keep the bathroom tidy.

7. 

   Don't forget to condition your tortured strands.

   Maintain your hair. To keep your new color, try to avoid swimming, or wear a swim-cap. Use high-quality shampoos and conditioners specially designed for color-treated hair. Saturate your hair with a deep conditioner at least once a week, or consider using a daily leave-in moisturizer to keep your hair healthy-looking. Commit to dyeing your roots every four to six weeks for proper upkeep.

Tips & Warnings

• It can be a lot cheaper to pay a professional now than to purchase all the home supplies and still need to request a professional color correction later.

• Consider having beauty school students color your hair, if you'd like to save money over a traditional salon.

• You may use bleach instead of the color-correction product.

• Highlights and lowlights are the best way to color-treat your hair gradually.

• Do not leave the dye or color treatment products on for longer than is specified.

• Don't spend much more than $100 to lighten your hair at a salon.

• Avoid the L'Oreal "Black to Blonde" dye, which will only work on your roots.

References

• Mammal Hair: Home Remedies for Removing Black Dye
• Sally Beauty Supply Shop: Homepage
• Hair Boutique: Tips for Understanding the Laws of Hair Color

Resources

• Mooky Chick Blog: From Black to Blonde