Are you considering dyeing your dark brown hair blue? If so, you’re likely wondering what the outcome will be. Will your hair turn a vibrant blue, or will it be more of a subtle, blue-ish tint? In this article, we’ll explore what happens when you put blue dye over dark brown hair, and provide some tips for achieving the best results.
Understanding Hair Color Theory
Before we dive into the specifics of dyeing dark brown hair blue, it’s essential to understand some basic hair color theory. Hair color is determined by the presence of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black colors, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow colors. When you dye your hair, you’re essentially depositing color pigments into the hair shaft.
How Hair Color Works
Hair color is made up of three components: the base color, the tone, and the level. The base color is the underlying color of your hair, which can be warm (golden, honey) or cool (ashy, blue). The tone refers to the color’s undertones, such as red, blue, or purple. The level is the lightness or darkness of the color, ranging from 1 (black) to 12 (lightest blonde).
Why Dark Brown Hair is Challenging to Dye
Dark brown hair can be challenging to dye because it has a high concentration of eumelanin, which makes it difficult for color pigments to penetrate the hair shaft. This means that the color may not take evenly, or it may fade quickly.
What Happens When You Put Blue Dye Over Dark Brown Hair
When you put blue dye over dark brown hair, the results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of dye used, the condition of your hair, and the porosity of your hair.
Immediate Results
Immediately after dyeing, your hair may appear more purple or blue-ish than expected. This is because the blue dye has deposited color pigments onto the surface of the hair shaft, but it may not have fully penetrated the hair yet.
Color Fading
As the days go by, the color may start to fade, and your hair may return to its natural dark brown color. This is because the blue dye is not as stable as other colors, and it can be prone to fading.
Factors That Affect the Outcome
Several factors can affect the outcome of dyeing dark brown hair blue, including:
Hair Porosity
Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains color. If your hair has low porosity, the color may not take evenly, or it may fade quickly.
Hair Condition
The condition of your hair can also affect the outcome of dyeing. If your hair is damaged or over-processed, the color may not take as well, or it may fade more quickly.
Dye Type
The type of dye used can also impact the outcome. Permanent dyes, semi-permanent dyes, and demi-permanent dyes all have different formulations and may produce different results.
Developer Volume
The developer volume used with the dye can also affect the outcome. A higher developer volume can help to lift the color and achieve a more vibrant blue, but it can also cause damage to the hair.
Tips for Achieving the Best Results
If you’re determined to dye your dark brown hair blue, here are some tips for achieving the best results:
Choose the Right Dye
Choose a high-quality, permanent dye that is specifically formulated for dark hair. Look for a dye that contains ingredients such as keratin, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can help to nourish and protect your hair.
Perform a Strand Test
Before dyeing your entire head of hair, perform a strand test to ensure that the color takes evenly and to check for any allergic reactions.
Use a Pre-Color Treatment
Using a pre-color treatment can help to open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to penetrate more evenly. Look for a treatment that contains ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.
Follow the Instructions Carefully
Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to process the dye for the recommended amount of time. Over-processing can cause damage to the hair and affect the color.
Conclusion
Dyeing dark brown hair blue can be a challenging process, but with the right techniques and products, you can achieve a vibrant, long-lasting color. Remember to choose the right dye, perform a strand test, use a pre-color treatment, and follow the instructions carefully. With a little patience and practice, you can achieve the blue hair of your dreams.
| Color Level | Color Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Black |
| 2-3 | Dark Brown |
| 4-5 | Medium Brown |
| 6-7 | Light Brown |
| 8-9 | Blonde |
| 10-12 | Lightest Blonde |
By understanding hair color theory and following these tips, you can achieve a beautiful, blue hair color that you’ll love.
What happens when you put blue dye over dark brown hair?
When you put blue dye over dark brown hair, the results can be unpredictable. The blue dye may not show up as vibrant as you expect, and the color may turn out more green or purple due to the underlying dark brown pigment. This is because the blue dye has to compete with the existing pigment in your hair, which can affect the final color.
The outcome also depends on the type of blue dye you use and the condition of your hair. If you use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent blue dye, the color may not last long and may fade quickly. On the other hand, if you use a permanent blue dye, the color may be more long-lasting but can also cause more damage to your hair.
Will blue dye show up on dark brown hair?
Blue dye can show up on dark brown hair, but the results may vary. If you have very dark brown hair, the blue dye may not show up at all, or it may appear as a subtle blue tint. However, if you have lighter dark brown hair, the blue dye may show up more vibrantly. It’s also important to note that the type of blue dye you use can affect the outcome.
To increase the chances of the blue dye showing up on dark brown hair, you can try using a bleach or lightener to lighten your hair before applying the blue dye. This will help the blue dye penetrate more evenly and show up more vibrantly. However, be careful when using bleach or lightener, as it can cause damage to your hair.
How long does blue dye last on dark brown hair?
The longevity of blue dye on dark brown hair depends on several factors, including the type of dye used, the condition of your hair, and how well you care for your hair. Generally, semi-permanent and demi-permanent blue dyes can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, while permanent blue dyes can last longer, typically up to 8 weeks.
However, the color may start to fade sooner, especially if you wash your hair frequently or use hot water. To make the blue dye last longer, you can try using color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, and avoiding heat styling tools. You can also try touching up your roots and ends regularly to maintain the color.
Can I achieve pastel blue hair over dark brown hair?
Achieving pastel blue hair over dark brown hair can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. To get pastel blue hair, you’ll need to lighten your hair significantly, which can be damaging. You can try using a bleach or lightener to lighten your hair, and then apply a pastel blue dye.
However, keep in mind that pastel blue hair requires regular maintenance to keep the color looking vibrant and healthy. You’ll need to touch up your roots and ends regularly, and use color-protecting products to prevent the color from fading. It’s also important to be gentle with your hair and avoid using heat styling tools, as they can cause damage and dryness.
How do I care for blue hair over dark brown hair?
Caring for blue hair over dark brown hair requires some extra effort to maintain the color and keep your hair healthy. First, use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners to prevent the color from fading. You can also try using a color-depositing treatment once a week to keep the color looking vibrant.
It’s also important to be gentle with your hair and avoid using heat styling tools, as they can cause damage and dryness. Try to minimize your use of hot water, and use a cool water rinse to help lock in the color. You can also try using a hair mask once a week to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.
Can I dye my hair blue over dark brown hair at home?
Dyeing your hair blue over dark brown hair at home can be tricky, and it’s not recommended unless you have experience with hair dye. The process can be unpredictable, and the results may vary. If you’re not careful, you can end up with uneven color, dryness, or damage.
If you still want to try dyeing your hair blue at home, make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and do a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. It’s also important to use a high-quality dye and follow the recommended instructions for application and processing time.
What are the risks of dyeing blue hair over dark brown hair?
Dyeing blue hair over dark brown hair can come with some risks, including damage, dryness, and uneven color. The process of lightening your hair to achieve the blue color can cause damage, especially if you use bleach or lightener. The blue dye itself can also cause dryness and brittleness, especially if you use a permanent dye.
To minimize the risks, it’s recommended to do a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head, and to follow the instructions carefully. You should also use a high-quality dye and follow the recommended instructions for application and processing time. It’s also important to be gentle with your hair and use color-protecting products to prevent damage and dryness.