Can I Dye My Black Hair Brown Using Blonde Hair Dye?

Many hair enthusiasts wonder if it's possible to dye their black hair brown using blonde hair dye. The short answer is that dyeing black hair brown with blonde hair dye generally isn't effective. This is because blonde hair dye is designed to lighten hair, not darken it. However, there are a few detailed steps and considerations to take into account.

Lightening Required

Before attempting to dye your black hair brown, it's often necessary to lighten the hair first. This process typically involves using bleach or a high-lift dye. Bleaching your hair will help create a porous surface, which can better absorb the new color. Failing to lighten the hair first may result in an unsatisfying final color or no noticeable change at all.

Dye Type

Applying blonde hair dye directly to black hair generally won't produce the desired brown shade. Instead, it may leave your hair with an unwanted hue or leave it unchanged. To achieve a specific shade of brown, it's best to use a dye specifically formulated for brown hair. Ensure that the dye you choose is compatible with your current hair color to get the best results.

Desired Shade

When dyeing black hair brown, you may want to find a shade that is perfect for you. There are various shades of brown, ranging from light to dark, and selecting the right one depends on your personal style and the current color of your hair. A hair dye that is specifically designed for brown hair will provide more accurate and reliable results.

Strand Test

To avoid any unwanted surprises, perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. This will give you a clear idea of how your hair will react to the dye and the final color you can expect. This is an essential step to ensure that you are satisfied with the outcome.

Professional Help

For complex color changes, consulting a professional hairstylist can be highly beneficial. A professional can offer expert advice, ensure even application, and provide techniques to achieve the best results. They can also help prevent any damages and ensure a smooth transition from black to brown hair.

Personal Experience

There are instances where individuals have successfully achieved a brown shade with black hair using blonde hair dye. One person with natural, jet-black hair dyed her hair with just blonde dye to test the results. She used 3 bottles of Revlon Golden Blonde dye and experienced a beautiful light brown color. According to her, the dye worked even on natural, un-dyed black hair. This personal experience demonstrates that dyeing black hair brown with blonde hair dye can be possible, but results may vary.

It's important to remember that using less dye or a lower volume may result in a lighter brown shade. Some individuals recommend starting with a smaller amount and gradually building up the color to achieve the desired effect. However, for darker brown shades, multiple treatments might be necessary.

Lastly, it's crucial to keep in mind that natural black hair may behave differently than dyed black hair. The success of the color change may depend on the current state of your hair. If you have naturally black hair without any prior dye treatments, your results may be more successful.

While dyeing black hair brown with blonde hair dye isn't the most conventional method, it can work under certain circumstances. Follow the above guidelines, perform a strand test, and consider professional advice to ensure the best possible results.