Can I Dye My Hair After A Bleach Bath? Here’s What You Need To Know.

Evidence Based

Fact Checked

If you’ve recently treated your hair to a bleach bath or lightening treatment and are hoping to add some fresh color, you may be wondering – can I dye my hair after a bleach bath?

The short answer is: yes, but there are some important steps that must be taken first if you want to avoid frazzling your hair.

It’s not as simple as just grabbing whichever color of hair dye appeals the most to you and slapping it on your head.

If you’ve recently bleached your hair, it requires some extra attention before any additional coloring or dying is done—otherwise, you could end up with compromising and damaging effects on your newly-lightened locks.

But don’t fret! We’re here with all the tips and tricks you need to know so that not only can you still safely dye your hair even after its been through a severe bleaching process, but also provide guidance so that achieving the exact look you want for yourself is simpler than ever before.

Let’s get started!

Can I dye my hair after a bleach bath?

Yes, you can dye your hair after a bleach bath!

But the process will be slightly different than it would be if you were to dye your hair without having previously bleached it.

Here’s what you need to know:

#1 Let your hair recover

First, make sure that your hair has had enough time to rest and recover from the bleach bath before applying any additional color or chemical treatments.

Once you have determined that your hair is healthy enough to be dyed, you will need to take extra steps when applying the color.

#2 Avoid Box Dyes

If possible, try to avoid using boxed dyes and instead visit a professional salon for your dye job.

This is because boxed dyes generally contain harsher chemicals that can cause further damage to hair that has already been exposed to a bleach bath.

#3 Go for Semi-permanent colors

At the salon or when using a dye at home, use a semi-permanent color.

These dyes are gentler than permanent colors and contain fewer damaging chemicals.

Always do a strand test before applying any dye to make sure that the end result will be what you had in mind!

Can I dye my hair after a bleach bath? infographic

Yes, you can dye your hair after a bleach bath, but it's not recommended. It's best to give your hair some time to recover from the bleaching process before introducing any new color.
  • Save

Can you bleach bath your hair and dye it the same day?

We don’t recommend you bleach bath your hair and dye it in the same day.

But technically of course it is possible and professional hair colorists do it all the time!

Bleaching your hair can be harsh on your strands, so it’s important to make sure your hair is healthy enough to handle both the bleach and the dye.

So it’s best to give your hair at least three days to one week to rest before adding any additional chemical treatments like dying.

This way, you’ll still get the desired result without causing too much damage to your locks.

It really all depends on the condition and color of your hair beforehand, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional stylist or do a strand test first.

“When you bleach hair, you strip the pigment. Trying to put that back in is very difficult especially if hair is damaged or over bleached. Semi permanent colours are great as toners but if you want to cover over it completely, you more than likely need to go into a salon.”

Emma Louise, Salon Owner and Trichologist

What to do after you bleach bath your hair?

It’s absolutely crucial to take good care of your freshly treated locks to maintain their health and shine.

Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and applying a deep conditioning mask to nourish your strands.

Stay away from heat styling for a few days and be sure to moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioners and oils to help keep it soft and silky.

Find a good hair mask that can repair and replenish your locks, so they’ll be stronger and healthier than ever after the dyeing process.

And don’t forget to give your hair regular trims every few months to get rid of any split ends or damaged tips!

How long should I wait after bleach washing my hair to dye it?

Bleach washing can strip your hair of its natural color and leave it more porous, making it more susceptible to absorbing new dye color.

To keep your hair healthy and happy, it’s important to wait at least a few days or up to a week after your bleach wash before attempting to dye your hair again.

This will give your hair enough time to restore its natural moisture balance and prevent excessive damage or breakage.

Remember to also use a deep conditioning treatment to replenish your locks and keep it smooth and shiny. Don’t rush the process – take the time to care for your hair and you’ll be rewarded the best results!

How many levels does a bleach bath lift?

The answer depends on a few factors, such as the starting level of your hair and the strength of the bleach used.

In general, a bleach bath can lift your hair color by 1-2 levels. But before you go diving headfirst into a bleach bath, it’s important to remember that this process can be damaging to your hair.

So, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a professional stylist or colorist who can make sure your hair stays healthy while still achieving the look you want.

Parting words

To wrap it up, changing your hair color can be such an exciting journey! But hey, let’s not forget about the importance of taking care of your precious locks, especially when bleach is involved.

From prepping your hair to understanding the effects of a bleach bath, it’s crucial to prioritize their health and integrity.

And if you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional stylist or colorist for advice. Remember, your hair is your crowning glory, so treat it with love and let that new color shine with absolute confidence! You got this!

This article was written by:

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