* Bleach (Lightener): Removes pigment from your hair, making it lighter. It doesn't add any color.
* Hair Dye: Deposits color onto the hair shaft. It can darken your hair, change its tone, or add vibrant shades.
What people sometimes mean when they say they're "dyeing their hair with bleach" is that they're bleaching their hair to lighten it *in preparation* for dyeing it a lighter or more vibrant color.
Here's why you would bleach your hair before dyeing it:
* To achieve a lighter shade: If you want to dye your hair a color that's significantly lighter than your natural hair color, you'll need to bleach it first to remove some of the existing pigment.
* To make vibrant colors more visible: Bright, unnatural colors (like pink, blue, purple, etc.) often won't show up well on darker hair. Bleaching creates a blank canvas for the dye to adhere to and display its true color.
Important Considerations:
* Bleaching is damaging: Bleach weakens the hair shaft, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. It's important to use bleach carefully and follow the instructions on the product.
* Toning is often necessary after bleaching: Bleach can leave your hair with yellow or orange undertones. A toner can neutralize these tones and create a more even, neutral base for dyeing.
* Consider professional help: If you're unsure about bleaching your hair, it's best to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair's condition and recommend the best approach to achieve your desired color while minimizing damage.
In short, you don't dye *with* bleach. Bleach is used to lighten the hair, often as a preliminary step before applying hair dye.