So you want to dye your dark hair without the use of bleach?
Bleach: A chemical that’s typically used to lift dark pigments and lighten hair. That is, despite being highly effective, very damaging.
Bleach can also be intimidating, deterring a lot of people from attempting to use it at home. But the truth is that dark hair can be very challenging to dye, especially without the use of bleach.
Now, before you admit defeat and reach for the bleach, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. Afterall, challenging does not equal impossible. We won’t promise you a transition from black to blonde without the use of bleach, but if you’re looking to go a few shades lighter or transition to a deep vivid color, you might be able to avoid using bleach.
Here’s what you’ll want to consider before dying your dark hair:
1. How Dark is Your Hair?
First things first, examining your current hair color. Your current hair color will determine both the type of product you need to use and the realistic color you’ll be able to achieve.
Hair color is graded on levels, with the darkest shade being 1 and the lightest 10. Levels 1-3 are the darkest, ranging from black to dark brown. Given that you’re reading this guide for dark hair, we’re going to assume your hair is between levels 1 and 3.
Dyeing dark hair like this without pre lightening it, aka bleaching, can be challenging but not impossible. If you’re dead set on not using bleach, understanding your current hair color will allow you to choose the best product possible and set a realistic hair color goal!
2. Is This Your Natural Hair Color?
Dark hair is dark hair, right? Wrong. The way we approach coloring natural hair vs color treated or even relaxed hair is very different!
Virgin/natural hair colors that are dark can be more challenging to color. This is due to the fact that the hair follicle is closed and has not been disrupted. Ironically, the fact that your hair is virgin and healthy, makes it more challenging to color!
Relaxing or dying your hair compromises the follicle. A compromised hair follicle is open, allowing color to penetrate the hair shaft more easily. If your hair has previously been colored or relaxed, you’ll likely achieve greater hair color results with milder developers.
Whether you’re dying your hair at home or enlisting the help of a skilled colorist, it’s important to understand and communicate the current state of your hair. Always disclose if your hair has previously been relaxed or color treated to avoid unnecessary damage!
3. What is Your Desired Color?
Lastly, determining your desired hair color. If your dream hair color is blonde or even pastel, it’s time to get realistic. We’ve got news for you, light shades will never show up on dark hair without the use of bleach!
However, it is possible to go both lighter and darker without the use of bleach. For those of you looking to achieve a medium brown to light brown hair color without the use of bleach, it’s totally possible.
Here’s where hair dye and developer combinations come in. Developers allow the hair dye to penetrate the hair follicle, lightening the hair, toning, and depositing the color all at once. Developer and hair dye combinations can lighten dark hair up to 3 to 4 levels without the use of bleach!
Hair Dyes for Dark Hair: What We Recommend
Now that we’ve examined your hair, it’s time to provide our recommendations. Afterall, you came here to discover if it’s possible to dye your dark hair without the use of bleach.
Our answer to your question… yes!
Here are a few of the products we recommend, depending on your current hair situation.
Situation 1: You have dark hair that you want to lighten or darken permanently
Lightening your hair has never been easier. Our favorite product, the L’Oreal Technique Hi Color for Dark Hair, makes it possible to both lighten and darken already dark hair. This hi color hair dye is designed specifically for dark hair! With options to color your hair blonde, black, red, or violet, it uses 30 volume developer (9%) to effectively deposit color.
You won’t go from black to blonde with this product, but it does have the ability to lighten your hair by 3-4 shades, achieving dramatic all-in-one results without the use of bleach or toner.
Situation 2: You have dark hair that you want to color using a semi permanent hair dye
This situation is best suited for people that have previously lightened their hair, though it can also be used on natural hair. If your hair is between a level 2 and 4 color, you may be able to opt for a semi permanent hair dye, depending on your desired color.
Semi permanent hair colors are a great option for those wanting to avoid hair damage, as they’re both ammonia and peroxide free. They also come in a wide range of colors, meaning you can benefit from the fun of a playful hair color without the commitment!
We recommend using the Adore Creative Image Semi-Permanent Hair Color. While more vibrant colors aren’t likely to be effective on dark hair, deep vivid shades will be! Deep shades like rich eggplant, burgundy, and blue-black can yield dramatic results on dark hair.
Conclusion
You won’t go from black to platinum blonde, rose gold, or even lilac without the use of bleach, but it is entirely possible to dye your dark hair and achieve dramatic results! However, before you dye your hair, always consider your current hair color and desired hair color to determine the best course of action.
Shop color and developer combos to darken or lighten your dark hair up to 4 shades and benefit from professional products that offer all-in-one developer, toner, and color solutions. Or, opt for a semi permanent dye and play around with vivid deep colors like purple and blue!
Shop our selection of hair colors at Optima Beauty and achieve your dream hair color today!