Have you dyed your hair a beautiful shade of blue but are ready to move on to a new color? Switching up your hair color can be fun and exciting, but it can also damage your hair if not done properly.
In this complete guide, we’ll discuss:
- Why blue hair dye is so difficult to dye over
- The best hair colors to dye over blue
- Tips for prepping your hair before re-dyeing
- How to care for your hair after re-dyeing
- Frequently asked questions about dyeing over blue hair
Why Is Blue Hair Dye So Difficult to Dye Over?
Vibrant, fantasy hair colors like blue, purple, and green have risen in popularity over the past few years. However, they present a unique challenge when it’s time to switch up your look.
Blue hair dye contains dense pigments that saturate the hair shaft. This makes it very difficult to cover with a new color, especially lighter shades.
The blue tones will still peek through, resulting in muddied, uneven color. Trying to bleach out blue dye is particularly damaging and often ineffective.
So if you have blue hair and want to transition to a different color, strategic color choices and proper hair care are key.
Best Hair Colors to Dye Over Blue
While no hair color will completely mask blue dye in just one step, there are shades that cover better than others:
Warm Tones
Shades on the warm end of the color spectrum are your best bet for covering blue hair. According to color theory, the warm pigments will help neutralize and cancel out the cool blue tones.
Red: Vibrant true reds with orange or copper undertones work well. Cherry red or burgundy can also cover blue tones.
Orange: Bright orange or copper-red orange dyes are ideal for canceling out blue. This may create a fun bright look as an intermediate step.
Brown: Opt for brown shades with golden, orange, or red undertones, rather than cool ash browns. Dark auburn and chestnut brown are great choices.
Darker Shades
In general, the darker the new color is, the more effectively it will cloak residual blue pigment.
Black: A jet black dye with cool undertones can help deepen and neutralize the blue. Just know it won’t completely cancel the tones.
Dark Brown: Nearly black shades like espresso brown will also obscure blue tones well. Again, look for ones with warmer red undertones.
Dark Purple: As a complementary color, dark violet or eggplant purple will blend nicely with lingering blue tones.
Bleaching
Bleaching to achieve lighter colors like platinum blonde or pastels is strongly discouraged if you have blue hair dye. Bleach is incredibly damaging to hair and usually cannot remove direct dye pigments completely. You’ll likely end up with an odd greenish-yellow result.
Tips for Prepping Hair Before Re-Dyeing
Dyeing your hair when it’s already colored requires extra care and prep:
-
Let it fade first: Wait 4-6 weeks between color changes. This gives some of the blue dye time to naturally fade, making it easier to cover.
-
Clarify hair: Use a clarifying shampoo 3-4 times over 2 weeks leading up to re-dyeing. This strips lingering color for better results.
-
Deep condition: Intensively moisturize hair with a reparative mask 1-2 times a week. This helps protect hair from processing damage.
-
Avoid heat styling: Cut back on heat tools for 2 weeks pre-dye to prevent further damage to the hair cuticle.
-
Do a strand test: Test the new dye on a small section of hair first to ensure desired results.
-
Use a filler: Apply a color-depositing conditioner in a warm copper shade to fill in pigment gaps under the new dye.
Caring for Hair After Re-Dyeing
Dyeing hair twice in quick succession can be drying and damaging. Be diligent about post-color care:
-
Wait 48 hours before shampooing to allow cuticles to close and seal in the new color.
-
Shampoo sparingly, just twice a week at most. Over-washing will strip your new color faster.
-
Rinse with cool water to prevent the cuticle from opening and color fading out.
-
Use sulfate-free shampoo to help maintain vivid color and moisture levels.
-
Apply a weekly treatment mask to replenish moisture and protein to damaged strands.
-
Avoid chlorine and salt water which can oxidize and fade hair color quickly.
-
Use a color-protecting shampoo with UV filters to preserve hair color vibrancy between salon visits.
-
Get regular trims to snip away dry ends and keep hair healthy.
FAQs About Dyeing Hair After Blue Dye
How long should I wait to re-dye after blue hair dye?
Wait at least 4-6 weeks before applying permanent color over blue hair dye. This allows some fading so the new pigment adheres better. For semi- or demi-permanent dyes, wait 2-3 weeks.
What color removes blue hair dye best?
Red and copper shades work best to neutralize and cancel out blue tones. Opt for permanent rather than semi-permanent red dyes for maximum effectiveness.
Can I dye my hair blonde after having blue hair?
It’s extremely difficult to achieve blonde after blue hair without excessive damage. You would need to bleach repeatedly to lift all the blue pigment, so it’s best avoided. Go for a darker shade like brown first.
Will purple hair dye cover blue?
Yes, dark violet or eggplant purple can cover blue hair nicely. As a secondary color, purple has a blue base so blends into the remaining blue tones seamlessly.
Can I use permanent dye over semi-permanent blue?
You can use permanent dye over semi-permanent blue but wait at least 2-3 weeks for some fading first. The permanent color will take better without competing with the semi-permanent blue base.
How do I prep my hair before re-dyeing blue hair?
Clarify fade hair color, avoid heat styling, deep condition, and do a strand test before applying permanent color over blue hair. This helps the new pigment take evenly.
What is toner and how does it help remove blue from hair?
Toners are translucent semi-permanent dyes that can neutralize or enhance underlying hair color. Red- or copper-based toners can help cancel out stubborn leftover blue tones.
Ready to Transform Your Blue Hair?
Dyeing your hair a vibrant new color is an exciting way to change up your style. But removing or dyeing over stubborn fantasy colors like blue can be a challenge.
Now that you understand why blue fades slowly and how to prep your hair, you can pick a shade that will cover beautifully. With some patience and TLC, you’ll have gorgeous, healthy hair in a brand new color.
At Heather Annz Salon, our professional colorists can help you achieve any look seamlessly and safely. Book your consultation today to get started!