Bleaching your hair to a blonde shade opens up a world of vibrant colour possibilities, but often leaves you with that dreaded yellow undertone. Understanding what colours will work best on this base is crucial for achieving your desired result and avoiding disastrous outcomes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right colour for your yellow bleached hair, from colour theory basics to practical application tips.
Understanding Your Yellow Base
Before diving into colour options, it’s important to accurately assess the level and tone of your yellow bleached hair. The lighter the yellow, the easier it will be to achieve lighter and more pastel colours. A deeper, more brassy yellow will require more neutralising or darker shades.
Identifying the Shade of Yellow
Is it a pale, buttery yellow? Or a more intense, golden yellow? Maybe even edging towards orange? This assessment is your starting point. The paler the yellow, the wider your options. More intense yellows might need pre-toning.
The Importance of Toner
Toner is your best friend when dealing with yellow bleached hair. It’s a product designed to neutralise unwanted tones, effectively creating a more neutral canvas for your desired colour. Toners typically contain violet or blue pigments to counteract yellow.
Assessing Hair Health
Bleaching can be damaging, so before applying any more colour, consider the health of your hair. Is it dry, brittle, or prone to breakage? If so, prioritize deep conditioning treatments and protein masks before proceeding with further colouring. Compromised hair won’t hold colour well and is more susceptible to further damage.
Colour Theory Basics for Bleached Hair
A basic understanding of colour theory is invaluable when choosing a colour for your yellow bleached hair. Knowing how colours interact and neutralise each other can prevent unwanted results.
The Colour Wheel and Complementary Colours
The colour wheel is a visual representation of colour relationships. Complementary colours are those that sit opposite each other on the wheel. These colours neutralise each other. For example, violet neutralises yellow.
Understanding Undertones
Every colour has undertones, which are subtle hints of other colours within the main shade. Recognizing undertones is critical for predicting how a colour will react with your existing yellow base. For example, a cool-toned brown might appear ashy on yellow hair, while a warm-toned brown will enhance the golden tones.
Neutralising Yellow with Purple/Violet
As mentioned earlier, purple is the opposite of yellow on the colour wheel. This makes purple-based toners or colours ideal for neutralising yellow tones and achieving a more neutral blonde or even silver/grey results.
The Best Colour Options for Yellow Bleached Hair
Now that you understand your base and basic colour theory, let’s explore some of the best colour options for yellow bleached hair.
Platinum Blonde: Achieving the Coolest Blonde
Achieving a true platinum blonde requires a very light, almost white base. If your hair is still significantly yellow, you’ll need to lighten it further before toning with a violet-based toner. Be cautious of over-processing your hair in the process.
Ash Blonde: The Trendy Cool Tone
Ash blonde is another popular option for those seeking a cool-toned result. It involves using a blue or green-based toner to counteract the yellow and create a smoky, ashy hue.
Pastel Colours: Embrace the Soft Hues
Pastel colours, such as pastel pink, lavender, or baby blue, work best on very light yellow bases. If your hair is too yellow, the pastel colour will likely be muddied or distorted.
Rose Gold: The Warm and Trendy Choice
Rose gold is a beautiful blend of pink and gold tones. It works well on slightly warmer yellow bases, as the gold undertones will complement the existing warmth in your hair.
Strawberry Blonde: A Touch of Red
Strawberry blonde incorporates red tones, which can effectively mask yellow undertones. This is a good option if you’re looking for a warmer, more natural-looking blonde.
Brown: From Light to Dark
Brown is a versatile option, but choosing the right shade is key. Cool-toned browns can appear ashy on yellow hair, so opt for warmer, golden browns or neutral browns to avoid this.
Vibrant Colours: Make a Bold Statement
Bright, vibrant colours like blues, greens, pinks, and purples can be applied to yellow bleached hair, but the final result will be influenced by the underlying yellow. For example, blue might turn slightly greenish. Pre-toning to a more neutral base will ensure the truest colour payoff.
Applying Colour to Yellow Bleached Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve chosen your colour, it’s time to apply it. Proper application is essential for achieving even, long-lasting results.
Preparation is Key
Gather all your supplies: colour, developer (if needed), mixing bowl, application brush, gloves, clips, and an old towel. Perform a strand test to check the colour result and ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions. Protect your skin with petroleum jelly along your hairline.
Mixing and Application
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when mixing the colour. Apply the colour evenly, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Use clips to section your hair for easier application.
Processing Time
Adhere to the recommended processing time. Check the colour regularly to ensure it’s developing as desired. Over-processing can damage your hair, while under-processing can result in insufficient colour deposit.
Rinsing and Conditioning
Rinse the colour thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and seal the cuticle.
Maintaining Your Colour and Hair Health
Maintaining your colour and the health of your bleached hair requires ongoing care and attention.
Use Colour-Safe Products
Switch to colour-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent colour fading. These products are formulated without harsh sulfates that can strip colour.
Limit Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can damage bleached hair and cause colour to fade faster. Reduce your use of heat tools and always use a heat protectant spray.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments into your routine to keep your hair moisturized and healthy. Look for products containing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.
Touch-Ups and Root Maintenance
Plan for regular touch-ups to maintain your colour and address any root regrowth. This will prevent banding and ensure a consistent colour throughout your hair. Consider using a root touch-up spray or powder in between full colour applications.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning and application, issues can sometimes arise when colouring yellow bleached hair. Here are some common problems and how to address them.
Uneven Colour
Uneven colour can be caused by inconsistent application or variations in the underlying yellow base. To fix this, you may need to reapply colour to the lighter areas or use a toner to even out the tone.
Brassy Tones
If brassy tones reappear, use a purple shampoo or toner to neutralise the yellow and orange pigments.
Colour Fading
Colour fading is inevitable, but you can slow it down by using colour-safe products, limiting heat styling, and protecting your hair from the sun.
Hair Damage
If your hair becomes dry, brittle, or prone to breakage, focus on repairing and strengthening it with protein treatments and deep conditioning masks. Consider a trim to remove split ends.
The Role of Professional Hairdressers
While DIY colouring can be successful, consulting a professional hairdresser is always recommended, especially when dealing with bleached hair. They have the expertise to assess your hair’s condition, formulate the perfect colour, and apply it safely and effectively. They can also provide personalized advice on how to maintain your colour and hair health.
Choosing the Right Developer Volume
Developer volume plays a crucial role in achieving the desired lift and deposit when colouring bleached hair. Using the incorrect volume can lead to damage or undesired results.
Understanding Developer Strengths
Developer comes in various strengths, typically measured in volumes (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40). Lower volumes (10-20) are ideal for depositing colour or lifting only slightly, while higher volumes (30-40) are used for significant lightening.
Developer for Toning
When toning yellow bleached hair, a low-volume developer (10 volume) is generally recommended. This is because toning primarily involves depositing pigment rather than lifting.
Developer for Colouring
The appropriate developer volume for colouring depends on the desired shade and the current level of your hair. If you’re aiming for a darker colour or a similar shade, a 10 or 20 volume developer may suffice. If you’re trying to lift and deposit colour simultaneously, a higher volume might be necessary, but use caution to avoid damage.
Assessing Hair Porosity
Hair porosity, which refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, also influences developer choice. Highly porous hair absorbs colour quickly, so a lower volume developer is often preferred.
Temporary vs. Permanent Colour Options
Deciding between temporary and permanent colour is another important consideration.
Temporary Colour
Temporary colours, such as colour-depositing shampoos, conditioners, or sprays, coat the hair shaft and wash out easily. They are a great way to experiment with different colours without making a long-term commitment. They are generally less damaging than permanent options.
Semi-Permanent Colour
Semi-permanent colours penetrate the hair shaft slightly and typically last for several washes. They don’t contain ammonia or peroxide, so they don’t lift the hair colour.
Demi-Permanent Colour
Demi-permanent colours also deposit colour but contain a low-volume developer, allowing them to slightly lift the hair colour and last longer than semi-permanent options.
Permanent Colour
Permanent colours penetrate the hair shaft and chemically alter the hair’s pigment. They provide the most long-lasting results but can also be the most damaging. Choose permanent colour wisely, considering the long-term commitment.
Embracing Your Unique Blonde Journey
Colouring yellow bleached hair is a journey, and there will be learning curves and adjustments along the way. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always prioritize the health of your hair. With the right knowledge and tools, you can achieve the perfect colour and maintain a healthy, vibrant blonde. Remember to seek professional advice when needed, and most importantly, have fun expressing your individuality through colour!
What colours are best for covering yellow bleached hair?
The best colours for covering yellow bleached hair are typically those with strong, neutralising pigments. Ash tones like ash blonde, ash brown, or even ash grey are excellent choices because they contain violet and blue pigments, which counteract the yellow undertones. Also consider colours with a beige or sand base, as these offer a warmer, more natural look while still subtly diminishing the yellow.
For more vibrant or dramatic results, colours like rose gold or pastel pink can be effective if the yellow is very pale and even. Keep in mind that these colours might initially appear slightly different than expected due to the underlying yellow. Consult a professional stylist for personalized advice, as they can assess your hair’s specific tone and recommend the most suitable colour and developer volume.
How do I choose the right toner for yellow bleached hair?
Choosing the right toner for yellow bleached hair depends on the specific shade of yellow you’re trying to neutralise and the overall result you desire. If your hair has pale yellow tones, a toner with a violet base will effectively counteract the yellow and leave you with a cooler, more neutral blonde. For stronger yellow or brassy tones, consider a toner with a blue base to provide more intense neutralisation.
Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired result. Pay close attention to the toner’s instructions and processing time, as over-toning can lead to unwanted results like ashy or even lavender hues. Consider consulting with a professional hairstylist to determine the most appropriate toner for your hair type and level of yellow.
Can I dye my yellow bleached hair a dark colour directly?
While you can technically dye your yellow bleached hair a dark colour directly, the results might not be what you expect, and the colour could fade quickly. The porous nature of bleached hair, combined with the underlying yellow tones, can cause the dark dye to grab unevenly and result in a muddy or greenish hue. Moreover, the lack of underlying pigment can make the dark colour fade faster, revealing the yellow undertones again.
To achieve a true, long-lasting dark colour on yellow bleached hair, it’s crucial to pre-pigment the hair first. This involves applying a filler colour, often a warm brown or red-orange shade, to replace the missing pigments lost during bleaching. After pre-pigmenting, you can then apply the desired dark colour for a more even, vibrant, and longer-lasting result.
How long should I wait after bleaching before colouring?
Ideally, you should wait at least 24-48 hours after bleaching your hair before applying another colour, including toner. This waiting period allows your scalp to recover from the harsh chemicals in the bleach, reducing the risk of irritation or sensitivity. It also allows the hair’s cuticle to somewhat close, which improves colour retention.
However, if your hair feels very damaged or brittle after bleaching, it’s best to wait even longer – up to a week – and focus on deep conditioning treatments. This helps to restore moisture and protein to the hair, making it more receptive to colour and less prone to further damage. Consult with a professional stylist if you are unsure about the condition of your hair.
What are some DIY options for toning yellow bleached hair?
Several DIY options can help tone yellow bleached hair, though they may not provide the same professional results as salon toners. A diluted purple shampoo or conditioner can be used as a gentle toner, helping to neutralise yellow tones with its violet pigments. Apply to damp hair, leave on for a few minutes (adjusting the time based on the level of yellow), and rinse thoroughly.
Another DIY option is a vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar, when diluted with water, can help balance the hair’s pH and potentially reduce brassiness. Remember to dilute the vinegar significantly to avoid drying out your hair. As with all DIY remedies, always do a strand test first to ensure you achieve the desired outcome and avoid any adverse reactions.
How can I prevent yellow tones from returning after colouring?
To prevent yellow tones from returning after colouring your hair, incorporate a purple shampoo or conditioner into your hair care routine. Use it once or twice a week to help maintain the cool tones and counteract any brassiness that may develop over time. Choose a sulphate-free formula to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Additionally, protect your hair from heat styling and sun exposure, as these can contribute to fading and the return of yellow tones. Use heat protectant sprays when using styling tools and consider wearing a hat or using UV protection sprays when spending time outdoors. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also help maintain moisture and prevent dryness, which can make yellow tones more prominent.
When should I consult a professional for colouring yellow bleached hair?
You should consult a professional for colouring yellow bleached hair if you’re unsure about which colour or toner to use, if your hair is severely damaged, or if you’re aiming for a complex colour transformation. A professional stylist can assess your hair’s condition, determine the underlying tones, and recommend the most appropriate products and techniques to achieve your desired result while minimizing damage.
Furthermore, if you have previously experienced allergic reactions to hair dye or have a sensitive scalp, seeking professional advice is crucial. A stylist can perform a patch test to identify any potential sensitivities and offer alternative colouring options. Attempting to correct colour issues at home after a failed bleaching attempt can often lead to further damage and uneven results, so professional assistance is generally recommended.