For some, gray or silver hair marks the transition to the sunset age, while for others it is sophisticated and bold. They also allow you to make a smooth transition from color to natural graying. Dyeing black hair is more difficult than other colors, but all in all the steps to follow are simple and the results are amazing.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare Hair for Dye
Step 1. In anticipation of this change, stop dyeing your hair six months in advance
Maybe it seems like too big a commitment, but you have to proceed in this way to have a good result. The hair needs time to discharge as much of the pigments of the previously used color as possible. Otherwise, it will be much more difficult for the bleach to achieve a uniform result. If you don't dye your hair, you can skip this step.
Step 2. Get a deeply nourishing treatment a week or two before the color, perhaps at the hairdresser
The bleach is very aggressive. It is therefore a preventive measure to prevent the hair from drying out and being damaged, or at least to contain the damage. A nourishing treat can also keep them from cracking.
Step 3. Before dyeing your hair, leave it dirty for a few days
This will build up oil, which can help protect the scalp from irritation due to the bleach.
Step 4. You will probably need to trim your hair
While following all these steps to the letter, prepare yourself psychologically: after bleaching, broken or damaged hair may need to be trimmed. Perhaps after the cut they will not be more than the desired length, but the change will not be drastic. However, the important thing is to be ready so as not to be taken by surprise. Before dyeing your hair, try to grow it to a good length - this way cutting it won't be a big sacrifice.
Method 2 of 3: Bleaching the Hair
Step 1. Buy a bleaching kit
To have a beautiful and luminous result, you must first purchase a 40-volume bleaching kit. It can be found in many beauty salons and specialty shops. Don't buy a bad one. Discoloration is an aggressive procedure, so invest in a quality product. You don't even have to choose the most expensive one, just try to avoid mediocre products.
Step 2. Apply petroleum jelly along the hairline
Start from the forehead and work your way up to the nape of the neck. The petroleum jelly will protect the scalp from bleaching and dye. Make sure you apply it well.
Step 3. Put on some latex gloves
They will protect your hands from dye and bleach. You should also use them to avoid getting too dirty, otherwise you risk finding yourself with stained hands.
Step 4. Divide the hair into four or six sections depending on the thickness and secure them with pliers
Starting from the back, remove one tongs at a time and apply the bleach with a bleach brush, which you can buy at a beauty salon. Maybe, ask someone to help you apply it to the back.
Step 5. Follow the instructions on the box
Each bleach has special instructions, so it is useless to give precise indications about it in this article. In general, it should be left to act and dry for 30-60 minutes, no more. This depends on the thickness and length of the hair.
Step 6. Determine if you need to repeat the application
At this point the hair should be platinum or light blonde. If they turn orange or light brown, you need to repeat the bleach following the same steps on the box. After the first bleaching, wait about a week before lightening them again. If the first application damages them, you should wait even longer. Black hair often requires two bleaches. They must be pale blond for the gray tint to take root.
Method 3 of 3: Apply the Toner and Tint
Step 1. Buy a white or purple tint to get the silver or gray tone you want
This type of toner has a similar function to that of the bleach, only that it eliminates the orange or yellow shades and allows you to obtain a splendid silver color. You can buy it at a beauty salon or specialty store.
Step 2. Put on the latex gloves again and divide your hair into four or six parts
Remember to do everything with the utmost respect for hygiene and to avoid staining your hands. It is not recommended to use the same gloves as for bleaching.
Step 3. Re-apply petroleum jelly to the hairline
In this way the dye will not stick to the skin or stain it. This is a vital step, so don't forget it.
Step 4. Apply the dye evenly
Work from root to tip and make sure you apply the product well. If you skip a point, the hair in this area will remain the color obtained with the bleaching, so try to be precise. You should leave the dye on for at least 30 minutes. For a more accurate result, use a professional brush.
Step 5. Rinse your hair
After 30 minutes, rinse them off to get rid of the excess dye. At this point they will have absorbed the product well. After rinsing, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. You can buy them at the grocery store or at a shop that sells beauty items. You should definitely check that these products are suitable for dyed hair. You certainly don't want to screw up all the work you've done because of the wrong shampoo.
Advice
- If you have black hair, don't try to bleach it in one go. This could damage even the healthiest hair. If you want to lighten them quickly, consider the risks.
- The 40-volume bleach should be used with caution, especially near the scalp. Oxidation occurs faster at the roots because the head generates more heat in this area.
- Hair oils and creams can help repair damage done by the bleach. You can also keep them healthy and strong by regularly shampooing with extra virgin olive oil (more or less once a week).
- Try using the 20-volume bleach twice.
- As the weeks or months go by, you will need to do some color adjustments with a white toner.
- You can also make a coconut oil mask to invigorate your hair. It is packed with nutrients that will be good for the scalp.
- Using purple shampoos and conditioners can help maintain the silver color. You can find different brands in stores that sell hair products.
