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Can You Apply Brown Dye Over Pink Hair?

When deciding to change up your look and hair color, there are countless choices to decide from. If you’re looking to cover a bright, fantasy color, you may be wondering, “Can you apply brown dye over pink?”.

From carefully considering how to apply dye on pink hair to preparing your locks beforehand and choosing the right type of dye for maximum impact, we’ll also look at some pro tips for maintaining that gorgeous new hue.

Can You Apply Brown Dye Over Pink Hair?

brown dye over pink hair

Yes, you can apply brown dye over pink hair. However, you should be aware of the basics of color theory, and you’ll need to choose a dark enough shade of brown dye. Generally speaking, the darker the shade of pink, the darker brown you’ll need to choose. 

A color wheel is a great tool for understanding how different colors work together when mixing or applying them to your hair. It shows that opposite colors on the wheel will create a neutral shade when mixed, while adjacent colors will blend, creating a gradient effect. 

Let’s look at how the color wheel can help when applying brown dye over pink strands.

Dyeing Hair Brown Over Pink

brown dye on pink hair
niveahcole/Instagram

Dyeing hair brown over pink can be a tricky process, which is why it’s important to understand the basics of color theory to choose the right shade of brown for your desired look.

With this in mind, you’ll need to choose an ash brown dye. Ash brown has a slight green tint and since red and green are opposite each other on the color wheel, this green tint will neutralize the red tones from the pink color. 

Steps for Applying Brown Dye Over Pink Hair

Before you commence dyeing, ensure you have all the essentials, such as protective gloves, a tint brush, and a developer solution. Also, consider doing a strand test before coloring your entire head to ensure the outcome matches your expectations and avoids unexpected results.

Neutralize the Pink

If using a semi-permanent brown dye, you’ll want to use a clarifying shampoo to neutralize and help fade the pink. 

You can also use a hair color remover or a vinegar mask to help remove the pink hair color. You may also need to bleach the hair if the pink is stubborn, or you need to remove the color quickly. 

If using permanent brown hair dye, you won’t need to fade the pink hue before applying. Permanent hair dye has chemicals (peroxide and ammonia) that will remove the pink and then add the brown. 

Apply Brown Dye

It’s best to wait 48 hours after shampooing to apply hair dye. Mix developer and dye in a container and apply to strands in sections from the root to the tip.

Cover all strands for an even color.  Leave the dye on for approximately 45 minutes (but follow the instructions on the box).

Rinse and Aftercare

Rinse hair with lukewarm water until it runs clear. Follow with the aftercare moisturizing cream included in the kit or conditioner. Leave this product on the hair for three to five minutes and then rinse. 

Applying the color carefully and doing proper aftercare can achieve a beautiful color transformation that will make heads turn.

Maintenance After Dying Pink Hair Brown

pink hair to brown hair
changes.by.kirsten/Instagram

Dyeing pink hair brown can be a great way to switch up your look and create a new style. After dyeing hair, however, following maintenance and care tips are important to keep hair healthy and the color rich. 

Let’s look at some tips.

  • Use color-safe shampoo
  • Wash hair less frequently (the more you wash, the quicker the color will fade, so try using dry shampoo between washes).
  • Always wash and rinse hair with lukewarm water
  • Use a deep conditioner hair mask at least once a week

Before applying brown dye over pink hair, understand dye types and potential outcomes. Also, consider if dying your pink hair brown is right for you. With proper care and maintenance, your new color can last long.

FAQs

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about applying brown dye over pink hair. 

What color can I dye over pink?

The color you can dye over pink depends on the type of dye and the shade of pink. Generally, darker colors such as black, navy blue, or dark purple will work best for covering up a lighter shade of pink.

What color hair dye can cover pink?

The best way to cover pink hair dye is by using a darker shade of the same color family. For concealing pink hair, try using burgundy or deep red.
Additionally, for maximum coverage and longevity, use an ammonia-free semi-permanent dye that will last longer than temporary dyes.

Can I put black dye over pink hair?

Yes, you can put black dye over pink hair. However, you should take the necessary precautions when doing so and use a conditioner specifically designed for dyed hair to safeguard it from any harm caused by the chemical components of the dye.