As we age, our hair color changes with time. One of the most prominent changes is the greying of hair. Some people embrace their grey locks, while others prefer to dye their hair to maintain their youthful look. Dyeing your hair blonde is one of the most popular ways to do this. However, bleaching grey hair can be challenging, and you need to be careful to avoid damaging your tresses. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about dyeing your hair blonde.
What is hair dyeing?
Hair dyeing is the process of coloring your hair to achieve a different shade or color. It involves the use of a chemical solution that penetrates the hair shaft to produce a permanent, semi-permanent or temporary change in the hair color. People dye their hair for various reasons, including fashion, aesthetic appeal, personal expression, and to cover grey hair.
Types of Hair Dyes
There are three types of hair dyes;
- Permanent Hair Dye: This type of dye uses a combination of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to lighten the hair’s natural pigment and deposit the new color. The color lasts longer than other dye types, but it can be harsh on the hair.
- Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: A semi-permanent hair dye works by attaching to the outer layer of the hair and washing out after a few shampoos. It’s less damaging but may not be able to cover greys completely.
- Temporary Hair Dye: Temporary hair dye coats the hair and doesn’t penetrate the shaft. It washes out easily, and the effect lasts for only a short time.
Can you dye grey hair blonde?
Yes, you can dye grey hair blonde. However, grey hair can be tricky to dye because it lacks the natural pigments found in younger hair. Grey hair may also have a coarse texture and be more vulnerable to breakage. Therefore, it’s essential to use a gentle approach to dyeing grey hair blonde to prevent damage.
What shades of blonde can you dye grey hair?
The best shades of blonde to dye grey hair are those with cool undertones. These include ash blonde, platinum blonde, and champagne blonde. These shades help to counteract the warm undertones in grey hair and give a more natural-looking result.
Preparing your hair for dyeing
Preparing your hair for dyeing helps to promote healthy hair growth and reduces the risk of hair damage. Here are some tips to prepare your hair before dyeing it blonde;
Deep Condition your Hair
Deep conditioning protects your hair from damage during the dyeing process. Use a deep conditioning mask at least two weeks before you plan to dye your hair blonde. Deep conditioning helps to strengthen and moisturize your hair.
Avoid Heat Styling
Avoid heat styling your hair as it can weaken your hair strands and make them more susceptible to damage. Heat damages your hair by breaking down the protein in your hair shaft. Avoid curling, straightening, or blow-drying your hair until you’ve dyed it blonde.
Trim your Hair
Trimming your hair gets rid of split ends and other damaged hair. Trimming your hair before dyeing it blonde can prevent further damage during the dyeing process.
Dyeing your Hair Blonde
You can dye your hair blonde at home or visit a salon. If you choose to dye your hair at home, you need to be careful to avoid damaging your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dye your hair blonde at home;
Choose the Right Hair Dye
Choose a dye that is gentle on your hair and has cool undertones. Use gloves when applying the dye to avoid staining your hands.
Proceed with Caution
Begin the dyeing process with caution. Apply a small amount of the dye to a small section of your hair to check for allergic reactions or irritation. Afterward, apply the dye to the rest of your hair.
Use a Timer
Use a timer to keep track of time. The recommended time for most blonde hair dye is 30-40 minutes. Leaving the dye on your hair for too long can cause damage to your hair.
Rinse your Hair
Rinse your hair with cool water and use a mild shampoo to rinse out the dye. Avoid hot water, as it can damage your hair. After rinsing, deep condition your hair to lock in moisture.
Tips for maintaining Blonde Hair
Maintaining blonde hair requires special care to prevent damage, breakage, and fading. Here are some tips to maintain your blonde hair after dyeing it;
Use a Specialized Shampoo and Conditioner
Use a bleach-free shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for blonde hair. These products contain ingredients that strengthen, moisturize, and enhance the color of your locks.
Avoid Heat Styling
Avoid heat styling as much as possible to promote healthy hair growth. If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from damage.
Avoid Swimming in Chlorinated Pools and Saltwater
Chlorine and saltwater can strip the moisture from your hair and cause breakage. Wear a swim cap when swimming and rinse your hair with fresh water after every swim.
Touch Up your Roots
Maintain your blonde hair by touching up your roots every six to eight weeks to maintain a uniform color.
The bottom line
Dyeing your hair blonde is an excellent way to transform your grey locks into a youthful appearance. However, it’s essential to be careful when dyeing grey hair to prevent damage to your hair. Follow the tips outlined in this article to achieve a successful blonde hair dye. Remember also to maintain your hair after dyeing it using the tips above.
FAQ
Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about dyeing grey hair blonde;
- How long should I wait to dye my hair blonde after coloring it?
It’s best to wait at least two weeks before dyeing your hair blonde to prevent hair damage. - What hair color suits grey hair?
Ash blonde, platinum blonde, and champagne blonde are the best hair colors for grey hair. - Can I dye my hair blonde without bleach?
No, achieving a true blonde shade requires the use of bleach. - How long does blonde hair dye last?
Blonde hair dye can last up to six weeks with proper care and maintenance. - Will dyeing my hair blonde damage it?
Dyeing your hair blonde poses some risk to your hair health. However, using a gentle approach and proper maintenance techniques can minimize the risk.
References
The information contained in this article was retrieved from the following sources;
- https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/best-hair-dye-for-gray-hair
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-dye-grey-hair-blonde#5-tips-on-how-to-dye-grey-hair-blonde
- https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-dye-gray-hair-blonde-4687621