If you’re eager to change up your hair color, you may be wondering if it’s okay to dye your hair two days in a row. While it is possible to color treat your hair back-to-back, there are some risks involved. Read on to learn whether dyeing your hair two consecutive days is safe and how to do it properly.
Overview of Dyeing Hair Two Days in a Row
Dyeing your hair two days in a row means applying permanent or semi-permanent hair color on two consecutive days. This allows you to dramatically transform your look in a short period of time.
Reasons people may opt to dye their hair two days in a row include:
- Wanting to go from dark to light quickly by doing double bleaching
- Needing to fix a hair color quickly that turned out wrong
- Impulsively deciding to keep changing up their color
- Being inpatient and not wanting to wait weeks between dye jobs
While it is possible to dye your strands two days straight, there are some key factors to consider first.
Is It Safe to Dye Hair Two Days in a Row?
Dyeing your hair two days in a row can be safe if done correctly. However, there are some risks to keep in mind:
- Overprocessing hair can lead to irritation, dryness, and breakage
- Using bleaches back-to-back increases chances of damage
- Hair is weaker when wet and more prone to snapping
- Cuticles may not fully close between colorings, allowing dye to penetrate deeper
To minimize risks, you need to be very gentle with your strands in between dye jobs. Choosing less abrasive formulas and techniques is also key.
If your hair is already compromised from previous chemical services, you are better off waiting longer between colorings to avoid further deterioration.
Tips for Safely Dyeing Hair Two Days in a Row
If you decide to go ahead with back-to-back dye jobs, here are some tips to reduce chances of damage:
Pick semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes
- These deposit color on the outer cuticle layer only so are less damaging than permanent color.
Use a gentle, conditioning formula
- Options with oils, silicones, and other moisturizers lead to less dryness.
Don’t bleach two days in a row
- Bleach is very abrasive. Lighten just once then tone the next day instead.
Shampoo gently in between
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water to prevent extra swelling of the cuticle.
Apply a nourishing hair mask
- Deep condition with a reparative masque after the first day of dyeing.
Let your hair rest
- Avoid heat styling and additional chemical services for 1-2 weeks after.
Use bond-building products
- Treatments with Olaplex, keratin, or other strengthening additives prevent breakage.
Being as gentle as possible in between dye jobs allows your hair to recover and minimizes damage. It’s also smart to wait at least a month before dyeing again after the back-to-back coloring.
Step-by-Step Guide for Dyeing Hair Two Days in a Row
If you decide to dye your hair two consecutive days, follow these steps for the best results:
Day 1 Hair Dye
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Shampoo and towel dry your hair. Ensure strands are clean and product-free.
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Prepare your color according to the instructions. Select a gentle, conditioning permanent or semi-permanent formula.
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Section your hair out and apply the dye using a tint brush. Fully saturate strands from roots to ends.
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Allow the coloring to process for the full development time.
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Rinse dye out until the water runs clear. Use lukewarm water.
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Apply a deep conditioner or hair treatment mask. Leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
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Gently towel dry hair and allow to fully air dry. Avoid heat tools.
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Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction overnight.
Day 2 Hair Dye
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Wash hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. Use lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly.
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Towel dry hair gently. Make sure strands are damp but not dripping wet.
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Mix your second dye formula following the brand instructions.
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Section hair out again and apply the color evenly from roots to ends.
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Process for the full development time.
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Rinse dye until water runs clear. Use a cool water temperature.
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Apply a hydrating conditioner and let sit 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
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Avoid heat styling and additional chemical services for 1-2 weeks post-coloring.
Be sure to deep condition and use plenty of hydrating hair masks and treatments in the weeks after to nurse your hair back to health. Take a long break before attempting to dye again.
FAQs About Dyeing Hair Two Days in a Row
Can I dye my hair two days in a row with permanent color?
You can use permanent color two days in a row but it is riskier and more likely to damage hair. It’s gentler to use semi- or demi-permanent options instead.
Should I wait longer between bleaching sessions?
Yes, only bleach your hair once then wait a full month before lightening again. Bleach two days straight practically guarantees severe damage.
Is my hair strong enough to handle two dye jobs back-to-back?
If your hair is overly fragile from previous chemical services, it’s best to wait one week minimum between colorings. Handle with extreme care.
Can I dye my roots one day then the lengths the next?
Yes, you can touch up just your regrowth one day then refresh the rest of your color the next. Ensure you blend them well.
Should I do a strand test before the second dye job?
It’s a good idea to test a small section first to ensure the color comes out evenly and no weird issues occur from back-to-back dyeing.
What’s the longest I should wait before coloring again after two dye days?
Give your strands a long break of 4-6 weeks post-double dyeing. Your hair needs time to recover from the chemical overload.
While it is possible to dye your hair two days in a row, proceed with major caution. Prepping hair properly and choosing less abrasive dyes reduces chances of damage. But give your locks plenty of TLC afterward!
Bleaching my hair TWO DAYS IN A ROW
FAQ
Can I dye my hair again after 2 days?
How soon can I dye my hair again to fix it?
What happens if you dye your hair twice in 2 days?
What will happen if you dye your hair 2 days in a row?