Why It's Complicated:
* Lifting Color: You're not just adding blonde pigment; you need to *lift* the existing dye out of your hair. This usually requires bleaching (using lightener), which can be harsh.
* Multiple Processes: Depending on how dark your current dye is, you may need multiple bleaching sessions to achieve the desired blonde level.
* Damage: Bleach can weaken hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz. Repeated bleaching sessions significantly increase the risk of damage.
* Uneven Results: Previously dyed hair can absorb color unevenly, leading to patchy or brassy results.
* Underlying Pigments: Darker dyes often leave underlying warm pigments (orange, red, yellow) that need to be neutralized with toners to achieve a true blonde.
Factors Affecting the Process:
* Current Hair Color: The darker your current hair color, the more difficult and damaging it will be to go blonde.
* Type of Dye: Permanent dyes are harder to lift than semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes.
* Hair Condition: Healthy, strong hair will withstand the bleaching process better than damaged hair.
* Desired Blonde Level: A very light, platinum blonde will require more lifting than a golden blonde.
* Hair History: Previous bleaching or perms can affect how your hair reacts to further processing.
Steps Involved (Generally):
1. Consultation (Recommended): A professional stylist can assess your hair's condition, dye history, and desired blonde level. They can also provide a realistic expectation of the results and a plan to minimize damage.
2. Strand Test: This is crucial! Apply bleach to a small, hidden section of your hair to see how it lifts and how much damage occurs. This helps determine the best approach and predict the final result.
3. Bleaching/Lightening: This is the most damaging step. A lightener is applied to lift the existing dye. The strength of the lightener and the processing time depend on your hair's current color and desired blonde level.
4. Toning: After bleaching, your hair will likely have unwanted yellow or orange tones. A toner is used to neutralize these tones and create the desired blonde shade.
5. Deep Conditioning: Bleaching strips moisture from the hair. Deep conditioning treatments are essential to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair.
6. Maintenance: Blonde hair requires regular upkeep to maintain its color and health. This includes using color-safe shampoos and conditioners, avoiding heat styling, and getting regular trims.
Tips to Minimize Damage:
* Go to a Professional: A skilled colorist will have the knowledge and experience to minimize damage.
* Hydrate Your Hair: Use deep conditioning treatments in the weeks leading up to and following the bleaching process.
* Avoid Heat Styling: Heat can further damage already weakened hair.
* Use Protein Treatments: Protein treatments can help strengthen the hair shaft.
* Spread Out Bleaching Sessions: If you need multiple bleaching sessions, space them out by several weeks to allow your hair to recover.
* Consider a Shadow Root: A shadow root (leaving your roots a slightly darker shade) can make the transition to blonde less dramatic and require less frequent touch-ups.
* Olaplex or Similar Treatments: Olaplex (and similar bonding treatments) can help repair broken bonds in the hair during and after the bleaching process.
Can you DIY?
While technically possible to DIY, it's strongly discouraged, especially if you have a significant color difference between your current hair and your desired blonde. The risk of damage and uneven results is much higher when attempting this at home.
In conclusion, yes, you can dye dyed hair blonde, but it requires careful planning, a professional approach (ideally), and a commitment to proper aftercare. It's a process that can be damaging to the hair, so it's essential to prioritize the health of your hair throughout the process.