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Learn more about how to dye black hair into dark green without bleach and using bleach. Also check out tips to make your dark green hair dye pop!
Venture into the verdant depths of hair color transformation with our guide on turning your raven locks into a dark green forest fantasy. At Haireveryday, we provide a step-by-step journey through the process of dyeing black hair to a rich, dark green hue.
Whether you’re seeking a subtle change or a bold new look, our tips and tricks will help ensure your coloring adventure results in vibrant, envy-inducing tresses. Prepare to unleash your inner emerald enchantress with our expert advice.
How To Dye Black Hair Into Dark Green Without Bleach?
Dyeing black hair to dark green without bleach is challenging, as the green pigment typically won’t show up on dark hair. However, you can try using a high-pigment, semi-permanent dye designed for dark hair. These types of dyes may impart a subtle green tint in certain lighting, especially if your hair is already a bit lighter or has natural highlights. For a more vibrant result, a temporary hair color wax or spray can also be an option, as they sit on top of the hair rather than penetrating the shaft. Results will vary, and the color may be less noticeable.
How To Dye Black Hair Into Dark Green Without Bleach
If you have “virgin” hair or hair that has never been colored, bleached or chemically altered before, it’s much safer to use bleach to get dark green hair.
However, on hair like mine that’s been through silk presses, keratin treatments, and numerous bleach and dye sessions is more vulnerable and prone to damage.
So if you want to turn your black hair into dark green but do not want to risk the damage from bleach there are alternate options for you.
Just remember these are only temporary solutions and will come off in 1-2 shampoo sessions.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to use bleach but still want a more “permanent” dark green hair dye, you should try a high lift dye. These do not contain bleach but use higher concentrations of ammonia along with a strong developer to strip your hair natural hair color pigment while dyeing hair simultaneously. These dyes are not completely damage-safe, but they are still better for hair than bleach.
Use A Spray On Green Hair Color
Hair dyes work by using certain chemicals to open up your hair cuticles and penetrating the dye pigments into the cuticles changing the color.
But certain dyes simply deposit the color on the strands rather than filling it into the cuticles. These are called “Color-depositing products” and can be either in the form of conditioners, foams, or sprays.
Using a hair color spray is the easiest way to get dark green hair without bleaching, especially if you’re just looking for highlights or a balayage effect rather than global green color.
Use Green Hair Chalk
Hair color chalks work on the same principle as a color depositing spray. They simply add dye pigment to your outer layer of hair.
The good thing about hair chalks is that you can use them in minutes to get a new hair color. The bad news is that they are very very temporary.
If you use a low-quality product or go out during a hot day, the color may run off due to sweat.
I’ve also noticed that these kinds of products leave residue on your hands, clothes, etc.
So hugging someone might be awkward if you’re a hair color chalk, especially if they are wearing white.
Use Color Depositing Conditioners/Temporary Dyes
There are several color depositing conditioners that at once moisturize your hair and add tint to it. You can look at dark green dyes from brands such as Keracolor or Overtone.
But the effect of these types of dyes is not drastic. It might take a few weeks of regular usage till you see a noticeable difference.
And even then, the dark green will only appear as a base shade on black hair and not look very bright.
How To Dye Black Hair Green With Bleaching
Pick the Right Shade of Green For Your Black Hair
I personally picked out a shade of forest green for my hair which seems more muted and deep than say a vibrant emerald green.
If you’re using a shade that’s more “out there” you might have to bleach your hair more (to a lighter level).
So choose your hair color wisely.
If you don’t want to bleach your hair too many times, I suggest using a blue dye with a green base.
Bleaching black hair to one or two levels will leave it brassy and coppery in shade. This “reddishness” will get neutralized by the blue pigments in the dye, leaving behind a deep, muted green tone.
Bleach Your Hair Using A Volume 20 or 30 Developer
If you’re bleaching hair using the suggestion I gave above, you should need only a 20 volume or 30 volume developer.
Even if you’re going a lighter shade, some hairstylists prefer you use 20 volume developer and bleach hair in 2-3 sittings rather than using a 40 or 50 volume developer in one go.
The shade of hair color you choose is important in determining how many levels you need to lift your hair to using the bleach.
Tone Your Bleach Hair If Necessary
If you want a vibrant emerald or lime green hair color shade I suggest starting off with a platinum or white hair base to make the color “pop”. So this means you’ll have to use a hair toner to remove any brassy or yellow tones from your hair.
But if you’re going for a muted dark green, toning isn’t necessary. All you have to do is pick a green hair dye with some blue base to it that can neutralize redness as you dye it.
Apply The Green Hair Dye on Bleached Hair
After you’ve got your bleached hair ready, it’s time to apply the dark green hair dye to your tresses.
This is the easiest part and all you’ll have to do is mix the color well in a plastic bowl and apply it evenly over hair with a coloring brush.
I usually section off my hair to make application easier.
You can wash off dye as per the instructions on the leaflet. Usually it should take between 20-30 minutes to penetrate the hair cuticle.
Use A Conditioning Mask To Protect Hair
This is a step that most people skip while dyeing their hair, but I find it very important to nourish hair after a dye session, especially if bleach is involved.
Bleaching hair can weaken its molecular structure and damage hair integrity. And even the most mild of hair dyes cannot promise to do zero damage to your hair.
So I often use a protein hair mask to condition and moisturize hair to prevent dehydration, frizz and hair fall.
How To Use Temporary Hair Color To Turn Black Hair Into Dark Green
If you’re looking to transform your black hair into a mesmerizing dark green shade using temporary hair color, you’re in luck! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of achieving that stunning look.
- Choose the right temporary hair color: Look for a temporary hair color product specifically formulated to work on dark hair. Ensure that it offers a dark green shade that will show up vibrantly on your black hair.
- Prepping your hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Temporary hair color tends to adhere better to clean hair, so wash and dry your hair thoroughly before beginning the process.
- Protect your clothing and surroundings: To prevent staining, cover your shoulders with a towel or cape and lay down old newspapers or a plastic sheet to protect your surroundings from any potential color splatters.
- Strand test: Perform a strand test with the temporary hair color. Take a small section of hair, apply the color according to the product instructions, and observe the result. This will give you an idea of the color intensity and whether it meets your expectations.
- Apply the temporary hair color: Divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips or hair ties. Apply the temporary hair color evenly to each section, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use a hair color brush or gloved hands for better control and coverage.
- Comb and distribute the color: After applying the temporary hair color, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to distribute the color evenly throughout your hair. This will ensure that every strand is coated and the color is consistent.
- Follow product instructions: Pay attention to the recommended processing time mentioned on the product packaging. Let the color sit on your hair for the specified duration to allow it to develop fully.
- Rinse and style: Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo, as it may strip away the temporary color. You can condition your hair if desired. Style your hair as usual, and you’re ready to showcase your stunning dark green locks!
Remember, temporary hair color typically lasts for a few washes, so you can experiment with different shades and colors without long-term commitment. Enjoy your fabulous dark green hair and turn heads wherever you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to bleach black hair to dye green?
If you want the dark green dye to show up as anything other than a base tint then yes, you’ll need to bleach hair using developers to at least one or two levels.
How light does hair have to be to dye it green?
It depends on the type of green dye shade you’re selecting. If you want a muted dark green like forest green or olive green then bleaching black hair to level 1 or 2 is enough.
But if you want a brighter shade like emerald, lime green or jade, you’ll need a white/platinum base. So you’ll have to bleach black hair to level 5-6 in this case.
What cancels out green in hair color?
If you’re tired of your green hair or have gone overboard with the green dye and want to tone it down a bit you should try red hair color. Red tones cancel out green as they are opposites on the color wheel. So to remove green tones from your hair use a red hair dye that doesn’t have any hydrogen peroxide in it.
Does green dye show up on brown hair without bleach?
Yes and no. If you’re using a regular dark green hair dye, you might just see a light undertone of green under your brown hair. However, a color depositing shampoo or hair chalk can be used to give brown hair a green shade without bleaching. But be warned that this is a temporary solution.
Final Thoughts on Dyeing Black Hair Into Dark Green
Regular dark green hair dyes might not come out well on dark or black hair and only. So some amount of bleaching is necessary to make the color stand out.
However, you do not need to bleach your hair to a level 5 or 6 to dye it dark green.
It’s also alright if you have reddish or brassy tones in your bleached hair as dark green cancels out red tones.
So you can simply bleach your hair to level 2 or 3 before applying dark green hair dye.
Or for convenience, you can use a “high-lift” hair dye that comes with a volume 20 or volume 30 developer that can dye and lighten your hair in one application.
However, if you’re completely against adding bleach or peroxide to your tresses, you should try color-depositing dyes.
These dyes deposit dark green hair color over your hair strands and do not penetrate the cuticles.
Such dyes can be either color-depositing conditioners, foams, spray-on dyes or even chalks.
I like using them if my hair feels really damaged and not up for a dye session. But you’ll need to be careful as these dyes can get washed off easily and can also stain your surroundings or skin.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Also Read:
How Many Ounces Of Hair Dye Do You Need
How to Dye Red-Dyed Hair Pink Without Bleach
How To Dye Brown Hair Blonde Without Using Bleach
Can Purple Shampoo Work For Green Pool Hair
How To Get Black Hair With Blue Tint Without Bleach
To Summarize
