Bubble Hair Dye – Here’s Everything You Need To Know.

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Love changing your hair color but hate all the hassle that comes with it? Bubble hair dye is the latest trend in at-home hair coloring product from Japan.

It’s easy to use and doesn’t require any harsh chemicals. So it’s perfect for anyone who wants to change their hair color but doesn’t want to deal with the mess and fuss that usually comes with it.

You can achieve any color you want without having to go to a salon. Plus, since it’s ammonia-free, it won’t damage your hair like other dyes can.

But how do you use it? How do you know if it’s right for you? And where can you buy it?

Read on to find out all about it, plus a load of top tips that will help you get gorgeous results.

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What is bubble hair dye?

If you’re anything like us, you love finding new J-beauty trends to experiment with – especially when they’re as fun as this!

The latest craze from Japan has taken the beauty world by storm, with women all over the world eager to get in on the action.

But what is it? Well, you know the strangely satisfying feeling popping bubble wrap gives you? Well, imagine that same feeling, but instead of on your skin, it’s on your hair!

That’s what bubble hair dye is like. The texture of the foam is like a bubbly formula that feels oddly satisfying to apply.

And the best part? It’s totally fuss-free and not as messy and time consuming as regular hair dye to apply.

So if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to change up your look, creamy bubble hair color just might be for you.

Which is the best bubble hair dye?

Our favorite brand is Liese by Kao and they’re easy to find on Amazon.

We found the best range of colors and reviews and love the virtual color try on on their website so you can experiment with colors. The dark ash colors like new york ash and dark navy were our favourite and so on trend for this year.

Hello Bubble is another popular brand with great reviews but we found these products harder to get old of.

The Liese dye itself is just like John Freida Precision Foam which is a long time winner for us. The soft foam hair dye is creamy, easy to apply and saturates your hair strands well.

We tried Milk Tea Brown from their Natural series on black hair to give it a soft brunette dimension. The dye itself smells a bit! And it came out quite dark, so you’d need to lighten your hair first to achieve this true color.

Our hair was a little dry afterwards but nothing a good deep conditioner won’t fix!

KAO Liese Soft Bubble Hair Color (Milk Tea Brown)

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How to use bubble hair dye step-by-step.

What you’ll need:

Before you get started, there are a few items that you’ll need in order to successfully bubble dye your hair.

The most important item is the actual creamy bubble dye itself – be sure to pick up the right type of bubble dye depending on your desired look. (Tip: If you’re unsure of which type is best for your needs, ask a professional hairstylist). You’ll also need:

  • Gloves (to protect your hands)
  • Petroleum jelly (to prevent stains on your hairline and forehead)
  • An old towel (to keep any messes under control)
  • Some clips or rubber bands (to section off pieces of hair).

And always do a strand test before you start to check you’ve picked the right color for you and a skin allergy test to check for any adverse reactions.

Step 1: Prep your hair

The first step in any successful bubble dye session is prepping your hair.

Start by washing and conditioning the hair with shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated locks.

Then, blow dry the hair until it’s completely dry – this will help ensure that the creamy bubbles will stick better once they are applied.

Step 2: Apply the bubble dye

Once your hair has been has been sectioned off, it’s time to apply the actual bubble dye!

Start by wearing gloves and then mix the hair color and developer together as per the enclosed instructions on the bubble hair dye kit.

Next, pump some foamy bubble mixture into your hands and rub it into the root area of the first section. Using circular motions, massage all visible parts of each section with plenty of foam until they have been saturated evenly from root to tip.

Next move onto another section until all of your sections have been coated with creamy bubble dye. Massage the hair dye into your hair until every strand is covered.

Be sure not to forget about any small sections around the nape of your neck as those usually require extra attention!

bubble hair dye massaged into hair

Step 3: Leave to develop.

Cover your hair with either a shower cap or aluminum foil so that it stays moist while processing according to package instructions (usually about 20-30 minutes).

Check on your hair color development from time to time to make sure you’re not leaving it in too little or too long.

Step 4: Rinse out the color

Time’s up! It’s time to rinse out your hair dye.

Start by rinsing out all excess product using lukewarm water – hot water can damage newly colored locks – while gently rubbing any remaining product away from the scalp area using light pressure from fingertips.

For best results try rinsing from roots down towards ends in order to avoid tangling up any newly colored strands. Keep rinsing until all the water runs clear and than shampoo ONCE and condition your hair.

Step 5: Style and admire!

After all excess product has been removed, lather in some conditioner and rinse again before patting dry with a clean towel – do not rub wet strands together as this may cause them to tangle up.

Then style as usual and fall in love with your new bubble hair!

There you have it – now you know how easy it is bubble dye like a pro! Just remember – take your time when working with colored locks as rushing through this process can lead to unevenly colored strands which can create an unintentional patchy effect!

Watch and Learn: How to use bubble hair dye like a pro.

Here’s a great video that shows you how to apply bubble hair dye, step-by-step.

Is bubble hair dye permanent?

It can be! It’s a hair color that comes in semi-permanent, permanent and temporary formulas, just like any other.

The great thing about this particular hair color is that it’s very versatile. So if you want a subtle change, you can go for the semi-permanent option.

But if you’re looking for something more dramatic, the permanent dye will give you long-lasting results. Just keep in mind that it will require some upkeep – like any other hair color.

Does bubble hair dye cover gray hair?

Yes! And not just gray hair, either. If you have any unwanted stubborn brassy tones in your hair – whether from sun exposure or other problems – this hair dye can cover them up easily.

As always, we recommend getting two bubble hair dye kits to make sure you get all-over coverage with no patchiness.

Where can I buy bubble hair dye?

It’s available both online and at beauty supply stores. There are plenty of different colors and brands on Amazon too.

It’s become increasingly popular since being introduced on Instagram a couple of years ago, so you should be able to find it fairly easily.

That said, we recommend heading online to check out some of the best deals and to browse a wider selection of colors before making your final decision.

Best bubble hair dye colors

Marshmallow Brown

Rose Tea Brown

Dark Rose

Soft Griege

Midnight Ash

Forest Khaki

Deep Violet

TOP TIP!

The instructions are all in Japanese or Korean so search the social channels or YouTube if you need instructions in English!

Bubble hair dye FAQs

Is bubble hair dye damaging?

While most hair dyes use ammonia or peroxide to penetrate your hair and change the color, bubble dyes are different.

Because it uses a natural foam formula, it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that can cause any hair damage.

Plus, since you don’t have to rub it in or wait for it to process like you do with regular dyes, there’s far less risk of damaging your locks.

That said, all hair dye will still result in some damage over time – especially if you frequently color your hair. So make sure you’re investing in plenty of quality products for repairing and smoothing out damaged strands.

Is bubble hair dye better than regular dye?

There’s no one right answer to this question, as it really depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a hair color.

That said, the bubbly formula does have some advantages over a traditional hair color kit. For starters, it’s much easier to apply and gives full coverage with very little effort.

The thick foam formula also ensures that the bubble hair dye is better distributed throughout your hair, which helps to prevent patchy or uneven results.

So overall, we would say that it’s definitely worth a try if you’re looking for an easy way to switch up your look!​

Does bubble hair dye work on black hair?

Yesiree, bubble hair dyes are made for natural black hair! The foam formula is designed to fully saturate your hair and help you get even color coverage no matter what your starting color is.

You can easily achieve dark ash hair colors like milktea brown.

That said, if you want one of the more vibrant colors, you’ll need to lighten up dark hair with bleach or another lightening treatment before applying the dye.

This will give you more true-to-color results but be sure to consult with your stylist beforehand.

Bleaching is a harsh process and you may have to go through more than one bleaching session to get a light enough base.

Can I use bubble hair dye at home?

Yes, bubble hair dyes are actually very easy to use it at home.

The bubble hair dye kit will come with detailed instructions and there are english-speaking videos you can watch on YouTube to help you get professional-looking results in no time.

Most people find that the foam formula is easier and less messy than traditional hair dyes, and the applicator cap helps ensure that the color goes on evenly every time.

The length of time you leave the dye on your hair depends on things like the color you’ve picked, room temperature and how long your hair is, but the whole process shouldn’t take more than 1.5 hours from start to finish.

It’s a fun and innovative new way to experiment with different colors without having to resort to harsh chemicals or damaging treatments.

If you have longer hair than shoulder length hair, you may need two boxes for total coverage, especially if you have gray or white hair.

Can you use bubble hair dye on curly hair?

Yes, you can absolutely use bubble hair dye on curly hair!

In fact, bubble dye might just be your new best friend if you’ve been struggling to evenly distribute color throughout your ringlets.

The unique texture of bubble dye allows for more control and precision, making it easier to apply and distribute throughout your curly or permed hair.

So it’s safe to go ahead, embrace your curls and give bubble dye a try.

Will bubble hair dye stain?

Bubble hair dye really doesn’t stain your skin or clothes more than other other hair dye – it just takes a bit of extra effort to make sure it’s done properly.

First, using gloves to apply the dye is essential!

Secondly, rubbing a little barrier cream like Vaseline will help protect your skin from any left over dye residue.

Finally, you want to be sure to shampoo your hair after your color treatment to wipe away any remaining bubbles and product on your hairline or forehead.

All in all, with these tips in mind there’s no need to fear staining when playing with some creative bubble fun!

Does bubble hair dye have bleach?

No, bubble hair dye itself does not contain any bleach. So while it’s safer to use than bleach products, it means it won’t lighten dark hair.

If you want to use one of the brighter colors, you’ll need to do a pre-lightening treatment first. Consult with your stylist before bleaching your own hair at home.

Is there ammonia in bubble hair dye?

The good news is that these new-age dyes are actually designed to be ammonia-free, making them better for your hair and scalp – which is always worth celebrating!

Bubble dyes also use more natural ingredients than traditional box dyes, making them even more appealing when it comes to getting creative with your look.

Bottom line: if you’re thinking of spicing up your style with some new colorful dos, the lack of ammonia in bubble hair dyes could make all the difference in achieving luscious locks without any added damage.

Are there any side effects of using bubble hair dye?

There are no known side effects of using bubble hair dyes. In fact, it’s actually gentle on your hair thanks to the built-in conditioners.

That said, as with any hair color product, it’s always best to do a skin patch test first to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions to any of the ingredients.

And a strand test will help you get an idea of how the color will turn out on your hair.

Should you wash your hair before using bubble dye?

The hair dye should be applied to clean, dry hair for the best results.

It’s best to shampoo and dry your hair a day or two before applying the dye.

This will help ensure that there are no impurities or buildup on your scalp that could interfere with the color.

How long does bubble hair dye last?

The color will typically last for several weeks, although it may fade over time.

If you have used permanent hair dye – it should last 4-6 weeks before it will need topping up or reapplying.

If you have used semi-permanent hair dye – it should last for up to 8 weeks before you will need to refresh your color.

To maintain the vibrant hue, you can use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated to help keep hair dye looking fresh.

Or you can try using a dry shampoo between washes to help extend the life of your color.

If you want even longer-lasting results, you may also want to consider applying a toning treatment or glaze after coloring your hair.

These products are formulated specifically to help lock in color and keep it from fading.

Styling with hot tools like curling irons and hair straighteners can also cause color to fade over time.

So if you want your color to last, use a good heat protectant, and avoid exposing your hair to excessive heat.

Can I reuse leftover bubble hair dye?

It can be disappointing when you buy a box of bubble hair dye and are left with too much.

You may be tempted to try and reuse it. But sadly, the answer is a resounding no! You can’t reuse opened hair dye.

Once opened, the active ingredients within the bubble hair dye mixture only work for an hour before they stop being effective.

So whether it’s on your head, left in a box or in a hair dye bowl, it needs to go!

Parting words

If you’re interested in trying out bubble hair dye, just be sure to do your research first.

Make sure it’s right for your hair type and color, and read online reviews before making a purchase.

And once you’ve got your hands on some dye, follow the instructions carefully to get gorgeous results!​

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!