Are you thinking of switching from fabulous red hair to electric blue hair and want to do it efficiently and affordably?
If so, you might wonder, can you dye blue over red hair? The answer depends on how much the red has faded and what type of red dye you used. Keep reading for a simple plan.
No, you cannot dye blue directly over red hair and expect a true blue result. Because blue and red are contrasting colors, applying blue dye over red pigments will result in a purple, dark berry, or muddy brown shade. If your red is faded to orange, the blue acts as a neutralizer and may turn your hair a swampy green or grey. To get a vibrant blue, you must strip or fade the red to a very pale pink or blonde first.
Factors to Consider Before Dyeing Red Hair Blue
Current Hair Condition
Before you dye your red hair blue, the red needs to fade a lot. Aim for pale pink, not bright red.
If your hair still has a few traces of red dye, wait a few more weeks before applying blue.
Also check the undertone. If your faded red looks orange, blue can look muddy brown or dull green.
Type of Dye Used
What type of red dye did you use, permanent or semi permanent? This changes what you should do next.
Semi permanent dyes are often called fashion colors or direct dyes. They usually fade with washing and time.
Permanent dyes use a developer. They can hold on longer and may need a remover made for permanent color or a lifting service at a salon.
Can I apply permanent blue dye over red hair?
No, not in most cases. Most bright blue shades are sold as semi permanent dyes.
There are permanent “blue black” or “blue brown” shades, but they are much deeper and darker than electric blue.
How to Remove Red Hair Dye
Fading red can take time, especially if it is permanent dye. The goal is to remove as much red and orange as you can before you add blue.
Choose one option below based on your dye type and your hair condition. Start with the gentlest option first.
- Do a patch test every time you dye. Hair dye can cause allergic reactions. NHS hair dye reactions
- If you use bleach or lightener, stop if you feel strong burning. Scalp burns can happen.
- If you get a burn or blister, cool it with running water and get medical help if needed.
- Too much heat, bleach, or harsh washing can lead to breakage.
- Always follow the label, wear gloves, and keep products out of the eyes.
Option: Wash your hair more often.
Semi permanent red can fade faster with more washes. Warm water can also help the color release faster than cold water.
Option: Use an anti dandruff shampoo or a clarifying shampoo.
These shampoos clean more deeply than many color safe shampoos. Because of that, they can help speed up fading.
Focus the shampoo on the mids and ends where the red is strongest. Rinse well.
Option: Vitamin C wash (best for semi permanent red).
If your red was a semi permanent direct dye, a vitamin C wash can help lift leftover staining after you have already faded it with washing. It works best on faded color, not fresh color.
Option: Bleach bath (for stubborn color).
Putting full strength bleach over strong red can leave bright orange behind. A bleach bath is a diluted lightener mix, often made with bleach powder, developer, and shampoo. It is used to gently lift what is left after you have faded the red as much as possible.
Option: Color remover kit (for permanent dye only).
Important note on color removers. Most at-home color removers are designed for permanent oxidative dyes. They are not designed for semi-permanent direct dyes. If you used a semi-permanent red, focus on fading with washing, clarifying shampoo, or a vitamin C wash instead.
How to Dye Red Hair Blue: Tips You Need to Know
Once the red has faded to pale pink, you can apply the blue dye according to the instructions on the packaging. To get a more even result, keep these tips in mind:
- Do a strand test on a small hidden section. This helps you check the shade and timing.
- If you are using a semi-permanent blue dye, apply it generously from roots to ends. Fully saturate the hair.
- Work in small sections. Take your time so you do not miss spots.
So, Can I Use Blue Dye over Red Hair?
Yes, it is possible. The key is your base. If the red is still strong, blue can turn purple. If the faded red looks orange, blue can look muddy brown or dull green.
If you don’t fade first, your hair can turn purple instead of the blue hue you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on how dark your red is and how your hair lifts. Some people need one lightening session, while deeper reds can take more than one.
When choosing a blue shade, check how much the red has faded. If you still see warm tones, a deeper blue will cover better. If your hair is pale pink, you can choose a brighter blue, as long as it is darker than your base.
You May Also Like