Bleaching dark hair can be a transformative process, but achieving the desired result without encountering the dreaded orange tones requires precision and care.
Whether you’re aiming for a platinum blonde or a vibrant pastel hue, understanding the science behind the process and following meticulous steps is crucial.
In this post, we’ll delve into the detailed steps to successfully bleach dark hair while minimizing the risk of unwanted orange hues.
Understanding the Science:
Dark hair often contains underlying warm tones, and when you bleach it, these warm tones can become more pronounced, leading to an orange or brassy appearance.
To avoid this, it’s essential to neutralize or counteract these warm undertones during the bleaching process.
1. Choose the Right Bleach:
Opt for a high-quality bleach powder and developer specifically designed for dark hair. Choose a bleach with blue or violet undertones, as these shades can help neutralize orange tones.
2. Perform a Strand Test:
Before applying bleach to your entire head, conduct a strand test. This helps you assess how your hair will react to the bleach and allows you to adjust the processing time accordingly.
3. Use the Correct Developer Volume:
Select the appropriate volume of developer based on your hair’s current color and the level of lift you desire. For dark hair, a higher volume developer (30 or 40) may be needed, but it’s crucial to balance lift with hair health.
4. Apply a Protein Filler:
Before applying bleach, consider using a protein filler. This can help even out the porosity of your hair, ensuring a more uniform color result.
Divide your hair into sections before applying bleach. This ensures even application and allows you to work systematically.
6. Begin Application at the Ends:
Start applying bleach to the ends of your hair, as they are usually more porous and will take longer to lift. This helps achieve a more even color result.
7. Monitor Processing Time:
Regularly check the progress of the bleach to avoid over-processing. It’s crucial to stay within the recommended processing time to prevent excessive damage and unwanted orange tones.
8. Use Toning Products:
Once you’ve achieved the desired level of lift, use a toner with blue or violet undertones to counteract any remaining orange tones. Toners can help achieve a cooler, more neutral shade.
9. Deep Conditioning Treatment:
After bleaching, treat your hair to a nourishing deep conditioning treatment. Bleaching can strip the hair of moisture, and restoring it is essential for maintaining health and preventing further damage.
10. Maintain with Purple Shampoo:
In your post-bleaching hair care routine, incorporate a purple shampoo to neutralize any developing brassiness. Use it regularly to maintain the desired cool-toned result.
When touching up roots or reapplying bleach, avoid overlapping onto previously bleached hair. Overlapping can lead to uneven color and an increased risk of orange tones.
Things to avoid:
When bleaching dark hair to achieve a lighter shade without it turning orange, there are certain common pitfalls to avoid. Here’s a list of things to steer clear of during the bleaching process:
1. Skipping a Strand Test:
- Avoid the temptation to skip the strand test. Testing a small section of hair allows you to assess how your hair responds to the bleach and helps you make necessary adjustments before applying it to your entire head.
2. Using the Wrong Bleach:
- Avoid using a bleach product that is not designed for dark hair or lacks blue or violet undertones. Choosing the wrong bleach can result in uneven lift and an increased likelihood of orange tones.
3. Ignoring Developer Volume Guidelines:
- Pay attention to the recommended developer volume based on your starting hair color and desired level of lift. Using a developer with too high a volume can lead to excessive damage and an increased risk of orange tones.
4. Neglecting Hair Porosity:
- Avoid neglecting the porosity of your hair. Dark hair can have uneven porosity, and applying bleach without considering this factor may result in uneven color absorption.
- Neglecting to use a protein filler before applying bleach can lead to uneven color. A protein filler helps equalize porosity and prepares the hair for more uniform bleach application.
6. Applying Bleach to Unsectioned Hair:
- Avoid applying bleach to your hair without proper sectioning. Working in sections ensures even application, preventing patches of uneven color.
7. Starting from the Roots:
- Resist the urge to start applying bleach at the roots. The scalp produces heat, and starting from the roots can cause the bleach to process more quickly, potentially leading to uneven results.
8. Overlooking Processing Time:
- Regularly monitor the processing time and avoid exceeding the recommended duration, leaving bleach on for too long increases the risk of over-processing and unwanted orange tones.
9. Skipping Toning Step:
- After bleaching, avoid skipping the toning step. Toning helps neutralize any remaining warm tones, creating a cooler, more desirable color.
10. Neglecting Post-Bleaching Care:
- After bleaching, avoid neglecting your hair’s need for moisture. Deep conditioning treatments are essential to restore hydration and prevent further damage.
11. Using an Inappropriate Toner:
- Be cautious with toners and avoid using one that is too dark or doesn’t match your desired end result. This can result in tonal inconsistencies.
12. Ignoring Professional Advice:
- If uncertain about the process or facing challenges, avoid ignoring the advice of a professional colorist. Seeking guidance can prevent potential mishaps and ensure a successful outcome.
13. Overlapping Bleach:
- When touching up roots or reapplying bleach, avoid overlapping onto previously bleached sections. Overlapping can cause damage and result in uneven color.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and following a meticulous and well-informed bleaching process, you increase the likelihood of achieving the desired lightened result without the unwanted presence of orange tones.
Conclusion on Bleaching Dark Hair Without it Turning Orange
Bleaching dark hair without turning it orange requires careful consideration of products, techniques, and aftercare.
By understanding the science of color and taking meticulous steps to counteract warm tones, you can achieve a beautifully bleached look while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
Remember, consulting with a professional colorist is always a wise choice, especially if you’re unsure about the process or dealing with significant color changes.
Thank You 🙂