How to take your hair from blonde to dark Brown or black, NOT green!
Are you considering making a bold change and transitioning from blonde to dark brown or black hair? It's a dramatic transformation that can completely change your look and enhance your natural features. But before you take the plunge, there are several crucial steps you need to take to ensure a successful and satisfying outcome. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about going from blonde to dark brown or black hair. From prepping your hair to choosing the right shade and maintaining your new color, we've got you covered. So let's dive in!
Section 1: Preparing Your Hair for the Transformation
Before you head to the salon or grab that box of hair dye, it's important to prepare your hair for the transition. Going from blonde to dark brown or black hair requires some extra care and attention to ensure the best results. Here are the steps you should follow:
1.1 Deep Conditioning and Moisturizing
Going blonde often involves bleaching, which can leave your hair dry and damaged. To restore moisture and improve the overall health of your hair, it's essential to deep condition and moisturize before transitioning to a darker shade. If you want to do this from home, we encourage you to get and use the Oway Rebuilding Hair Mask at least four times before you plan to color your hair. Now you can use this hair mask as a normal conditioner, but there are a few additional ways you can make use of this amazing product!
- Slather the hair mask onto your wet hair. The blow dry your hair until it is almost dry (the heat helps expand the hairs’ cuticles and therefore, the Rebuilding Hair Mask can penetrate the hair strands). After that pull your hair back, cover it in a towel, and sleep. Then in the morning, rinse the Rebuilding Hair Mask out of your hair and voila!
- Same steps as above without using a hair dryer. (The heat that is naturally generated by your head, especially when wrapped in a towel, will due the trick!)
- Slather the hair mask onto your wet hair. The blow dry your hair until it is almost dry, leave it on your hair for 15-20 minutes, and then wash it out.
For those of you who do not want to condition at home, or for those of you who want some extra moisture and still plan to use the Rebuilding Hair Mask at home, we offer an incredibly effective treatment in the salon — the Rebuilding Hair Treatment. This treatment helps to replenish the protein in your hair and therefore your new color will last longer (it works wonders on previously highlighted and/or balayaged hair)! If you do opt for this treatment, we suggest scheduling it one week prior to coloring hair.
1.2 Consistency in Product Usage
Maintaining the health and vibrancy of your newly dyed hair requires using the right products consistently. So we strongly encourage you to switch to color-conserving shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products help keep your hair cuticles closed, preventing color molecules from being released and fading prematurely. Remember to check the pH level of the products you choose, as a lower pH helps seal the cuticles and prolong color retention.
Our two favorite shampoo and conditioner combos for color treated hair include:
- Oway Color Protection Hair Bath and Hair Mask
- Atomy Absolute Shampoo and Conditioner (this is, in our professional opinion, the best option especially for hair that has been over processed)
1.3 Protein-Rich Diet
What you put into your body can also have an impact on the health of your hair. Incorporate protein-rich foods into your diet, as protein is essential for strong and healthy hair. Foods like eggs, salmon, nuts, and legumes are excellent sources of protein that can promote hair growth and strength. Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your hair moisturized from the inside out.
Section 2: Choosing the Right Shade of Brown or Black
Now that your hair is prepped and ready, it's time to choose the perfect shade of brown or black that suits your skin tone and personal style. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your new hair color:
2.1 Maintenance Level
Different shades of brown or black require varying levels of maintenance. If you're willing to put in the effort and time for touch-ups and regular salon visits, you have more flexibility in choosing warm, ash, or cool tones. However, if you prefer a low-maintenance option, it's best to work with the natural tones already present in your hair. This allows for a seamless transition and reduces the need for frequent color touch-ups.
2.2 Hair Texture
Your hair's texture can also influence how the color holds and what shade you can achieve. Curly or dry hair tends to be on the drier side, which can cause the color to oxidize faster. On the other hand, straight or thicker hair can absorb and hold more color. Keep this in mind when choosing your shade and discuss it with your stylist to ensure you achieve the desired outcome.
2.3 Skin Tone
Your skin tone plays a crucial role in determining which shade of brown or black will complement you best. Generally, warm-toned skin pairs well with warm shades of brown, such as caramel or chestnut. Cool-toned skin, on the other hand, can be enhanced by cool-toned browns, like ash or espresso. If you're unsure about your skin tone, consult with a professional colorist who can guide you in choosing the most flattering shade.
Section 3: The Dyeing Process
Now that you've prepared your hair and selected the perfect shade, it's time to dive into the dyeing process. Whether you choose to visit a salon or dye your hair at home, here's what you need to know:
3.1 Salon vs. At-Home Dyeing
Deciding between a salon appointment and at-home dyeing depends on your comfort level and budget. If you're unsure about the process or want professional expertise, visiting a salon is the best option. Professional colorists can assess your hair, provide personalized recommendations, and ensure an even and precise application. On the other hand, if you're confident in your abilities and prefer a more budget-friendly approach, at-home dye kits are widely available and can deliver satisfactory results when used correctly.
3.2 Filling the Hair
Photo Credit: BehindtheChair
When transitioning from blonde to dark brown or black, it's essential to fill the hair to achieve the desired depth of color. Filling involves depositing warm tones back into the hair to replace what was lost during the bleaching process. This step ensures a more even and vibrant result. Depending on the starting level of your blonde hair, your stylist may use an intensely orange/red formula as a filler before applying the brunette dye.
3.3 Multiple Rounds of Dyeing
In some cases, going from blonde to dark brown or black may require multiple rounds of dyeing to achieve the desired shade. This is especially true if you're starting with very light blonde hair. Your colorist may need to fill your hair with pigment before adding the final brunette color. Be prepared for longer salon appointments and potentially higher costs if multiple rounds of dyeing are necessary.
3.4 Glossing for a Polished Finish
To ensure a seamless and polished finish, your colorist may apply gloss or semi-permanent hair color after the initial dyeing process. Glosses add depth, shine, and tone to your hair, creating a more natural-looking result. They help blend any color discrepancies and create a cohesive and vibrant appearance.
Section 4: Maintaining Your New Color
Congratulations, you've successfully transitioned from blonde to dark brown or black hair! Now it's time to maintain and care for your new color to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Here are some tips:
4.1 Use Color-Safe Products
Switch to color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to ensure the longevity of your new hair color. Lucky for you, the entire Oway line products are color safe, so you’ve got a lot of choices especially if you’re in need of scalp-specific hair products. That said, the Oway Smoothing Hair Bath as not only will it help the overall integrity of your hair, it also has built-in UV protection which shields your hair from the sun damage that causes color fading!
4.2 Minimize Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can strip color from your hair and cause additional damage. Minimize the use of heat tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, and opt for heatless styling techniques whenever possible. If you do use heat styling tools, make sure to apply a heat protectant beforehand to minimize damage. Our favorite heat protectant is the Oway Smoothing Fluid! See why in this video!
4.3 Regular Touch-Ups
As your hair grows, your natural roots will start to show, requiring touch-ups to maintain a cohesive color. The frequency of touch-ups will depend on the contrast between your natural hair color and the dyed shade. Consult with your colorist to determine the best timeline for touch-ups based on your specific hair growth rate.
To help you out with these touch-ups, we offer a 3-4 week loyalty discount. How does it work? Be sure to come in every 3-4 weeks, and you will get an amazing discount (call us at: (210) 524-9744 to learn more!)
4.4 Protection from Environmental Factors
Protect your hair from environmental factors that can cause color fading or damage. Wear hats or use UV protection sprays when spending prolonged periods in the sun. Additionally, avoid prolonged exposure to chlorine and saltwater, as they can strip color and dry out your hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming and apply a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture.
Section 5: Going Blonde Again? Considerations and Recommendations
While you may be tempted to go back to blonde in the future, it's essential to approach the process with caution. Here are some things to consider:
5.1 Patience is Key
Transitioning from dark brown or black hair to blonde requires patience and careful planning. It's a process that should be done gradually to minimize damage and maintain the health of your hair. Your colorist will need to lighten your hair in stages, allowing time for it to recover between treatments.
5.2 Professional Consultation
Before embarking on the journey back to blonde, consult with a professional colorist. They can assess the current condition of your hair, discuss realistic expectations, and create a personalized plan to achieve your desired blonde shade. Professional expertise is crucial to prevent excessive damage and ensure a successful outcome.
5.3 Hair Care and Maintenance
Maintaining healthy hair is crucial when going blonde again. Prioritize deep conditioning treatments, regular trims to remove any damaged ends, and consistent use of color-safe products. It's also essential to follow your colorist's recommendations for at-home hair care to maintain the integrity of your hair during the lightening process.
5.4 Gradual Lightening
To minimize damage and maintain hair health, opt for a gradual lightening process rather than attempting to go from dark brown or black to platinum blonde in one session. This approach allows your hair to adjust to the lightening process and minimizes the risk of breakage or excessive damage.
Conclusion
Transitioning from blonde to dark brown or black hair is an exciting and transformative experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a successful and satisfying outcome. Remember to prepare your hair beforehand, choose the right shade for your skin tone and maintenance preferences, and maintain your new color with proper care and maintenance. Whether you decide to embrace your new brunette or black locks or venture back to blonde in the future, understanding the process and taking the necessary precautions will help you achieve the hair of your dreams. So go ahead, embrace the change and rock your new darker look with confidence!
