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How to Dye Red-Dyed Hair Pink Without Bleach! Transform your red-dyed hair into stunning pink without bleach. Explore step-by-step methods for achieving vibrant results with ease.
For years, I embraced the fiery allure of red hair, reveling in its boldness and uniqueness. However, change is inevitable, and I began to crave a new look that would be equally eye-catching yet softer. Pink hair was my answer, but I was determined to avoid the harshness of bleach.
In this article, I’ll take you through my journey of turning my red-dyed hair into a stunning shade of pink without the use of bleach, sharing the step-by-step methods I discovered along the way.
How to Dye Red-Dyed Hair Pink Without Bleach
Method 1: The Vitamin C Miracle
The first method I explored was the Vitamin C treatment, which promised to fade my red hair to a more pinkish tone. Here’s how I did it:
1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need Vitamin C tablets, anti-dandruff shampoo, a mixing bowl, and a shower cap.
2. Crush the Vitamin C Tablets: Begin by crushing Vitamin C tablets into a fine powder. The number of tablets you’ll need depends on your hair’s length and thickness. I used about 10 tablets for my medium-length hair.
3. Create a Paste: Mix the crushed Vitamin C powder with an equal amount of anti-dandruff shampoo in your mixing bowl. Stir until you have a smooth paste.
4. Apply the Paste: Section your hair and apply the Vitamin C paste evenly, focusing on the red areas. Make sure to saturate your hair thoroughly for the best results.
5. Cover and Wait: Once your hair is fully coated, cover it with a shower cap to prevent the mixture from drying out. I left it on for about an hour, allowing the Vitamin C to work its magic.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: After the waiting period, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. You should start to notice a softening of the red hue. If needed, repeat the process until you achieve your desired pink shade.
Related: Will Bleaching Red Dyed Hair Turn It Pink
Method 2: Baking Soda and Dish Soap Combo
The second method I tried was the baking soda and dish soap combination, which effectively stripped away some of the red pigments from my hair:
1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need baking soda, dish soap, a mixing bowl, and a shower cap.
2. Create the Mixture: Mix equal parts baking soda and dish soap in your mixing bowl to form a paste.
3. Apply to Your Hair: Section your hair and apply the paste evenly, making sure to work it into all the red sections.
4. Massage and Wait: Gently massage the mixture into your hair and scalp. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes to allow the mixture to penetrate your hair.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: After the waiting period, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. You should notice a significant fading of the red tones.
Method 3: The Natural Lemon Juice Method
For a more natural approach to transitioning from red to pink, I turned to lemon juice. Here’s how I did it:
1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need fresh lemons, a juicer, a mixing bowl, conditioner, and sunlight.
2. Prepare the Lemon Juice: Start by juicing several lemons to extract fresh lemon juice. You’ll want enough to mix with your conditioner.
3. Create the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, mix equal parts fresh lemon juice and your regular conditioner. Stir until well combined.
4. Apply to Your Hair: Section your hair and apply the lemon juice and conditioner mixture evenly, making sure to saturate your hair thoroughly.
5. Soak Up the Sun: Sit in direct sunlight for about 1-2 hours. The natural sunlight, combined with the lemon juice, will help lighten your red hair.
6. Rinse Your Hair: After the sun exposure, rinse your hair with cold water to remove the mixture.
These natural methods can help lighten the red tones in your hair, making it easier to achieve a vibrant pink shade without the use of bleach. Remember that results may vary depending on your hair’s original color and condition. Patience is key, so be prepared to repeat the process as needed to achieve your desired pink hue.
Method 4: Applying Pink Dye Directly Over Red
Now that you’ve chosen the right shade of pink and performed a successful strand test, it’s time to apply the pink dye to your red hair:
1. Section Your Hair: Section your hair into manageable parts to ensure even coverage.
2. Apply the Dye: Begin applying the pink hair dye directly over your red hair. Make sure to saturate each section thoroughly for an even result.
3. Follow Processing Time: Follow the instructions on the dye’s packaging for the recommended processing time. This duration can vary depending on the brand and type of dye you’re using.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: After the processing time is up, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear.
5. Shampoo and Condition: Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain your pink hair color. Minimize washing to prolong the vibrancy of the color.
For this method to work properly, you need to:
I) Choosing the Right Shade of Pink
One of the most crucial steps in transitioning from red to pink without bleach is selecting the right shade of pink hair dye. Here’s what I considered:
1. Match or Complement: Look for a pink hair dye shade that either matches or complements the remaining red tones in your hair. For instance, if your red has faded to a soft, orangey hue, a pastel pink might work well.
2. Semi-Permanent Dye: Opt for a semi-permanent pink hair dye specifically formulated for use on dark hair without bleach. These dyes are designed to deposit color without the need for harsh chemicals.
II) Do The Strand Test
Before fully committing to the pink hair transformation, it’s essential to perform a strand test. Here’s how I did it:
1. Select a Strand: Choose a small section of hair, preferably from a less visible area, such as behind your ear or underneath your hair.
2. Apply the Dye: Apply a small amount of your chosen pink hair dye to the selected strand.
3. Follow Processing Time: Follow the processing time recommended on the dye’s packaging. This usually ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the product.
4. Rinse and Assess: After the processing time is up, rinse the strand with cool water until the water runs clear. Assess the color to ensure it meets your expectations. Adjust the dye or processing time if necessary.
5. Proceed with Full Application: If you’re satisfied with the strand test results, you can proceed with applying the pink dye to your entire head.
Related: How Long Does Pink Hair Dye Last
Why Did My Red Hair Dye Turn Pink
If your red hair dye has turned pink, you may be wondering what caused this color shift. Several factors can contribute to red hair dye fading or transitioning to a pinkish hue:
1. Fading Over Time: Red hair dye tends to fade more rapidly compared to other colors. The vibrant red pigments in the dye are particularly susceptible to fading due to factors like washing, exposure to sunlight, and heat styling. As these pigments break down, the hair may appear lighter and eventually take on a pinkish tone.
2. Washing Frequency: Frequent washing can strip away the red pigments from your hair. Red dye molecules are larger and less stable than other colors, making them more prone to washing out. Over time, this can result in a gradual shift towards a pink hue.
3. Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause red hair dye to oxidize and fade. The UV rays from the sun can break down the dye molecules, altering the color to a pinkish or orangey shade.
4. Low-Quality Hair Dye: The quality of the hair dye you use can significantly impact how long the color lasts. Lower-quality dyes may contain less stable pigments that fade more quickly, leading to a pinkish appearance as the red pigments dissipate.
5. Water Quality: The mineral content of the water you use for washing your hair can affect the longevity of your hair color. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause red hair dye to fade more rapidly.
6. Hair Porosity: Hair porosity plays a role in how well hair holds onto color. If your hair is highly porous, it may have difficulty retaining red pigments, leading to a quicker transition to pink.
7. Color Overlapping: If you’ve previously applied different shades of red hair dye or other colors on top of your red, the combination of these colors may create a pinkish result as they mix and fade together.
Can I Go From Dark Red To Pink Hair Without Using Bleach Or Developer
Transitioning from dark red to pink hair without using bleach or developer can be challenging, but it is possible with certain methods and the right approach. Here’s how you can achieve a pink hair color without resorting to bleach or developer:
Choose a Suitable Shade of Pink: When transitioning from dark red to pink, select a pink hair dye that is specifically formulated for use on dark hair without bleach. Look for shades that are labeled as “vibrant” or “intense” to ensure they deposit enough color.
Prepare Your Hair: To prepare your hair for the pink dye, start by washing it with a clarifying shampoo. This helps remove any product buildup and opens the hair cuticles, making it easier for the color to penetrate.
Perform a Strand Test: Before applying the pink dye to your entire head, it’s essential to perform a strand test. Select a small, hidden section of hair, and apply the pink dye as instructed on the packaging. This will allow you to see how the color turns out on your dark red hair without committing to the full transformation.
Apply the Pink Dye: Once you’re satisfied with the strand test results, you can proceed to apply the pink hair dye to your entire head. Section your hair into manageable parts to ensure even coverage.
Follow Processing Time: Follow the instructions on the dye’s packaging for the recommended processing time. Keep in mind that the processing time may be longer than for lighter hair colors, as the dye needs to work harder to overcome the dark red base.
Rinse Thoroughly: After the processing time is up, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove any excess dye and prevent bleeding onto your clothing or other surfaces.
Shampoo and Condition: Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner designed to maintain and protect your pink hair color. These products will help extend the life of your new hue.
Limit Washing: To prolong the vibrancy of your pink hair color, minimize washing your hair. Use dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair looking fresh.
Avoid Chlorine and Excessive Sun Exposure: Chlorine from swimming pools and excessive sun exposure can cause your hair color to fade more quickly. Consider wearing a swim cap or protecting your hair from the sun’s rays when needed.
Remember that achieving the exact shade of pink you desire may require some experimentation and patience, as the underlying dark red base can influence the final color result. Regular touch-ups and maintenance are also essential to keep your pink hair looking vibrant and fresh.
The Bottom Line
Transitioning from red-dyed hair to a stunning shade of pink without bleach is indeed possible, as I discovered through my journey. With methods like the Vitamin C treatment, baking soda and dish soap combination, and the lemon juice approach, you can gently fade the red pigments in your hair.
Selecting the right shade of pink, conducting a strand test, and applying the pink dye directly over the red are essential steps in achieving your desired look.
Embrace the transformation, and remember that results may vary depending on your hair’s original color and condition. Whether you’re aiming
for a bold magenta or a soft pastel pink, these methods offer a bleach-free way to rock your new vibrant hue while preserving the health of your hair. Enjoy your pink adventure!
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:
What Will Purple Hair Turn To After Fading
Turning purple hair color to lavender
How To Dye Black Hair Into Dark Green Without Bleaching Hair
How To Dye Red Hair Blonde Without Turning It Orange
To Summarize
