Bleaching your hair opens up a world of vibrant color possibilities, and blue is undeniably one of the most sought-after shades. But can you really achieve that perfect, head-turning blue on bleached hair? The answer is a resounding yes, but it’s not quite as simple as slapping on some dye and hoping for the best. Success hinges on understanding the science behind hair coloring, the preparation involved, and the right products and techniques.
Understanding Bleaching and Hair Porosity
Before diving into the blue dye, it’s crucial to grasp what bleaching does to your hair. Bleach, at its core, is a chemical process that lifts the natural pigment from your hair shaft. This process opens the hair cuticle, allowing the lightening agents to penetrate and dissolve the melanin, which gives your hair its color.
The extent to which the hair is bleached dictates the base shade. For a true, vibrant blue, you generally need a very pale blonde, almost white, canvas. This is because any remaining yellow undertones in your hair will interact with the blue dye, potentially resulting in a greenish hue.
Hair porosity is another critical factor. Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Bleaching inevitably increases porosity, making the hair more susceptible to damage but also more receptive to color. High porosity hair absorbs dye quickly but may also fade faster. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, can be resistant to dye absorption.
Preparing Your Bleached Hair for Blue Dye
Once you’ve bleached your hair to the desired lightness, preparation is key. This stage focuses on neutralizing unwanted tones, repairing damage, and ensuring the dye adheres properly.
Toning: Neutralizing Unwanted Yellow Tones
As mentioned earlier, any remaining yellow in your hair can drastically alter the final blue color. This is where toning comes in. A toner is a product that contains purple or blue pigments, which counteract the yellow or orange tones in bleached hair.
Applying a toner is a relatively simple process, but it requires precision. Follow the instructions on your chosen toner carefully, paying close attention to the development time. Over-toning can lead to an ashy or even purple tint, while under-toning won’t effectively neutralize the yellow. Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head.
Deep Conditioning: Restoring Moisture and Strength
Bleaching is inherently damaging, and it strips your hair of essential moisture and protein. Before applying blue dye, it’s essential to replenish these lost nutrients with a deep conditioning treatment.
Choose a deep conditioner specifically formulated for damaged or color-treated hair. These treatments often contain ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and natural oils that help to rebuild the hair structure and restore its elasticity. Apply the deep conditioner according to the product instructions, and consider using a heat cap to enhance its penetration.
Protein Treatments: Strengthening the Hair Structure
If your hair feels particularly weak or brittle after bleaching, a protein treatment can provide an extra boost of strength. Protein treatments work by filling in the gaps in the hair cuticle, making it more resistant to breakage.
Be cautious with protein treatments, as overusing them can actually make your hair feel stiff and dry. Use them sparingly and follow up with a moisturizing treatment to maintain balance.
Choosing the Right Blue Dye
The market is flooded with blue hair dyes, ranging from semi-permanent to permanent, and in various shades from pastel blues to deep, vibrant navies. Selecting the right dye depends on your desired outcome, hair type, and commitment level.
Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent Blue Dye
Semi-permanent dyes deposit color onto the hair shaft without penetrating deeply. They are generally less damaging than permanent dyes and fade gradually with each wash. Semi-permanent blue dyes are a great option if you want to experiment with blue without a long-term commitment.
Permanent dyes, on the other hand, contain developers that open the hair cuticle and deposit color molecules inside. They offer more intense, long-lasting color but can also be more damaging to the hair. Permanent blue dyes are best suited for those who are confident in their color choice and are prepared to maintain the color through regular touch-ups.
Shade Selection: Finding Your Perfect Blue
Blue is a versatile color with a wide range of shades to choose from. Consider your skin tone, personal style, and the overall look you want to achieve when selecting your blue dye.
For example, cooler skin tones often look great with icy blues or blue-toned purples, while warmer skin tones can pull off richer, more vibrant blues. Pastel blues are ideal for a subtle, ethereal look, while navy blues create a dramatic and sophisticated effect.
Reading Reviews and Ingredients: Making an Informed Decision
Before purchasing any blue dye, take the time to read reviews and examine the ingredient list. Look for dyes that are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and formulated with moisturizing ingredients.
Pay attention to reviews that mention the dye’s fading behavior and potential staining. Some blue dyes are notorious for staining skin and clothing, so it’s important to be aware of these potential issues before you start dyeing.
The Dyeing Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the main event: dyeing your hair blue. This process requires patience, precision, and a steady hand.
Gather Your Supplies: Setting Up for Success
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies:
- Your chosen blue dye
- Developer (if using permanent dye)
- Mixing bowl and applicator brush
- Gloves
- Old towel or cape to protect your clothing
- Hair clips
- Petroleum jelly (to protect your hairline)
- Timer
Strand Test: Avoiding Unpleasant Surprises
As with any hair coloring process, a strand test is crucial. This allows you to preview the color result, assess the dye’s development time, and check for any adverse reactions.
Apply the dye to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, following the product instructions. Observe the color development over the recommended time period and rinse thoroughly. If you’re happy with the result, you can proceed to dye your entire head. If not, you may need to adjust the dye or development time.
Application: Achieving Even Coverage
Start by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline to prevent staining. Section your hair into manageable sections and begin applying the dye, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
Ensure that each strand is thoroughly saturated with dye. Use the applicator brush to work the dye into the hair, ensuring even coverage. Once you’ve applied the dye to your entire head, massage it in gently to ensure that all strands are coated.
Processing Time: Allowing the Dye to Develop
Follow the dye manufacturer’s instructions for processing time. Do not exceed the recommended time, as this can damage your hair.
During the processing time, keep your hair covered with a plastic cap or towel to trap heat and promote even color development.
Rinsing and Conditioning: Sealing in the Color
Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the dye to fade faster.
Follow up with a color-safe conditioner to help seal in the color and restore moisture to your hair. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Maintaining Your Blue Hair: Keeping It Vibrant
Maintaining vibrant blue hair requires a dedicated care routine. Here are some tips to keep your blue locks looking their best:
Washing Less Frequently: Preserving the Color
Washing your hair too often can strip away the dye and cause it to fade faster. Aim to wash your hair only two or three times a week, or even less if possible.
Using Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Gentle Cleansing
Use shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle on the hair and help to preserve the color.
Avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates, as these harsh detergents can strip away the dye.
Avoiding Heat Styling: Minimizing Damage
Heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, can damage your hair and cause the blue dye to fade faster. Minimize your use of these tools and always use a heat protectant spray before styling.
Using UV Protection: Shielding from the Sun
The sun’s UV rays can also cause your blue dye to fade. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray when you’re spending time outdoors.
Touch-Ups: Maintaining Even Color
As your hair grows out, you’ll need to touch up the roots to maintain an even color. Apply the blue dye to the roots, following the same instructions as before.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter some challenges when dyeing your hair blue. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Greenish Tones: Counteracting Yellow Undertones
If your blue dye turns greenish, it’s likely due to remaining yellow undertones in your hair. To correct this, you can try using a toner with blue pigments to neutralize the yellow. You may also need to re-bleach your hair to a lighter shade before applying the blue dye again.
Uneven Color: Ensuring Even Coverage
Uneven color can result from uneven application of the dye. To fix this, you can try spot-treating the lighter areas with more dye. Make sure to apply the dye evenly and saturate each strand thoroughly.
Rapid Fading: Preserving the Color
If your blue dye fades quickly, it may be due to frequent washing, heat styling, or exposure to the sun. Follow the tips above for maintaining your blue hair to help preserve the color.
Staining: Removing Dye from Skin and Surfaces
Blue dye can stain skin and surfaces. To remove dye from your skin, try using a makeup remover wipe or a mixture of baking soda and water. To remove dye from surfaces, try using a bleach solution or a specialized stain remover.
Alternatives to Traditional Dye: Exploring Other Options
If you’re hesitant to use traditional hair dye, there are some alternative options available:
Hair Wax and Gels: Temporary Color Solutions
Hair wax and gels that contain pigments are a great way to experiment with blue hair without the commitment of permanent dye. These products wash out easily with shampoo and won’t damage your hair.
Hair Chalk: A Fun and Fleeting Color
Hair chalk is another temporary option that allows you to add streaks of blue to your hair. Simply rub the chalk onto dry hair and seal it with hairspray. The color will wash out with shampoo.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Blue Transformation
Dyeing bleached hair blue can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to express your individuality and embrace a bold new look. By understanding the science behind hair coloring, preparing your hair properly, choosing the right products, and following a dedicated maintenance routine, you can achieve stunning blue locks that turn heads wherever you go. So go ahead, take the plunge, and embrace your blue transformation! Remember that research and patience are key to achieving the best results. Always prioritize the health of your hair throughout the entire process.
Why does bleached hair need special attention when dyeing it blue?
Bleached hair is significantly more porous and damaged than natural hair. The bleaching process strips away the natural pigments and oils, leaving the hair shaft open and vulnerable. This increased porosity means that the blue dye will absorb much faster and potentially unevenly, leading to patchy results or even staining. Furthermore, damaged hair struggles to retain color, so the blue dye is likely to fade quickly if not properly cared for.
Therefore, it’s crucial to prepare bleached hair adequately before applying blue dye. This involves using protein treatments to rebuild the hair structure, moisturizing deeply to combat dryness, and ensuring the hair is as healthy as possible. Employing proper techniques during the dyeing process, such as strand testing and careful application, will minimize the risk of uneven color and fading.
What shade of blonde is ideal before dyeing hair blue?
The ideal shade of blonde for dyeing hair blue is a very pale, almost white blonde. This is because blue dye contains underlying pigments that can interact with any remaining yellow tones in the hair, potentially resulting in a greenish tint. The lighter the blonde, the truer the blue color will be.
If your hair is still a brassy or golden blonde after bleaching, you’ll likely need to tone it further to neutralize the yellow undertones. Use a purple shampoo or toner to achieve a more neutral, pale blonde base. Remember, a clean, blank canvas is essential for a vibrant and accurate blue result.
What type of blue hair dye should I choose?
When choosing a blue hair dye for bleached hair, consider the type of dye and its formulation. Semi-permanent dyes are generally recommended for bleached hair as they are less damaging than permanent dyes. These dyes deposit color on the surface of the hair shaft rather than penetrating deeply. Look for dyes specifically formulated for damaged or bleached hair, often containing moisturizing ingredients.
Also, consider the shade of blue you desire. Different brands offer various shades, from vibrant turquoise to deep navy blue. Read reviews and examine swatch photos to ensure the color aligns with your expectations. Patch test a small section of your hair before applying the dye to your entire head to assess the color and its suitability for your hair.
How can I prevent blue dye from staining my skin during application?
Preventing skin staining from blue dye requires careful preparation and application techniques. Before starting, apply a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizer, along your hairline, ears, and neck. This will prevent the dye from absorbing into the skin and causing stains.
Wear gloves throughout the entire process to protect your hands. If dye does accidentally get on your skin, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth or makeup remover. You can also use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton ball for stubborn stains, but be careful not to irritate the skin.
How often can I wash my hair after dyeing it blue?
Minimizing washes is crucial to maintaining vibrant blue hair. Aim to wash your hair only 1-2 times per week, or even less if possible. Each wash causes the dye molecules to fade, resulting in a loss of color intensity.
Use a sulfate-free shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. These shampoos are gentler and less likely to strip the dye. When you do wash your hair, use cool or lukewarm water, as hot water opens the hair cuticle and allows more dye to escape.
What are some effective ways to extend the life of my blue hair dye?
Beyond minimizing washes, several other methods can extend the life of your blue hair dye. Use a dry shampoo between washes to absorb oil and refresh your hair. Consider using a color-depositing conditioner in the same shade of blue as your dye to replenish the color with each wash.
Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray. Excessive sun exposure can fade the dye. Avoid heat styling as much as possible, as heat can also cause the dye to fade more quickly. When you do use heat styling tools, use a low heat setting and apply a heat protectant spray.
What if my blue hair dye fades to green?
Fading to green is a common issue with blue hair dye, especially on bleached hair that wasn’t toned adequately. This happens because blue dye contains both blue and green pigments, and the blue pigments tend to fade faster, leaving the underlying green pigments visible.
To correct this, you can try using a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner with a purple or violet base to neutralize the green tones. Another option is to re-dye your hair with a blue dye that has a stronger blue pigment or is specifically formulated to prevent green fading. Ensure that you are using a cool-toned, ash-based dye that won’t interact with any remaining yellow tones in your hair.