You see someone with gorgeous purple hair, and you want to do something similar. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see yourself as a blonde (that was me!) or try something bold.
Unless your natural color is light blonde, the only way to have a successful result is to bleach your hair first.
Even if you’re like my mother and have gray coming in strong, the bleaching effect is necessary to create even tones for the eventual color you desire.
Before I started my hair coloration process, the one question was this: is it possible to dye your hair the same day after bleaching it?
Here’s the information I discovered from my research.
Can I Dye My Hair the Same Day After Bleaching It?
It is possible to dye hair the same day after bleaching it, but this action can cause the strands to become damaged. Intense chemical treatments are necessary to perform the discoloration procedure, causing dryness and structural concern. Adding a second exposure immediately is often too much.
I asked a family friend who works as a stylist what her opinion was on bleaching your hair and then using dye on the same day.
“Technically, I’d say it is possible,” she said. “If someone is being a Karen and insisting that they get their color done, I’ll do it.
I’d always recommend giving your hair a break after bleaching so that it can heal. Without that pause, your locks can look dull and lifeless.”
When I asked her how long someone should wait before they get their preferred color applied, I got a shrug. “It all depends on the person, their hair, and what kind of color they want.”
I discovered that everyone has different hair conditions, and THOSE ISSUES are what create a timeframe for putting in the color.
Here are the recommendations I was given for some general requirements.
- When hair is brittle, weak, or dry after the bleaching treatment, it is better to wait between four to six weeks before applying color.
- If the strands are healthy and strong after the initial treatment, someone could realistically return for the color they want after two or three days.
- Some people with dark hair might require multiple bleaching treatments before the color they want will stay. It might be eight weeks or more before you can achieve the look you desire in that situation.
The final step after the initial bleaching is to apply a deep conditioner. You need the moisture returned to your hair while strengthening the bonds within the shaft to create resilience and shine.
“If you don’t give your hair the time it needs to restore itself and close the cuticle, the color results you want won’t have the results you expect.”
When my hair is dry and needs a color-safe solution, I love to use Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Conditioner.
It hydrates noticeably, uses a cruelty-free solution, and preserves the tone. There are no mineral oils, microplastics, parabens, or silicones included.
You’ll get wafts of cinnamon and dates as you apply the conditioner. It always leaves my hair feeling soft and having great shine.
What Kind of Hair Dye Do You Expect to Use?
Hair dyes come with different formulations. That means they’ll interact differently with your locks and strands, especially after you’ve had a fresh bleaching treatment.
If you use a temporary dye, the formulation works better with a color-depositing conditioner. Semi-permanent products prefer something similar.
That’s because temporary and semi-permanent products don’t penetrate the hair shaft to generate the color you want. It coats the outside of it to create your look.
In that situation, you can typically use your preferred color after a few days.
If you use a semi-permanent dye right after the bleaching 0rocess, the cuticle could still be raised. That means the color can penetrate further into some hair shafts and not others, creating an inconsistent look as it fades.
That outcome can also turn a temporary color into something more permanent, forcing you to bleach it again when you’re ready for the next change.
Permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes are harsher because they contain developers. It’s the same substance that activates the bleach to lighten your hair color.
That’s how products can sometimes damage your hair, even when a low developer number is included with the dye.
If you’re unsure about the color you want, I’d recommend using a temporary dye to see if you like the look.
Since it’ll wash out in a few weeks, you’re not risking much. Once you know that you love it, you can apply a more permanent product.
Severely damaged hair might require two months before it is healthy enough to receive a permanent dye.
Since that’s enough time for your roots to show, this option works better with a follow-up treatment to reduce the hard line at your part while creating colored tips.
Some Hair Dyes Aren’t Meant for Bleached Hair
This point is the most important consideration for me because it is something that often gets overlooked. Some products aren’t meant to be used on bleached hair, and they can even react badly to it.
That’s why it is crucial to read the product’s instructions and review any manufacturer warnings before applying the product.
If the box says to avoid using it with bleached hair, you should listen to that advice!
It’s better to shop for a different dye than to end up with hair the wrong color or worse – falling out!
Once you settle on a color that you love, perform a strand test before applying it to all your hair. Choose a lock you can hide easily or won’t miss if it gets trimmed. Apply the product to that strand, leave it on, and wash it out as usual.
You want to see if any breakage or damage occurs after the product’s application. Some people have allergies to dyes and chemicals, so pay attention to any unwanted symptoms that appear at the application point.
If you have redness, hives, or itching, you’ll likely want to use a different product to achieve the hair color you want.
When no symptoms occur, you’re free to apply the hair dye to the rest of your head.
Bold Hair Colors to Try After Bleaching Your Hair
If I’m going to dye my hair after bleaching it, that color is going to be bold and turn colors. I love an electric blue and bright pink, but my favorite option is neon purple.
Here are some of my favorite options that also receive the approval of my friend who works on hair full-time.
1. Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color
I love this product because you get to choose whatever color you want. After sending in your request, they make it for you, giving you a custom experience that you’ll love. Anything from their lineup is possible.
Since it is a semi-permanent option, you don’t need developers to create the look you want. You can put it into wet hair, add it to shampoo, and buy in bulk to avoid having certain options discontinued or back-ordered.
I appreciate how my hair still feels silky after applying the Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color in my favorite shades. The color stays vibrant, competing with the results you can get from the salon.
If you have fun experimenting with different looks, you’ll appreciate what Adore offers with this unique opportunity to stock up.
2. L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference
If you want a more natural look with a permanent dye, I highly recommend the various shades that come from the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference lineup.
My preferred tone is RR07 because it adds some redness to my hair, but you can go from light auburn to a deep magenta without worrying about inconsistent results.
You have more than 50 different shades to consider in this series. It covers gray hair with a natural look, provides a fade-defying performance, and allows you to create interesting highlights to express your personality.
The application process is a little more complex than temporary or semi-permanent dyes, but the investment in yourself is worth the extra effort.
L’Oreal combines its gel formula with an excellent conditioner to create lots of lovely shine.
3. Vidal Sassoon Pro Series
When I’m ready to step away from purple or something unconventional, I come to this permanent hair dye.
Several tones are available, but Runway Red is the one I use most often. People tell me that I remind them of Jessica Rabbit with my long hair, and it’s meant as a compliment. The results definitely turn heads!
This color lasts longer than most, especially when you care for it with appropriate moisturizing products.
I typically get about eight to 12 weeks per application. It mixes a natural result with something bold, which is why I love it when I’m ready for a change from the usual routine.
Another option I love from the Pro Series is Midnight Muse. When I want to tone things down a little, this color delivers an impressive dark tone with hints of blue.
4. Just For Men Hair Dye
Yeah – I know. But hear me out. Sometimes, you want a natural color that highlights the best attributes of what your hair offers.
You want to look stunning without coming across as artificial. That’s when I turn to Just For Men.
The comb-in color is super easy to use. It covers everything in minutes without using peroxide or ammonia if you have gray.
It doesn’t offer long-lasting results, but it gives you enough coverage to make the first impression you want to deliver.
You’ll need to use an entire application with long hair. When it’s down to my waist, I need two boxes.
With 11 different shades available, you’ll get the coverage you need from root to tip until your hair starts growing out. I love that it’s a no-mix formula.
I can be done with the work quickly, and the color stops working after ten minutes to ensure you get the correct shade.
In Conclusion: Should I Dye My Hair the Same Day After Bleaching It?
It is tempting to reach for hair dye right after bleaching hair, but the health and wellbeing of each strand and follicle must be the top priority. Everyone needs to wait at least 2-3 days before applying their preferred color. When the bleaching process severely damages the hair, a wait time of eight weeks is appropriate.
The first time I dyed my hair, it was a complete and utter disaster. I’m not exaggerating.
First, I didn’t realize that the dye could soak into your skin. There I was in the bathroom, rubbing the product all over my head like shampoo.
It didn’t take long to see that was a bad choice. No amount of scrubbing in the shower could get all the color away.
It also didn’t occur to me that the dye could affect the sink bowl and vanity counter. My landlord wasn’t happy with the splotches that got left behind, that’s for sure.
Thankfully, some bleaching agents got it off the ceramic, and a little paint restored the counter.
I even used my good towels. Ruining them still makes me sad.
My hair initially looked fantastic. I didn’t think about the shampoo and conditioner I was using, so it affected the shine after.
I had these patches that flowed wonderfully and looked incredible, and then there were these dull patches that almost felt crunchy to the touch.
Before reaching for your hair dye, I highly recommend thinking about how healthy your strands are right now. If healing is necessary, take care of that need before bleaching your hair.
After you bleach it, give your hair time to rest. It’ll help your color look better in the long run.
I know how problematic it can be when you’re between looks. Just remember that it’s a process, and you’ll eventually have a successful conclusion to your journey when you take the right steps.