Green is one of the most eye-catching hair colors that makes a bold statement. However, once you’re ready to switch up your look, green can be tricky to cover. This article will discuss the best hair dye colors to use over green hair, tips for application, what to avoid, and how to care for hair after coloring.
Understanding Green Hair Dye
Green hair dye gives hair an electrifying, vivid look. The color is achieved by:
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Using direct deposit green semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye.
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Mixing blue and yellow dyes to create green tones.
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Applying a green toner over pale yellow bleached hair.
Green dye is vibrant but tends to fade quickly, sometimes turning dull or murky. It also stains hair tenaciously and can be difficult to cover fully. Careful color selection is required when applying dye over green hair.
What Color Dyes Work Best Over Green?
Certain shades are more effective than others at masking vibrant green hair color. Here are top color options:
Blue Dye
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Midnight blue
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Electric blue
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Pastel blue shades
Blue is located opposite green on the color wheel, so it neutralizes warm green tones. The result is a cooler blue-green hue.
Purple Dye
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Eggplant
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Wine
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Violet
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Lavender
Like blue, purple is a cool tone that counteracts green’s warmth. This creates a stylish muted greenish-purple look.
Red Dye
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Cherry red
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Auburn
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Rich burgundy
Warm red-orange shades oppose green on the color wheel, canceling out the green. But beware that red dye sometimes stains unevenly.
Brown Dye
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Chocolate brown
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Espresso
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Ash brown
Cool ash brown shades help neutralize remaining green overtones after dyeing. This prevents a murky color result.
How to Apply Dye Over Green Hair
Follow these tips when applying new dye over green hair:
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Strand test first to see if chosen dye achieves desired coverage.
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Use a clarifying shampoo several days before to remove styling product residue.
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Opt for permanent dye for better coverage. Semi-permanent may sheer out.
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Apply petroleum jelly to skin around hairline to avoid staining.
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Section clean, dry hair neatly and pull on latex gloves.
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Saturate sections thoroughly from roots to ends with dye mixture.
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Process for full recommended development time.
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Rinse until water runs clear, then use sulfate-free shampoo.
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Add blue or purple toned conditioner for extra toning.
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Avoid heat styling for 1-2 weeks post-coloring.
What Color Results to Expect
Keep these color mixing principles in mind when applying dye over green hair:
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Blue + green = teal or deep aqua shade
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Purple + green = jewel-toned muted green
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Red + green = earthy olive or hazelnut hue
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Brown + green = neutral muddy or grayed shade
The specific shade you’ll get depends on the original green tone and depth of new color. Have realistic expectations by doing a strand test first.
How to Care for Hair After Coloring Over Green
Once you’ve colored over green hair, nurture your strands by:
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Using a weekly hydrating hair mask.
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Applying a bonding and repairing treatment like Olaplex.
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Opting for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
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Limiting use of hot tools to reduce damage.
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Getting occasional trims to snip away split ends.
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Using a tinted gloss or glaze to refresh color.
Proper aftercare keeps hair strong, shiny and vibrant.
Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common pitfalls when applying dye over green hair at home:
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Going lighter instead of darker – light dye won’t effectively cover green.
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Overlaping color too soon – wait 4-6 weeks between color processes.
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Insufficient strand testing – do multiple tests to preview color results.
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Skipping barrier cream – protect skin to avoid stains around hairline.
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Rushing removal – take time to thoroughly rinse away excess dye.
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Using heat right after – avoid hot tools for 1-2 weeks post-color for best results.
When to Seek Professional Help
For novice colorists, getting professional help is advised when:
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Attempting complicated color corrections like green coverage.
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Lifting existing color first is needed to achieve the new hue.
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Coloring resistant gray hair is the priority.
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Desired shade requires careful formulation and skill.
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Hair is damaged from prior chemical processing.
The investment offers benefits like a thorough consultation, expertise in tricky color changes, access to better quality dyes and developers, properly timed application, and hair repair treatments. This ensures you safely achieve beautiful results.
Does Hair Dye Expire? What to Look For
Hair dye does have a shelf life and eventually expires. Here’s how to know if your box dye or leftover dye is past its prime:
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Check container for an expiration date and don’t use after that date.
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Avoid dye containers that are damaged, leaking or already opened.
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Discard dye that smells rancid instead of its normal scent.
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Toss dye if the color looks faded, separated or coagulated.
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Opened semi-permanent dye is only good for 6-12 months.
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Mixed permanent dye not used right away should be discarded.
Expired dye risks poor coverage, irritation, and unwanted color results. When in doubt, buy a fresh box of dye.
Can You Re-Dye Hair Immediately After Dyeing?
It’s best to wait 4-6 weeks between dye jobs on the same head of hair whenever possible. However there are exceptions:
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Root touch-ups can be done every 4-6 weeks as regrowth appears.
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Toners and glosses can be used as soon as 2 weeks after initial coloring.
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Semi-permanent dye can be layered again after 2 weeks if needed for vibrancy.
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Closely spaced dyeing should only touch up the regrowth area and avoid overlap on previously dyed hair.
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Monitor hair’s condition closely and do conditioning treatments if re-dyeing often.
Giving hair a break between chemical processes avoids damage from overprocessing. But in a pinch, carefully applying dye to regrowth only can work.
Can You Dye Wet Hair?
It’s recommended not to apply permanent or semi-permanent hair dye to soaking wet hair. Here’s why dyeing wet hair is problematic:
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Excess water dilutes and splatters dye, causing uneven results.
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Dampness prevents dye from adhering properly to strands.
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Wet hair is fragile and more prone to damage from chemicals.
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Processing times can’t be accurately monitored on drenched hair.
If hair is freshly washed, thoroughly towel dry it first before applying dye. Some stylists say dye takes better to hair that is slightly damp, but never sopping wet.
Does Hair Dye Damage Hair? Precautions to Take
All types of hair dye have some potential to damage strands. Here’s how to minimize the risks:
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Do an allergy skin patch test before dyeing hair the first time.
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Opt for an ammonia-free, gentler formula if hair is fragile.
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Never dye hair more often than every 4-6 weeks.
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Avoid bleaching and dyeing in the same session.
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Use the lowest volume developer formulated for the dye.
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Process for the minimum suggested time.
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Apply protective barrier creams around skin at hairline.
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Rinse thoroughly after the timed development.
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Deep condition after rinsing out dye to nourish hair.
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Wait 1-2 weeks post-dye before using hot styling tools.
While dyeing always carries some degree of damage risk, limiting processing and adding moisture can keep hair healthy. Talk to a colorist about options if your hair is very fragile.
Can You Dye Wet Hair With Semi-Permanent Dye?
Semi-permanent dyes create less damage than permanent options. But applying them to soaking wet hair still isn’t best:
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Wet hair causes patchy, uneven color results.
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Dampness dilutes the dye, making it sheer out on hair.
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Without precise timing, semi-permanent dyes can over-process on wet strands.
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Using heat to dry wet dyed hair risks more damage.
For best results, thoroughly towel dry clean hair first before using semi-permanent dyes. Hair can be slightly damp but never dripping wet. Precise timing and even saturation