Blonde to brunette?

Question

Three weeks ago I dyed my light blonde hair dark brown and it looked amazing -- for a week. After a week it started fading as did my self-esteem since the darker hair makes me feel better about myself. Someone told me that I should dye my hair red first and then dye over it with a dark brown color because my hair doesn't have the natural red pigments for the brown to stay.

Does anyone know if this really works? I think I'm going to dye it dark red today and wait a week before dying over it with a dark brown dye. I just never wanted to be blonde (even when I was 4 I would tell my mom I wish I had dark hair) so It's really important to me. What would be the best way to go about this?

(I can't get it professionally done because I'm poor right now so I use drugstore products)

Answer 1

You're going to ruin your hair if you keep dying it. Blonde hair is the most porous, I don't understand why color is fading unless you are using a very, very low quality temporary dye. A high quality, even if drugstore, dye is going to contain the appropriate chemicals to permanently dye your hair. Follow the directions to the letter. Stop using cheap products, in summary. Even if you use red then brown, the brown has color lifters then depositers, so you're not doing yourself a favor other than over processing your hair.

Answer 2

WHoever told you to dye your hair red first WANTS you to look bad. All this will do is make a very fake copper-orange color show when the brown fades. Then there won't be a problem cause it will look so bad you'll want to chop all your hair off or wear a wig! ALL hair color fades over time but the rule is the darker the color the faster it fades. Why don't you try Clairol Natural Instincts. That brand is a semi-permanant color but I have used it and it does hold up well. Anything darker than Medium ash brown throws off red for me in the permanent colors. Since you are blond you probably have more gold than red. This brand since it is a semi permanent color does not have as much ammonia in it. Try it. It's cheap and should give good results. p.s. I am a licensed hairdresser. Be sure to use a special shampoo for color treated hair. ALso the water you wash your hair with could also be causing the fading. If it has a lot of chemicals in it like my water. When I lived in another city they had so many chemicals in the water it faded my hair 4 shades lighter within a matter of a few months!

Answer 3

Sounds like you might have used either a 'rinse' or a semi-permanent color!! These wash out after a few shampoos.

Today, the 'drug store' versions (as well as most good name brand hair dye kits) are very good but they don't easily apply over color. These also have excellent 'conditioning' ingredients that leave your hair soft and pliable.

These products (not the permanent versions) just leave the pigments on the hairshaft. You want to be able to 'open' the folicles so the color pigment will be deposited in the shaft and then it is harder for that color to be remove. Basically that is what happens when you get it done professionally.

Using a 20% Vol peroxide, you can pre-condition your hair by applying this product for 5 minutes or so time as needed). Then apply your favourite color. Your folicles will then have a good chance 'grab' the color and it will last longer.

Keep in mind that even permanent colors (as well as those done at the beauty salon) will fade in time that is the nature of color. The worst culprit is the Sun or if you swim in pools the chlorine plus Sun will fade and eventually you hair will become brittle if you do not use quality conditioners. In the hot Sun wear a hat to slow down this process; if you swim go to a hose or shower and rinse the pool water from your head to lessen the chorine action.

Don't forget to condition your hair with a good quality conditioner and that doesn't have to break your bank. My g/f and I use off-the-shelf conditioners but buy the name brand and usually they are not that much more expensive. A little conditioner can go a long way so maybe you can use about a quarter size dollop to achieve the proper covering on your hair.

Good luck.

Answer 4

my hair is the same way.. right now its a sandy ash brown color.. it was DARK brown after being like BLEACH BLONDE. so I feel what your going through.. I am gonna have to go get it re done this week.. It is the pigments in your hair that does this-- like the first time i dyed it dark brown my lightest blonde spots, as brown, were GREY!!! So I had to get it done AGAIN and then that time it was a medium brown and now the brown is fading and very dull.. but your on the right track. And it was done professionally. Blonde just doesnt carry the right pigments to go to brown. No matter what you use I get you got to take the long way around.

Answer 5

You should feel great about being blonde. I love blondes, blonds look good , blondes are smart, blondes are fun and nice! They are never the same thing twice!

Alli said "i feel for you. i have blond hair AND big boobs, no one respects me! so yes, red to brown works better then blonde to brown"

Alli - you are around the wrong people! I bet you are a smart, kind and careing woman. Just because you have blonde hair and big boobs is not a reason for people to judge you. You need to get around a different circle of friends.

Answer 6

Honey, Love yourself, in the skin, God gave "YOU" !!! I personally love being "Blonde",,,,, and blondes, do have more fun!!! Altho, we are very underestimated.......I am definately Not a "Numb-Blonde!!!" Nor, are you..Be proud of who u r !!! Or no colors, will ever satisfy you, you'll become a "Camilion" and always be looking for something to satisfy you.. This cant be good.......Be true to you,first.....smile !!!

Answer 7

U should be blonde. Itz the best for you and everybody likes it, dont u know? U should be happy, that u r naturally blonde, proud of it...

Answer 8

i fell for you. i have blond hair AND big boobs, no one respects me! so yes, red to brown works better then blonde to brown

Answer 9

Wow you are going to end up in a mess please consult a professional,the # is on the box of what ever brand you purchase they have people that can help you.

Answer 10

hi cinnamon,,,,, my significant other does that,, and it does seem to stay more brunette....so go for it...

good luck