So, you’ve taken the plunge and bleached your hair, aiming for that perfect platinum blonde. But now you’re staring back at a reflection showcasing a distinctly yellow hue. Don’t panic! Yellow undertones after bleaching are incredibly common. The good news is, you’ve got a fantastic foundation for a wide range of colors. This article will guide you through the best color choices to apply over your bleached yellow hair, ensuring you achieve the vibrant, long-lasting results you desire.
Understanding the Colour Wheel and Underlying Tones
Before diving into specific colors, let’s revisit the basics of color theory. The color wheel is your best friend when it comes to neutralizing unwanted tones and achieving your desired hair color. Understanding complimentary colours can help you navigate the world of hair dyeing with confidence.
Think back to elementary school art class. Opposite colors on the wheel neutralize each other. This is key to understanding how to get rid of that yellow.
In the context of hair, the goal isn’t always complete neutralization. Sometimes, you want to embrace the warmth or slightly alter it. This is where understanding levels and underlying pigments comes in.
The Importance of Hair Levels
Hair color is categorized into levels, ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Bleaching aims to lighten your hair to a specific level, ideally a level 9 or 10 for pastel or very light shades. The level your hair has reached after bleaching greatly influences what colors will work best. If your hair is still quite yellow, it may be closer to a level 7 or 8.
The Role of Underlying Pigments
Even after bleaching, your hair retains underlying pigments. These pigments are what cause the unwanted yellow, orange, or red tones. Understanding which pigments are present will help you choose the right color to counteract or complement them. Bleaching primarily targets darker pigments, but yellow is often the most stubborn to remove.
Toning Yellow Hair: The Foundation for Great Colour
Toning is crucial for neutralizing yellow tones and creating a blank canvas for your desired color. Think of it as prepping your hair for the main event. Toner isn’t a hair dye, it’s a product used to neutralise unwanted brassy tones, making it a vital step after bleaching.
What is Toner and How Does it Work?
Toners contain pigments that counteract unwanted tones. For yellow hair, toners with purple or blue pigments are typically used. These pigments deposit onto the hair shaft, neutralizing the yellow and creating a more neutral or ashy base.
Choosing the Right Toner for Yellow Hair
The right toner depends on the intensity of the yellow. Light yellow tones can be neutralized with a lighter toner, while more intense yellow may require a stronger toner or multiple applications. Look for toners specifically designed for brassy hair.
Consider these points when selecting a toner:
* Intensity of Yellow: Light yellow requires lighter toner; intense yellow needs a stronger toner.
* Desired End Result: Do you want a cool, ashy blonde or a more neutral blonde?
* Hair Condition: Bleached hair is fragile. Opt for gentle, ammonia-free toners.
Application Tips for Effective Toning
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Perform a strand test to assess how the toner will affect your hair color. Apply the toner evenly, and monitor the color development closely. Over-toning can lead to a dull or ashy appearance.
The Best Color Choices for Bleached Yellow Hair
Now that your hair is toned (or you’re confident in working with the yellow undertones), let’s explore the exciting world of color choices. The possibilities are truly endless, but here are some popular and flattering options:
Cool-Toned Blondes: Ash Blonde, Platinum Blonde, and Silver
If you’re aiming for a cool, icy blonde, you’re in luck. Bleached yellow hair provides an excellent base for achieving these shades.
Ash Blonde: Ash blonde incorporates cool, grey undertones that neutralize yellow and create a sophisticated, modern look. Look for ash blonde dyes with blue or violet pigments.
Platinum Blonde: Platinum blonde is the ultimate cool blonde, characterized by its near-white, almost silver appearance. To achieve platinum, your hair needs to be as light as possible, ideally a level 10. This might mean multiple bleaching sessions.
Silver: Silver hair is a bold and trendy choice. It involves depositing silver or grey pigments onto bleached hair. The yellow undertones can actually enhance the silver, creating a multi-dimensional effect.
Warm-Toned Blondes: Golden Blonde, Honey Blonde, and Strawberry Blonde
If you prefer warmer tones, you can embrace the yellow undertones in your bleached hair and enhance them with these beautiful shades.
Golden Blonde: Golden blonde is a classic and universally flattering shade. It adds warmth and radiance to the complexion. The existing yellow in your hair will contribute to the golden hue, making it easier to achieve.
Honey Blonde: Honey blonde is a rich and luxurious shade with warm, golden tones and hints of brown. It’s a great option for adding depth and dimension to your hair.
Strawberry Blonde: Strawberry blonde is a delicate and romantic shade with a mix of blonde and red tones. The yellow undertones in your hair will contribute to the warmth of the red, creating a beautiful strawberry hue.
Vibrant Colors: Pastel Pinks, Blues, Purples, and Greens
Bleached hair is an ideal canvas for vibrant, unconventional colors. The lighter the base, the truer the color payoff.
Pastel Pinks: Pastel pinks are soft, feminine, and incredibly popular. They look stunning on bleached hair, creating a whimsical and ethereal effect. The yellow undertones can sometimes create a warmer, peachy pink.
Pastel Blues: Pastel blues are cool, calming, and eye-catching. They require a very light, almost white base to achieve the true blue color. If your hair is still quite yellow, the blue may appear slightly greenish.
Pastel Purples: Pastel purples are elegant and sophisticated. They neutralize yellow tones and create a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect.
Pastel Greens: Pastel greens are daring and unique. They require a very light base to avoid a muddy or dull appearance.
Darker Colours: Browns and Reds
While lighter shades are often the immediate thought when bleaching, going darker is a great way to add depth or counteract damage done in the lightening process.
Browns: You might feel like going back to your roots, and a rich brown could be the answer. With bleached hair, it’s important to “fill” the hair first. This means adding back the missing warm tones (reds and oranges) that were stripped away during bleaching, using a colour depositing conditioner or filler product. This helps the brown dye grab onto the hair shaft and prevent it from turning muddy or green.
Reds: Red tones are a great way to add warmth and vibrancy. On bleached hair, reds can be intense, so start with a shade lighter than you ultimately want. As with browns, filling the hair with missing undertones is crucial for the red to last longer and look richer.
Application Tips and Tricks for Colouring Bleached Hair
Colouring bleached hair requires extra care and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure a successful and long-lasting color result:
- Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying any color to your entire head. This will help you assess the color result and prevent any unwanted surprises.
- Protect Your Hair: Bleaching can be damaging, so it’s essential to protect your hair during the coloring process. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask before and after coloring.
- Use Quality Products: Invest in high-quality hair dyes and toners from reputable brands. Cheap products can damage your hair and produce uneven or unpredictable results.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Pay attention to the recommended processing time and application techniques.
- Apply Evenly: Ensure even application to avoid patchiness or uneven color. Use a tint brush to apply the color precisely and thoroughly.
- Monitor Colour Development: Keep a close eye on the color development during processing. Check the strand test regularly to see how the color is changing.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water after processing. This will help seal the cuticle and prevent the color from fading quickly.
- Use Colour-Safe Products: Use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are formulated to be gentle on the hair and prevent color fading.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Limit heat styling as much as possible, as heat can damage bleached hair and fade color. Use heat protectant spray when using styling tools.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Deep condition your hair regularly to replenish moisture and prevent breakage.
Maintaining Your Colour and Hair Health
Maintaining the vibrancy of your chosen colour and the overall health of your bleached hair is an ongoing process. Here’s how to keep your locks looking their best.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner: Sulfates can strip color from your hair, leading to faster fading. Opt for sulfate-free products to prolong the life of your color.
Wash Your Hair Less Frequently: Over-washing can also contribute to color fading. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, and use dry shampoo in between washes.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun: UV rays can fade hair color and damage your hair. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time outdoors.
Avoid Chlorine: Chlorine can also fade hair color and damage your hair. Wear a swimming cap when swimming in chlorinated water.
Regular Trims: Regular trims are essential for removing split ends and preventing breakage. This will keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Protein Treatments: Bleaching can weaken the hair shaft, making it prone to breakage. Incorporate protein treatments into your hair care routine to strengthen your hair and prevent damage.
Moisture is Key: Bleached hair tends to be dry, so moisturizing is essential. Use deep conditioners, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Bleached yellow hair offers a world of possibilities when it comes to color. By understanding the color wheel, hair levels, and underlying pigments, you can choose the perfect color to achieve your desired look. Remember to tone your hair properly, use quality products, and follow the application tips carefully. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy vibrant, long-lasting color and healthy, beautiful hair.
What is the biggest factor determining which colours will work over bleached yellow hair?
The underlying yellow tone is the primary factor. Bleached hair almost always retains some yellow pigment, and this underlying colour will significantly impact the final result of any dye applied on top. Think of it like painting: if you paint a blue wall over a yellow one, you’ll likely get a greenish hue. Therefore, understanding the level of yellow remaining and how it will interact with your chosen dye is crucial for predicting the final colour.
The porosity of your hair is also critical. Bleached hair tends to be more porous and thus absorbs colour more readily, but unevenly. This means some areas may grab more pigment than others, leading to patchy results. Proper pre-treatment, such as protein fillers or deep conditioning, can help even out porosity and ensure a more consistent colour application and outcome.
Can I go straight to a vibrant colour like purple or blue over yellow bleached hair?
It’s generally not recommended to go directly for vibrant colours like purple or blue over yellow bleached hair without proper colour correction. Yellow is a warm tone, and when combined with cool-toned colours like blue, it can result in a muddy or greenish hue. While some purples might have enough red undertones to counteract the yellow, a true, bright blue will almost certainly turn green.
Instead, you would ideally neutralise the yellow tones first by using a toner. Toners contain pigments that counteract unwanted hues; a purple-toned toner is most commonly used to neutralise yellow. After successful toning, you’ll have a cleaner base that allows the vibrancy and true tone of your desired purple or blue to shine through.
What are some good semi-permanent colour options for covering yellow bleached hair?
For covering yellow bleached hair with semi-permanent options, consider colours with warm undertones or those specifically designed to neutralise brassiness. Peach, rose gold, or light copper shades can blend well with the yellow and create a softer, warmer aesthetic. These colours often require less stringent toning beforehand and can provide a flattering, natural-looking result.
Alternatively, look for semi-permanent dyes labelled as “ash” or “smoky” colours. These colours contain cool pigments like blue and purple, which are designed to counteract yellow tones and produce a more neutral or cool-toned blonde. Remember to perform a strand test first to see how the colour interacts with your specific level of yellow and porosity, adjusting the application time accordingly.
How do I tone my yellow bleached hair before applying another colour?
Toning your yellow bleached hair involves using a product that contains pigments to neutralise the unwanted yellow tones. Typically, purple or blue-based toners are used, as these colours are opposites of yellow on the colour wheel. Apply the toner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, carefully monitoring the development to avoid over-toning and ending up with lavender or blue hues.
Remember that the strength and application time of the toner will depend on the intensity of the yellow in your hair. Lighter yellows may require a gentler toner and shorter processing time, while darker yellows may need a stronger toner or multiple applications. A strand test is always recommended to ensure the toner effectively neutralises the yellow without causing unwanted colour shifts.
What colours should I avoid if my hair is very yellow after bleaching?
If your hair is still very yellow after bleaching, avoid cool-toned shades like true blues, greens, and some purples, as these can turn muddy or green when mixed with the yellow. Also, steer clear of very light pastel shades without proper toning, as the yellow will likely overpower the delicate pastel pigments, resulting in a brassy or uneven colour.
Instead, focus on shades that complement or neutralise the yellow. Warm tones such as golds, coppers, and reds will blend seamlessly with the yellow, while deeper, more pigmented purples can effectively counteract the brassiness. Proper toning should be performed before attempting lighter or cooler colours to achieve a predictable and desirable result.
How can I prevent my bleached hair from turning more yellow over time after I’ve coloured it?
Using colour-safe shampoos and conditioners is crucial for maintaining your hair colour and preventing it from turning more yellow. These products are formulated without harsh sulfates that can strip the hair of its colour and expose the underlying yellow tones. Look for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for blonde or colour-treated hair, which often contain UV filters to protect against sun damage.
Additionally, incorporating purple shampoo and conditioner into your routine can help neutralise any brassiness that may develop over time. Use purple shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed, to keep your blonde looking fresh and prevent the yellow from becoming too prominent. Limit heat styling, as heat can also contribute to colour fade and brassiness.
What are some natural remedies or products that can help reduce yellow tones in bleached hair?
While professional toners provide the most immediate results, some natural remedies can help reduce yellow tones in bleached hair. A diluted apple cider vinegar rinse can help balance the pH of your hair and subtly brighten blonde shades. However, use it sparingly and follow with a moisturizing conditioner, as apple cider vinegar can be drying.
Chamomile tea is another gentle option for lightening and brightening blonde hair. Brew a strong batch of chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning. While these natural remedies won’t completely eliminate yellow tones, they can contribute to a brighter, fresher blonde over time and help maintain your colour between salon visits.