How to Dye Blonde Hair Bundles Back to Black Hair

I am not sure that I can confirm whether or not blondes have more fun, but I enjoyed my time being blonde.

I dyed my naturally dark brown hair to a honey blonde.

Contrary to the summer timing, I dyed my hair in the dead of winter as opposed to having light hair to match my summer glow.

I loved the natural volume of my hair that bounced like a lion's mane everywhere I went. But anyone who knows me knows that I do not keep a hair color for too long. ⌛

The time came when I was ready to transition back to my darker shades, or in my case, more rainbow-colored shades.

The road of transition was not easy, but it is possible.

As you consider your next hair color, here are 20 things to consider before going from blonde hair to black hair!

MythBusters

Before we dive into the different ways you can transition your tresses from golden glimmer to stealthy raven, we have to bust a few misconceptions about going from blonde to black hair.

#1 Going to a Darker Shade Will Make My Hair Healthier

Although darker hair has the protein within it to withstand more damage than lighter shades, unless you are a natural blonde, darker hair color does not guarantee healthier strands.

For those of us who are salon-made blondes, we first have to understand how to achieve the light color.

Our hair has to undergo a chemical process that breaks vital proteins and bonds. Going blonde can take a toll on our hair and cause a significant amount of damage.

Also, you may notice that taking care of blonde hair requires a lot of maintenance and care. As you deposit dark hair color into your strands, the damage caused by chemical treatments does not magically go away.

You will need to consistently care for your hair, much like you did when you had a lighter shade, until your hair builds up the proteins and strength.

Remember, by going to a darker shade, you are simply adding color, not necessarily nutrients.

#2 Manufacturers Make All Black Hair Dyes the Same

False! All black hair dyes are not the same.

In fact, some black hair dyes have different undertones mixed, which are meant to cancel out specific blonde hair colors.

For example, if your hair tends to turn orange or brassy when you go lighter, then a black hair dye with a green undertone will suit you, as the green will cancel out the orange and give you a pure black.

If you do not know how, then it is best to consult a professional when going back to black because they will have the expertise to know which black hair dye will work for you.

You do not want to walk around with green or blue-tinted hair. They will be able to find the right blonde hair dye for dark hair.

So make sure you are not dyeing your hair wrong!

#3 Everyone Looks Good with Black Hair

I am not one to tell anyone how to wear her hair, as I am currently sporting a short blue fade.

However, there are particular shades of hair colors that look the best depending on our skin tone and color.

For fairer skin tones, straight black hair color can come across as harsh because of the stark contrast between your lighter skin and black.

Consider instead going for a medium to dark brown instead. You can still get the same effect of dark hair without your hair color washing you out.

For medium skin tones, a dark brown or a shade lighter than black will give the same illusion of dark hair against your skin.

Lastly, women with dark skin tones can get away with the blackest black shades, and it will look amazing.

Everyone looks good with black hair, and this is all the more reason why you should consider going from blonde to black.

#4 Box Dyes Are the Best Method of Going Dark

Although I, too, love a good box dye when I am pressed for time and cannot make an appointment with my stylist.

However, when it comes to boxing dyes, we have to remember that we are still putting our hair through a chemical process to deposit the new color in our strands.

With this in mind, it is best to take the time to consult a professional.

A professional hair colorist will be able to match your best dark hair color with your skin tone and maintain the integrity of your hair during the process.

Also, many black hair dyes contain the chemical compound p-phenylenediamine or PPDA. This chemical can cause irritation and allergic reactions to your skin and scalp.

Even if you decide to go along with depositing hair color yourself, a strand test a few days before is a wise choice not only to ensure you will get the best color payoff but also to ensure that you do not react negatively to the hair dye.

#5 Once You Go Black, You Can Come Back

Just as going blonde was a commitment to color, black hair is also a commitment.

It is much harder to lighten black hair specifically since it is on the opposite side of the hair color chart.

It will require more chemicals and salon sessions to return to light hair color or blonde again.

All of the chemical treatments can begin to take a toll on your hair, and you may achieve your color at a cost to your hair's integrity.

My stylist always recommended that I never go completely back to black (again, because I never keep a hair color for long) but instead, transition to a dark brown that will be easier to lift later.

If you are unsure about taking the full plunge into dark hair, try a sew-in or a jet black wig to get your black hair craving quenched.

Now for the Fun Stuff!

Changing your hair color can be a fun experiment and transition!

However, changing the vibe of your tresses can also impact other aspects of your life just as blonde or lighter colors do. Here are a few things that you may notice when you go black.

#6 Black Hair Requires Just as Much Maintenance

The high maintenance of black hair is especially true for all my blonde and brunette beauties who are deciding to transition to black or dark hair color shades.

As mentioned above, dark hair can require some of the same diligence as lighter shades.

With naturally lighter hair colors, your roots will begin to show after a while. Be sure to stay on top of your hair color appointments to maintain that perfect raven color.

Additionally, blonde hair tends to hide most hair damage, such as split ends.

However, black hair tends to bring attention to the amount of damage present in our hair.

To combat this issue, you will need to remain consistent with your hair appointments, hair care routine, and frequent trims.

It is a great decision if you have not already, to get a professional stylist on your team to ensure you are always on top of your hair care and style game.

#7 Eyebrow Color Matters

Eyebrow color is something to take into consideration when we are changing our hair color.

Much like you would choose a lighter color for your eyebrows with light hair colors, you may opt for darker eyebrows to complement your darker shade.

I highly recommend visiting a professional if you are considering dying your eyebrows.

Alternatively, you can choose darker eyebrow products to fill in your eyebrows that match your hair.

This option is cheaper and limits the number of chemicals around your face. When my hair is lighter, I typically choose eyebrow products that are one to two shades lighter than my natural brow.

When my hair is darker, I will go with eyebrow products in my natural shade or one darker.

I have to say that it is best to stay away from black eyebrow products even if you can achieve the darkest black hair possible.

Black eyebrows are not a naturally occurring color and, frankly, do not compliment anyone's skin. Just stay away, sis.

#8 Upgrade Your Go-To Makeup Looks

Again, I will emphasize a you-do-you philosophy when it comes to your makeup.

However, it is a fact that some makeup looks better when complemented with darker hair.

For example, dark-colored lips or smokey eye makeup can create a sultry and mysterious look that compliments your dark hair.

Think Megan Fox or Kerry Washington! Do not be afraid to experiment with a little more color or bust out that black kohl eyeliner.

Also, with summer on our heels, investing in a bronzer to set your skin aglow would match the shine of your new black locks.

#9 Cool Rinses Will Be Your New Best Friend

With colored hair, it is always a good idea to rinse with cool water to close your hair's cuticle layer and preserve your hair color longer.

Black hair is no exception.

Try to limit the number of times you clarify your hair or human hair bundles since clarifying shampoos can strip your hair's color out and have you in your stylist's chair more often.

Opt for moisturizing shampoos and clarify once weekly. Always rinse with cool water before stepping out of the shower.

#10 Time to Pump Up the Volume

Remember when I said that I loved the volume I had with my blonde hair?

Well, that is because, with blonde or lighter hair colors, the cuticle layer is wide open due to the chemical treatments and can give the illusion of bigger and more voluminous hair.

When you transition to dark hair, you will have to get creative with your hair's volume because your cuticle layers are lying flatter.

Try using a diffuser, or you can blow dry your hair with your head upside down to ensure you get more volume.

For straight and wavy hair types, teasing is an option for creating volume. Teasing requires lightly brushing the hair backward to create a more voluminous style.

For curly to kinky hair types, blow drying only the roots will minimize shrinkage and keep your hair big and fierce.

#11 You May Not Be Able to Go Straight to Black Hair

Transitioning to dark or black hair may require a process to maintain the integrity of your hair's health.

Again, by depositing dark or black hair color into hair, we still apply a chemical to our hair and drastically alter its makeup.

Your stylist may want to take you through the steps of gradually applying darker and darker shades to your hair to retain your hair's overall health.

By going a slower route, you can gradually get used to the darker color because going from blonde to black is a shock sometimes.

Healthy hair is always the number one goal, and whichever method is the most efficient in achieving the healthiest hair is always the best choice.

#12 Switch Up Your Favorite Hair Care Products

Although black hair may require the same amount of maintenance as blonde shades, you may have to swap out for new products.

With dark hair, the cuticle layer is more open than it is in lighter shades.

In turn, this means that your products will stay inside of your hair strands better and provide your hair with the necessary nutrients.

Additionally, hair products may need to be of a thicker consistency to penetrate through your hair follicles.

Lighter hair requires light and less dense hair care products, whereas darker hair may need products that are thicker and denser.

Adding some shine-enhancing products won't hurt either since dark or black hair reflects light more than lighter shades.

Shine bright like a diamond! Lastly, continue to add protein-rich treatments and hair care products to your routine to replenish and strengthen broken bonds during the chemical process.

#13 Beware of Residue or White-Based Hair Products

In the same breath as reevaluating your hair care products, you will now have to consider whether certain products will leave a white or dusty residue since white and powdery products can make black hair look ashy and dull.

Try to stay away from dry shampoos that leave gray streaks in your hair or hair gel that dries white or clear.

Try using products that are darker in color or that do not have a noticeable finish.

You can maintain the style and hold you are looking for without having gray-ashy streaks cramping your look.

#14 Re-Up on Your Hairstyle Necessities

Since you are considering the darker side, you will have to get new accessories suited for darker hair.

Hair accessories include bobby pins, hair ties, and buns.

Having light bobby pins can add an edgy touch to your hairstyle, but for my elegant and seamless styles, black bobby pins are best.

Adding some clip-in extensions can add volume and give you more possibilities for hairstyles to add to your repertoire.  

#15 You Are Going to Look Great

Hair color is all about having fun and experimenting with different looks.

You are going to look great with whichever option you choose.

Black hair brings out your glowing complexion and frames your facial features.

Be confident with your new style and put your best foot forward!

Steps to Help from Going Black to Blonde!

Now that we've had the discussion about going from black to blonde, what to consider, and breaking down some myths, let's talk about how to really get the job done.

We will admit that this is no easy process and sometimes cannot be achieved in one try.

We suggest visiting your local salon professional who can execute this color transformation with no hassle and with applied experience if you feel like you can take matters into your own hands at your discretion!

But keep in mind warnings, properly follow steps, and ensure that you have all the right products. Let's get started!

Step #1: Make sure your hair is in excellent condition

Removing all the black pigment from your hair can be a potentially damaging process.

If your hair is "over-processed" by frizz and dryness with breakage from over-coloring or heat damage, you need a deep conditioning treatment.

Turn any conditioner into a deep conditioner by following these instructions:

• Apply enough conditioner to your freshly washed and towel-dried hair to completely saturate it.
• Add a type of oil like olive oil to the conditioner if your hair is particularly dry or prone to frizz.
• Cover your head by using a shower cap if you have one.
• Wrap your covered head in a towel to create heat your scalp will provide, and let the conditioner sit for between 10 to 15 minutes.
• The heat from your scalp will open up your hair shafts and allow the conditioner to penetrate the follicles.
• Rinse your hair with cold water and dry it.

Step #2: Allot enough time

This process can take a long time, anywhere from several hours.

It's not something that should be rushed. It can take 4-8 hours in a salon under the best circumstances.

• Try not to attempt this with the chance of falling asleep or getting distracted to where you can't monitor the process with your full attention.
• Use a kitchen timer to determine checkpoints.
• Do not bleach on freshly washed hair. Your natural oils help protect your scalp.
• Don't do this before an important day. You may need to make an emergency appointment with a local salon to cut breaking ends or fix problems with your color, considering that various things can go wrong.

Step #3: Shopping for the right tools and products

The best and pretty much the only way to get that black off your hair is to use bleach.

Visit your local beauty supply store and get two packets of powder bleach and at least a two-ounce container of 40 vol. developer.

Ensure you have the right amount so you don't come up short. Consider buying more if you have long hair.

Tools Needed:

• Color mixing bow
• Color applicator brush
• Processing cap
• Gloves

You'll definitely need to choose your color carefully. You will need to recolor your hair with a blonde shade after you have removed and lifted the color with the bleach.

You won't want to leave your hair bright yellow, which is probably where you'll end up if you start out with black. This is when the laws of color apply; consider them wisely!

Step #4: Sectioning

Sectioning your hair is crucial when it comes down to proper application.

You want to make sure that the product is distributed evenly among your hair and that no area is missing.

Sectioning will also help this process go smoothly by keeping your hair neat and organized with what can become a mess.

Take four clips and part your hair down the middle, then horizontally from ear to ear.

Take the bundle of sectioned hair from each corner of your head and securely clip them down.

Step #5: Mix and Apply

Mix your developer and bleach in a one-to-one ratio.

Stir until lumps disappear and a creamy consistency is developed. Make sure you are wearing your gloves during the bleaching process, as bleach can burn the skin.

Apply bleach to your hair, going section by section, all over your head, leaving your roots untouched.

Make sure to thoroughly saturate and don't let any section get dry. If your hair is dry, it is no longer processing.

Apply bleach to your exposed roots last. Once the bleach is applied to all mid-strand and end pieces, go back through and apply to the root area.

Step #6: Process and Rinse

Put on your processing cap.

Make sure to keep a constant watch. Check your hair after 10 minutes, then every 5 to see how it goes.

Black hair goes through stages of red, brown, and yellow in succession before turning blonde.

To check each section for its true color, you must take a towel and rub off a bit of the bleach.

If it isn't as light as you want it, reapply the bleach to the wiped section and wait.

Rinse out the bleach.

You don't want bleach on your hair for more than 30 minutes, really.

It's a very strong chemical, and it may take you more than one application to get it to platinum if that's how blonde you want to be.

When you have reached a point where all areas on your head are a consistent shade of buttery yellow, you probably need to rinse it all out.

Make sure to rinse very well!

Step #7: Apply Blonde and Rinse

Apply your blonde color all over.

It won't take long to be processed since your hair is freshly exposed to the bleaching process, making it more susceptible to taking on the blonde.

10 minutes is usually sufficient, but more than 15 minutes is the maximum.

Use the extended time if you feel like the color isn't lifting enough for those of you using 40.

Once again, heat from your scalp will be magnified, which will speed up the coloring process if you wear a processing cap/shower cap.

Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and your scalp feels clean. The condition, condition, condition!

Tips for Care

Blonde hair is more sensitive to sun and heat exposure, which can cause damage.

• Using a thermal protectant when applying heat, such as blow-drying or using a flat iron, can be a major benefit. Try out various hair serums and sprays that contain UV protection so use them!
• To maintain the health of your hair after chemical processes, use a deep conditioner at least once a week and a leave-in conditioner or silkening treatment; Moroccan oil, Biosilk's Silk Therapy, or Chi's Silk Infusion are a few great options.
• Avoid swimming in a pool for a few weeks, as the chemical chlorine can eradicate your color.
• If you feel like you need more color without continuing a chemical process, consider adding clip-in or tape-in extensions for a temporary change or a semi-permanent color or glaze for less damaging colors.

Going from blonde hair to black hair is a process, and just like any other transition in our lives, it requires some time to get used to the new.

Black hair can give you an air of mystery, classic glamour, and elegance. 🖤

If you change your hair from blonde to black, tell us about your transition in the comments section below!

We would love to keep the conversation going!