Achieving that vibrant blue hair you’ve always dreamed of can be an exciting endeavor. However, many people attempting this bold color transformation face a common frustration: ending up with green hair instead. This unwanted green tinge is often a result of underlying yellow tones in the hair interacting with the blue dye. Fear not! With the right preparation, understanding of hair color theory, and careful application, you can successfully dye your hair blue without any green surprises.
Understanding Hair Color and the Green Threat
Before diving into the dyeing process, it’s crucial to understand the science behind hair color and why blue dye is particularly susceptible to turning green. Hair color is determined by the presence of melanin, a pigment that ranges from dark brown and black (eumelanin) to red and yellow (pheomelanin).
The Role of Undertones
Even after bleaching, hair often retains underlying warm tones, primarily yellow. Blue and yellow are complementary colors on the color wheel. When combined, they create green. Therefore, if you apply blue dye to hair that still has noticeable yellow undertones, you’re essentially mixing blue and yellow, resulting in a greenish hue.
Assessing Your Starting Hair Color
The first step in preventing green hair is to honestly assess your current hair color. Are you starting with virgin hair, previously dyed hair, or bleached hair? What is the level of lightness? A level 1 is black, while a level 10 is the lightest blonde. To achieve a true blue, you ideally need a level 9 or 10, meaning your hair needs to be very light blonde.
If your hair is darker than a level 9, you’ll need to lighten it using bleach. Remember that multiple bleaching sessions might be necessary, especially for darker hair. Patience is key to avoid damaging your hair.
Preparing Your Hair for Blue Dye
Proper preparation is paramount to a successful blue hair transformation. This involves lightening your hair to the correct level, toning to neutralize yellow tones, and ensuring your hair is healthy enough to withstand the dyeing process.
Lightening Your Hair Safely
Bleaching is a chemical process that can be damaging to hair if not done correctly. It’s crucial to use a quality bleach and developer. The developer volume determines how quickly the bleach lifts color. A lower volume (10 or 20) is gentler and ideal for gradual lightening, while a higher volume (30 or 40) lifts color faster but can also cause more damage.
Always perform a strand test before bleaching your entire head. This will allow you to gauge how your hair reacts to the bleach and determine the appropriate processing time. Apply the bleach to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the strand regularly to see how quickly it lightens.
When bleaching your hair, start at the roots (if they are virgin hair) since they process faster due to the heat from your scalp. Work your way down to the ends, ensuring even saturation. After bleaching, thoroughly rinse your hair and use a deep conditioner to replenish moisture.
If your hair isn’t light enough after the first bleaching session, wait at least two weeks before bleaching again. This will give your hair time to recover and minimize damage. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly during this period.
Toning to Neutralize Yellow Tones
Even after bleaching, your hair might still have yellow undertones. Toning is essential for neutralizing these tones and creating a clean canvas for the blue dye. Toners contain purple pigments that counteract yellow tones, leaving your hair a more neutral blonde.
Choose a toner specifically designed to neutralize yellow tones. Apply the toner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and carefully monitor the processing time. Over-toning can result in a purple or lavender tinge, so it’s crucial to follow the instructions precisely.
Prioritizing Hair Health
Bleaching and dyeing can be harsh on your hair, so it’s essential to prioritize hair health throughout the process. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly, avoid heat styling, and protect your hair from the sun.
Consider using protein treatments to strengthen your hair and repair damage. However, be careful not to overuse protein treatments, as this can make your hair brittle.
Choosing the Right Blue Dye
Not all blue dyes are created equal. The type of blue dye you choose will significantly impact the final result. Consider these factors when selecting your dye:
Types of Blue Dyes
- Semi-permanent dyes: These dyes deposit color onto the hair shaft without penetrating deeply. They are less damaging but also fade faster. Semi-permanent dyes are a good option if you want to experiment with blue without a long-term commitment.
- Demi-permanent dyes: These dyes contain a low-volume developer and penetrate the hair shaft slightly. They last longer than semi-permanent dyes but are still less damaging than permanent dyes.
- Permanent dyes: These dyes penetrate the hair shaft deeply and provide long-lasting color. However, they can be more damaging to the hair.
Understanding Blue Dye Shades
Blue dyes come in various shades, from vibrant turquoise to deep indigo. Consider your desired look and choose a shade that complements your skin tone. Pastel blues are more prone to turning green because they contain less pigment.
Reading Reviews and Swatches
Before purchasing a blue dye, read online reviews and look for swatches of the dye on different hair colors. This will give you a better idea of how the dye will look on your hair.
Applying the Blue Dye Correctly
The application process is just as important as the preparation and dye selection. Follow these steps to ensure even color distribution and minimize the risk of green hair.
Gather Your Supplies
- Blue hair dye
- Developer (if using a demi-permanent or permanent dye)
- Mixing bowl
- Applicator brush
- Gloves
- Old towel
- Hair clips
- Petroleum jelly (to protect your hairline)
Protecting Your Skin and Clothing
Apply petroleum jelly to your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining. Wear an old towel or a dyeing cape to protect your clothing.
Mixing the Dye
If you’re using a demi-permanent or permanent dye, mix the dye and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Applying the Dye Evenly
Section your hair into small, manageable sections using hair clips. Starting at the roots, apply the dye evenly to each section, working your way down to the ends. Ensure every strand is saturated with dye.
Processing Time
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time. Do not exceed the recommended time, as this can damage your hair.
Rinsing and Conditioning
After the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and seal the cuticle.
Maintaining Your Blue Hair Color
Maintaining your vibrant blue hair color requires ongoing care. Here’s how to keep your blue looking fresh and prevent fading or greening:
Washing Your Hair Less Frequently
Washing your hair too often can strip the color and cause it to fade faster. Try to wash your hair only 2-3 times per week.
Using Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Use shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are gentler and won’t strip the color as quickly. Look for sulfate-free options, as sulfates can be harsh on colored hair.
Avoiding Hot Water
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape. Wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water to help seal the cuticle and prevent fading.
Using a Blue Color Depositing Conditioner
To maintain the vibrancy of your blue hair, use a blue color-depositing conditioner once or twice a week. This will help to replenish the color that is lost during washing.
Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
Sun exposure can fade your hair color. Wear a hat or scarf when you’re spending time outdoors, or use a hair product with UV protection.
Avoiding Heat Styling
Heat styling can damage your hair and cause the color to fade faster. Try to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. When you do use them, use a heat protectant spray.
Touch-Ups and Root Maintenance
As your hair grows, you’ll need to touch up your roots to maintain even color. Follow the same steps as the initial dyeing process, being careful not to overlap the dye onto previously colored hair. Overlapping can cause damage and uneven color.
Troubleshooting Green Tones
Despite your best efforts, you might still notice some green tones creeping into your blue hair. Here’s how to address them:
Identify the Cause
Determine why your hair is turning green. Is it due to underlying yellow tones, hard water, or chlorine exposure?
Use a Red or Pink Toning Shampoo
Red and pink are opposite green on the color wheel, so a red or pink toning shampoo can help to neutralize the green tones. Use the shampoo according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and carefully monitor the results.
Try a Blue Toner
If the green tones are subtle, a blue toner can help to deepen the blue color and counteract the green. Choose a toner that is slightly darker than your desired blue shade.
Consider a Color Correction
If the green tones are severe, you might need to seek professional help from a colorist. A color correction can involve bleaching the affected areas and re-toning the hair to achieve the desired blue shade. This should be done by a professional to minimize further damage.
By understanding the science of hair color, properly preparing your hair, choosing the right dye, applying it correctly, and maintaining your color, you can successfully dye your hair blue without turning it green. Remember that patience and consistency are key to achieving and maintaining your dream blue hair.
Why does blue hair dye sometimes turn hair green?
The dreaded green tint after dyeing your hair blue is usually caused by the underlying yellow tones present in bleached or naturally light hair. Blue and yellow are complementary colors on the color wheel, and when mixed, they create green. If your hair isn’t light enough (i.e., it still has significant yellow undertones) before applying the blue dye, those yellow tones will combine with the blue pigment, resulting in a greenish hue instead of a vibrant blue.
Additionally, the type of blue dye used can also contribute to the problem. Some blue dyes are more prone to fading to green, especially if they lack sufficient violet or purple undertones to counteract the yellow. Using a dye that is specifically designed for bleached hair or contains pigments to neutralize yellow tones can help prevent this unwanted color change.
How light does my hair need to be before dyeing it blue?
To achieve a true blue color without green undertones, your hair needs to be bleached to a very pale yellow, ideally a level 9 or 10 on the hair color scale. Think of the inside of a banana peel – that’s the level of lightness you’re aiming for. The paler your hair is, the more true the blue color will be, as there will be less yellow pigment to interfere with the blue dye.
If your hair is darker than a pale yellow, the blue dye will likely mix with the existing yellow and orange tones, resulting in a muddy or greenish blue. For darker hair, you may need multiple bleaching sessions to reach the desired level of lightness, and it’s crucial to prioritize the health of your hair during the bleaching process to prevent damage.
What type of blue dye is best for preventing a green tint?
When choosing a blue dye, opt for one with violet or purple undertones. These undertones help counteract any remaining yellow in your hair and prevent the dye from fading to green. Look for dyes labeled as “true blue” or “blue-violet.” Semi-permanent dyes are often a good choice for vibrant colors like blue, as they deposit color without causing significant damage.
Research different brands and read reviews to find a dye that is known for its longevity and minimal green fading. Consider using a color depositing conditioner in between dyeing sessions to help maintain the blue color and prevent it from fading to green.
How can I neutralize yellow tones in my hair before dyeing it blue?
Using a purple shampoo or toner is a great way to neutralize yellow tones in your hair before applying blue dye. Purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel, so it effectively cancels out the unwanted yellow hues. Apply purple shampoo or toner according to the product instructions, paying close attention to processing time to avoid over-toning and ending up with a lavender tint.
After using purple shampoo or toner, make sure to deep condition your hair to replenish any moisture lost during the bleaching process. This will help create a smooth and even base for the blue dye, resulting in a more vibrant and consistent color.
How can I prevent my blue hair from fading quickly?
To prolong the vibrancy of your blue hair, wash it as infrequently as possible, ideally only once or twice a week. When you do wash it, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip the color from your hair, causing it to fade more quickly.
Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can open the hair cuticle and allow the dye to escape. Avoid excessive heat styling, as heat can also contribute to fading. When you do use heat tools, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
What should I do if my blue hair has already turned green?
If your blue hair has already turned green, don’t panic! You can try a few things to correct the color. First, you can try using a pink or red-toned color depositing shampoo or conditioner. Pink and red are opposite green on the color wheel, and they can help neutralize the green tones.
Alternatively, you can re-dye your hair with a blue dye that has strong violet undertones. This will help counteract the green and restore a more vibrant blue color. If the green tint is very stubborn, you may need to consult with a professional hairstylist for color correction.
How do I care for my hair after dyeing it blue to keep it healthy?
Bleaching and dyeing can be damaging to your hair, so it’s important to focus on hair care after the process. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. Look for products that contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter.
Avoid over-processing your hair by limiting heat styling and chemical treatments. Be gentle when brushing and detangling your hair, and consider using a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage. Regular trims can also help remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.