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Can I Bleach My Hair After Dyeing It Black?

Can you bleach dyed black hair? It can be a tricky process, but with the proper knowledge and care it’s possible. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of bleaching dyed black hair and if there’s a safe method to do so.

Is It Possible to Bleach Hair After Dyeing It Black?

Yes, you can bleach your hair after dyeing it black. However, there is a risk of damage, so proceed with caution. You should assess your hair condition and treat it to repair if there is any damage. We recommend you visit a professional colorist for this.

You must take precautions to protect your hair and ensure the best results. The process requires a special bleaching agent strong enough to lift the dark color without damaging or drying out your locks. 

Before bleaching your dyed black hair, you should give sufficient time for the scalp’s natural oils to restore and safeguard strands from further harm during the lightening process. 

Additionally, this waiting period allows for any underlying pigment left behind by the original dye job to fade away as much as possible before stripping it.

Note:

  • It’s not recommended to DIY bleach your hair after dyeing it black at home unless you know what you’re doing.
  • You should go to a specialist colorist to avoid damaging your hair.
  • If you try to save money by doing it at home, it’s a high chance you’ll end up ruining your hair.
  • Bleaching your hair at a salon can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment to achieve the desired result without damaging your hair.
  • You can also choose natural ingredients like baking soda to remove black hair dye. But it is time-consuming and can damage hair too.

How Soon Can I Bleach Dyed Black Hair?

bleach dye on black hair
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If you’re thinking about bleaching dyed black hair, give yourself at least two weeks before taking any action, and this allows enough time for the color to settle in fully and become permanent within the strands of your hair. 

It also gives any potential irritation from dying or chemical treatments time to heal completely before attempting another.

When deciding how soon you can bleach dyed black hair, consider what type of dye you used and how long ago it was applied. If you used a semi-permanent dye, waiting two weeks should be enough. 

However, if you used a permanent dye or if more than three months have passed since application, additional steps may be needed before bleaching, such as using a clarifying shampoo or stripping agent first.

You should exercise caution even though this might seem easy when considering going lighter from darker shades. If gone wrong, reversing can be challenging, leaving only one option: starting again.

How to Bleach Black Hair Dye?

Let’s take a look at this procedure step by step.

Prepare Your Hair for Bleaching

It’s recommended that the hair not be washed before any bleaching process to protect the scalp and the hair from damage.

Your natural oils will do just that by minimizing scalp irritation and protecting against protein damage, so do not wash your hair beforehand.

Mix the Bleach Properly

The next step in bleaching dyed black hair is mixing the bleach solution according to package instructions. Usually, 1 part bleach powder with the 2-part developer (20/30 vol). Make sure to use quality products.

Mix all the products in a plastic or silicone bowl with a plastic applicator brush making sure that all products are mixed in thoroughly. Avoid using metal equipment.

Apply the Bleaching Solution

bleach on black dyed hair

Now that you have everything prepared, begin applying small sections of dry hair with bleach using an applicator brush or comb for even coverage from root to tip all over your head (or just on certain areas). 

Make sure to take thin sections to ensure that the hair is totally saturated. Now, you would need to move quickly but thoroughly through your hair as the bleach is quick to develop, so you want to avoid uneven lifting. Be careful not to let any drip down onto exposed skin. 

Cover the bleached hair with foil or a plastic cap (only if you are experienced with using bleach). Make sure to leave the product on the hair as indicated, checking occasionally.

Then rinse thoroughly after the time has elapsed. Rinse the hair and shampoo afterward to remove any remaining bleach from the hair. Be careful not to dry your hair too roughly, rather pat it dry.

Depending on how long the hair has been dark or how many times it’s been colored dark, bleaching more than once could be required but be careful not to bleach twice on the same day. Always give your hair time to recuperate. 

Condition Hair After Bleaching

Once you’re done rinsing out all traces of bleach from your scalp/hairline area, it is time for conditioning. 

Using a deep conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair helps nourish and protect newly lightened strands while keeping them healthy and vibrant and adding extra moisture where needed.

Let sit according to directions, then rinse off before styling as usual. And there you have it.

So, Can You Bleach Your Dyed Black Hair?

You can bleach your dyed black hair, but it must be done cautiously. 

Carefully follow all instructions and enlist professional help to avoid potential damages such as breakage and discoloration due to incorrect application methods or harsh chemicals used during bleaching. 

With proper care and attention given throughout each stage of lightening colored strands, you can safely achieve beautiful results when transitioning from darker hues into lighter shades.