Having bleached hair can be a fun and adventurous style choice, but sometimes you should switch things up and add a touch of depth to your locks. If you’re a teen looking to darken your bleached hair at home slightly, there are several methods you can try. Choosing the right technique for your hair type and desired shade is essential. Let’s explore effective ways to achieve a subtle darker hue while ensuring your hair stays healthy and vibrant.
Key Takeaways
- Using Purple or Blue Shampoo: Purple or blue shampoos can neutralize unwanted brassy tones in bleached hair, giving it a cooler, more toned appearance. Apply sparingly, leave on for a recommended time, and rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Purple Dye and Conditioner: For a subtle color change, mix purple hair dye with conditioner and apply it to damp hair. Follow dye instructions, rinse thoroughly, and wash gently.
- Toner: Toner can add subtle darker tones to bleached hair without permanent color change. Choose a shade darker than your hair, apply evenly, wait for processing time, rinse, and wash gently.
- Semi-Permanent Dye: For a more long-lasting change, use semi-permanent dye darker than your hair color. Section hair, apply dye evenly, wait for the recommended time, rinse, and dry gently.
- Applying Coffee: Coffee can temporarily darken bleached hair. Brew strong coffee, apply to the hair, wait 20-30 minutes, rinse, and wash as usual.
- Using Walnuts: Crush walnut shells, boil them to create a tinted solution, apply to the hair, wait for desired darkness, rinse, and wash gently.
- Using Black Tea: Brew black tea, apply it to hair, wait 30 minutes, rinse, and wash as usual.
- Using Cocoa Powder: Mix cocoa powder with conditioner, apply to the hair, wait 30 minutes, rinse, and wash as usual.
- Using Henna: Henna can add reddish-brown tones to bleached hair. Follow package instructions, apply, wait for the recommended time, rinse, and wash gently.
- After darkening bleached hair, adopt a specialized hair care routine. Use color-safe moisturizing products, minimize washing, avoid heat styling, and get regular trims. Protect hair from the sun and harsh chemicals. Consider professional touch-ups for expert advice. Keep your darkened bleached hair stunning and healthy.
Way 1: Using Purple Or Blue Shampoo
Purple or blue shampoos are specially formulated to neutralize unwanted brassy tones in bleached hair. If your bleached hair has a yellow or orange tint, these shampoos can help counteract those warm hues and give your hair a cooler, more toned appearance. Here’s how to use them:
Step 1. Get the Right Shampoo: Look for a purple or blue shampoo designed for your specific hair color and type.
Step 2. Application: Apply the shampoo to your damp hair and leave it on for recommended minutes (usually 3-5 minutes). Use it sparingly, as it can lead to a purple or blue tint if left on for too long.
Step 3. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the shampoo is completely washed out.
Step 4. Repeat as Needed: You can repeat the process every few washes until you achieve your desired result.
Way 2: Purple Dye And Conditioner
If you want a more noticeable color change, use a purple hair dye mixed with conditioner. This method will give your hair a subtle tint of purple while moisturizing it. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Purchase the Products: Get a purple hair dye that complements your skin tone and a color-depositing conditioner.
Step 2. Mix the Mixture: In a bowl, combine a small amount of the purple hair dye with the color-depositing conditioner until you achieve your desired shade.
Step 3. Application: Apply the mixture evenly to your damp hair, covering all strands.
Step 4. Waiting Time: Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for the recommended time in the dye’s instructions.
Step 5. Rinse and Wash: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Wash your hair gently to remove any excess dye.
Way 3: Toner
Toner is an excellent option for slightly darkening bleached hair without committing to a permanent color change. It helps to add subtle darker tones to your hair while maintaining its lightness. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1. Purchase the Right Toner: Choose a toner that is a shade darker than your current hair color.
Step 2. Mix the Toner: Follow the instructions provided with the toner to prepare the mixture.
Step 3. Application: Apply the toner evenly to your damp hair, covering every strand.
Step 4. Waiting Time: Let the toner sit on your hair for the recommended processing,g time as mentioned in the product instructions.
Step 5. Rinse and Wash: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear, then wash your hair gently.
Way 4: Using Semi-Permanent Dye
If you want to experiment with a more long-lasting color change, semi-permanent dye is a great choice. It allows you to darken your bleached hair without the permanence of traditional dyes. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Choose the Dye Color: Select a semi-permanent hair dye darker than your current hair color. Remember that the color might be more intense on bleached hair.
Step 2. Wear Protective Gear: Before starting the dyeing process, wear gloves and a protective cape or old clothes to avoid staining.
Step 3. Mix the Dyes: Follow the instructions on the dye package to prepare the dye mixture as directed.
Step 4. Divide Your Hair: Section your hair into manageable parts using hair clips or ties.
Step 5. Application: Carefully apply the dye to each set, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 6. Waiting Time: Allow the dye to sit on your hair for the recommended time to achieve the desired darkness.
Step 7. Rinse Hair: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
Step 8. Dry Your Hair: Gently dry your hair using a soft towel or let it air dry to minimize damage.
Way 5: Applying Coffee
Try coffee as a darkening agent for a natural and temporary way to add depth to your bleached hair. Coffee contains natural pigments that can give your hair a subtle, earthy hue.
To try this method, start by brewing a strong cup of coffee and allowing it to cool down. Once cooled, apply the coffee to your hair, focusing on the areas you want to darken, such as highlights or specific strands. Leave the coffee on your hair for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the pigments to work their magic. Afterward, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and wash it as usual.
Remember that this technique will provide a gentle darkening effect, particularly suitable for light to medium blonde hair. The results are temporary, gradually fading with each wash, making it a low-commitment option for experimenting with your hair’s color. Using coffee to darken bleached hair slightly is an easy, natural, and enjoyable way to add dimension to your look.
Way 6: Using Walnuts
Walnuts offer a natural and gentle solution to add subtle dark tones to your bleached hair. To harness their darkening properties, follow these straightforward steps.
Firstly, crush walnut shells and boil them in water, creating a tinted solution. Once prepared, generously apply the tinted water to cover all strands of your hair, ensuring an even distribution. Allow the solution to work its magic on your hair for a sufficient period to achieve the desired darker hue. After waiting, thoroughly rinse your hair with cool water, being gentle to preserve the color. Finally, wash your hair gently with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
This natural method provides a gradual darkening effect for those seeking a subtle change. Remember that results may vary depending on your hair’s original color and texture. Embrace the beauty of walnuts as a wonderful, organic way to enhance your hair with a slight, darkened transformation.
Way 7: Using Black Tea
Looking for a smooth and effortless way to add a touch of depth to your lighter bleached or colored hair? Look no further than black tea! This natural, straightforward method can help you achieve a subtle darkening effect without harsh chemicals.
To get started, brew a cup of black tea and allow it to cool down to a comfortable temperature. Once cooled, generously apply the tea to your hair, ensuring every strand is covered. The natural pigments in the black tea will work their magic as you let it sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the tea to infuse your hair, creating a soft, darkened hue that complements your existing color beautifully. After the designated time, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Be gentle during the rinsing process to preserve the newly acquired color.
The best part about this method is that it’s temporary, gradually fading over time with repeated washes. Embrace the subtle transformation that black tea offers, giving your bleached hair a touch of natural allure and depth in the most effortless way possible.
Way 8: Thinking About Cocoa Powder
If you’re contemplating a subtle and temporary color change for your bleached hair, look no further than cocoa powder. This delightful kitchen staple can work wonders in providing a gentle darkening effect.
To try it, mix cocoa powder with conditioner to create a smooth paste. Once the paste is ready, apply it generously to cover all strands of your hair, ensuring even distribution. Allow the mixture to work magic by leaving it on your hair for approximately 30 minutes. The cocoa powder will impart a subtle, natural hue to your bleached locks during this waiting time. Afterward, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and follow your usual shampooing routine.
Therefore, you can embrace the beauty of cocoa powder as an easy and temporary solution, giving your bleached hair a soft, darkened touch and adding a hint of allure to your overall look.
Way 9: Using Henna
Henna, a natural and plant-based dye, offers a fantastic and detailed approach to adding mesmerizing reddish-brown tones to your bleached hair. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Select the Right Henna Shade: Choose a henna shade that matches your desired darkness and complements your current hair color.
Step 2: Prepare the Henna Mixture: Follow the instructions on the henna package to prepare the mixture. This usually involves mixing the henna powder with water or other ingredients to create a smooth paste. Make sure to achieve a consistent texture for easy application.
Step 3: Apply the Henna to Your Hair: Section your hair and evenly apply the henna mixture from roots to tips, ensuring complete coverage of all strands. Take time during this process to achieve an even distribution for a vibrant and uniform result.
Step 4: Set the Waiting Time: Follow the recommended time in the product instructions. This waiting period allows the natural pigments in the henna to penetrate your hair and develop the desired reddish-brown tones. You can adjust the waiting time based on your preferences, with longer durations yielding more intense color results.
Step 5: Maintain Warmth (Optional): Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel during the waiting time to retain warmth. This can aid in the dyeing process and enhance the color uptake.
Step 6: Rinse Your Hair: After the waiting time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid shampoo during this initial rinse, as it may interfere with the color setting.
Step 7: Patience is Key: The henna color will continue to deepen and develop over the next 24 to 48 hours. Be patient and allow the color to fully mature before judging the outcome.
Step 8: Gentle Hair Wash: Once the waiting period is over, you can proceed with a gentle hair wash using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the henna’s rich color.
Way 10: Using Amla Powder
If you’re looking for a natural way to add a subtle darkening effect to your bleached hair, consider using amla powder. Amla powder is renowned for its darkening properties and offers a gentle solution to enhance your hair’s color.
To start, create a paste by mixing amla powder with water until you achieve a smooth consistency. Once the paste is ready, generously apply it to your hair, ensuring every strand is covered for even results. Now comes the waiting time—allow the amla paste to sit on your hair for the recommended duration mentioned on the package. This waiting period enables the amla’s darkening properties to work their magic, gradually infusing your hair with a subtle and natural hue. After the designated time, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and gently wash it.
Embrace the wonders of amla powder as a simple and effective way to slightly darken your bleached hair, offering a touch of nature’s richness and depth to your overall look.
Take Care After Darkening Bleached Hair
After darkening bleached hair, adopting a specialized hair care routine is crucial to maintain your newly transformed locks’ health, vibrancy, and longevity. Bleaching hair can cause damage and stress to the hair fibers, and adding color on top of bleached hair requires extra attention to keep it looking its best. Whether you’ve gone for a rich brunette, a dark chocolate hue, or even a deep black, here are some essential tips to ensure your hair stays nourished and beautiful after darkening:
Moisturize Regularly: Darkening bleached hair can make it more porous and prone to dryness. Invest in a high-quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair. If you want to restore lost moisture and improve the quality of your hair, look for products that include nourishing components like argan oil, keratin, or
shea butter.
Avoid Frequent Washing: Daily hair washing might remove the inherent oils that nourish and protect your strands. Extend the time between washes to maintain the color and prevent further damage. Use lukewarm or chilly water to wash your hair because hot water might open up the cuticle cuticles and hasten the fading of the color.
Use Color-Protecting Products: Invest in hair products that preserve and protect hair color. Color-protecting shampoos and conditioners help seal the cuticle, preventing color molecules from escaping and fading.
Minimize Heat Styling: Heat-styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can be harsh on colored hair. Minimize their usage, and when you do use them, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Deep Conditioning Treatments: Treat your hair to regular deep conditioning treatments for extra nourishment and repair. Use hair masks or oils once a week to restore the hair’s moisture balance and improve its overall health.
Trim Regularly: Regular trims are essential to maintaining healthy hair, especially after bleaching and coloring. Trimming helps eliminate split ends and prevents damage from spreading further up the hair shaft.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun: Hair color can fade and appear dull when exposed to UV light. Use a cap or apply UV-protective hair products to protect your hair outside, especially in the bright sun.
Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater: Chlorinated pools and salt water can damage colored hair. Apply a leave-in moisturizer or oil to your hair and soak it with clean water before swimming to put a barrier around your scalp and the water in the pool or ocean.
Tips For Slightly Darkened Bleached Hair At Home
Achieving a slightly darker hair color at home can be exciting and creative. However, it’s crucial to approach this endeavor with care to ensure the best results while maintaining the health of your hair. Here are some valuable tips to consider when attempting to darken your bleached hair at home:
Choose the Right Shade: Before starting the darkening process, consider the shade you want. Pick a hue that complements your style and brightens your skin tone. Remember that the color may appear more intense on bleached hair, so choose a shade slightly darker than your desired outcome.
Conduct a Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying any darkening method to your hair to avoid unpleasant surprises. Take a small section of hair and apply the product according to the instructions. This will preview the final result and help you adjust the processing time.
Invest in Quality Products: When darkening your bleached hair, invest in high-quality products specifically designed for color-treated or bleached hair. These products will be gentle on your locks, ensuring minimal damage while delivering the best results.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Whether using purple shampoo, semi-permanent dye, or natural remedies, always read and follow the instructions provided with the products. Pay attention to the recommended processing times, as leaving the product short can lead to undesired outcomes.
Avoid Overlapping: If you previously darkened your bleached hair and wish to go slightly darker, avoid overlapping the new color with the previously colored sections. Overlapping can result in uneven color and damage to your hair. Focus on applying the product only to the areas you want to darken.
Gradual Darkening: If you need more certainty about the shade you want, consider gradually darkening your hair. Start with a slightly darker shade and adjust as needed in subsequent applications. This approach allows you to find the perfect color without going too dark all at once.
Maintain Hair Health: Bleached hair is often more vulnerable to damage, so prioritize hair care to maintain health. Regularly use deep conditioning treatments, hair masks, and oils to nourish and moisturize your locks.
Patience is Key: Achieving the perfect darkened shade may take a few attempts, especially when working with bleached hair. Be patient and avoid rushing the process to ensure you get desired results.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you need more clarification about the process or want a more drastic color change, consider seeking help from a professional hairstylist. They can offer expert advice and perform the darkening process with precision.
FAQs
Can I Dye Bleached Hair Darker?
Yes, you can dye bleached hair darker. Bleached hair is more porous, making it easier for the dye to penetrate and hold the new color. Ensure your hair is in good condition before dyeing to minimize damage.
How Can I Make My Bleached Hair Darker Without Dye?
If you prefer not to use chemical dyes, you can darken your bleached hair naturally with some home remedies. For example, you can try rinsing your hair with strong black tea or coffee, applying a henna treatment, or using a mixture of cocoa powder and conditioner to add subtle darker tones.
How Do You Fix Too Light Blonde Hair?
If your blonde hair turns out too light and you want to darken it slightly, you have a few options. You can use a semi-permanent hair color in a darker shade to add depth without drastic changes. Alternatively, you can try a toner or glaze to darken the blonde tones gently.
Can You Darken Your Hair Without Using Dye?
Yes, natural methods such as coffee, black tea, or cocoa powder can darken your hair without using dye. However, the effect might be temporary and less intense than chemical dyes.
Does Your Hair Volume Affect The Amount Of Dye Used?
Yes, the volume and length of your hair can impact the dye needed. Longer or thicker hair may require more dye to achieve the desired darkness evenly.
Can Darkening Your Hair Damage It?
Darkening your hair with mild treatments like semi-permanent dyes or natural methods usually won’t cause significant damage. However, using harsh chemicals or bleaches can damage your hair.
How Long Will The Hair Color Last?
The longevity of the darkened hair color depends on various factors, such as the type of dye used, hair porosity, and your hair care routine. Generally, semi-permanent dyes last for a few weeks, while permanent dyes last until the hair grows out or is cut.
How Do You Darken Highlights That Are Too Light?
If your highlights are too light, tone them down using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color in a slightly darker shade than your current color. Alternatively, you can try natural methods like henna to add depth to the highlights.
