The Love Hate Relationship with Black Hair dye

Black hair dye is so daring and foggy. It gives your hair a depth and shine that is strong and dramatic. And be it that shiny jet black appearance or a softer natural feel, it is one of the most influential colors that you can make.

But have you ever dyed your hair black and wondered how long the color will last? The black stain is credited with staying longer than most colors but it is not permanent as many would think. Fact is that the time your black dye takes is dependent on the type of dye you have used as well as how you treat it and even the type of hair.

What makes black dye so intense?

Black dye appears that deep due to the presence of the most concentration of pigments among all the hair colors. These dark colors go deeper into the hair shaft and that is why black dye seems to be able to cover the most stubborn tones, as well. It also scatters light such that your hair looks glossier than the light ones.

But this high saturation is a little deceitful. Since the pigments are big after they begin washing out they may leave behind brassy or uneven undertinges. This occurs particularly when you dye your hair and it is light.

How Long Does Black Dye Last The Rapid Response

Then exactly how long does black dye last? The brief answer to this is the kind of dye you applied. Permanent black color has a duration of about 6 to 8 weeks before it starts to fade. Semi permanent dye will last between four and six weeks and temporary black dye could only last until your next wash.

These figures may range broadly depending on your shampooing water temperature as well as your sunshine exposure. So although black dye appears permanent it does need frequent touch ups to keep it dark and glossy.

Permanent Black Dye: The Deepest Commitment

You are making an irrevocable commitment when you decide on permanent black dye. Permanent dyes contain a combination of chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to loosen the hair cuticle and force the pigment deep into the cortex.

Due to that the color is involved in the structure of hair itself. Although the name is permanent it will still fade away over time particularly at the ends of hair which is more porous. The average life is eight weeks before the black starts to become soft and dark brown. But under proper care and gentle washing practices you can get it to last nearly ten weeks.

Also Read:What Lash Glue Actually Is and How It Works

Semi Permanent Black Dye: A Shorter Affair

Semi permanent black dye is applied on the surface of your hair rather than deep on the hair. It makes you have a less barkish appearance that wears out more naturally but not as long. Fading takes place after three weeks and is completely lost after five or six.

This kind of dye is excellent when you want to change your appearance frequently or when you want to know how black hair would look on you before making a permanent version. It is also less harmful as it does not involve the use of ammonia or harsh chemicals.

Temporary Black Dye: The One Wash Wonder

When you are going to a party, a shoot or attempting a temporary black dye short term change you want to go with. It normally sprays on or rinses onto your hair giving it color. Its lack of penetration means that it is washed off easily by your next shampoo.

Others just spend a few days in it without water or sweating excessively but it is not designed to last long. It is only a matter of fun and hasty experiments.

Factors Which Determine the black dye life

There are numerous minor details that influence the duration of your dye of black staying fresh. A lot depends on your type of hair. A porous or damaged hair may take in color more rapidly but will also expel it more quickly. The kind of dye you apply is also important as the professional salon dyes tend to have a longer durability when compared to the box dyes. Another large influence is washing habits.

Hot water promotes the pigment to slide out of your hair cuticles faster and cold water helps the pigment stay in. Color can also be stripped away by using harsh shampoos that contain sulfates or washing too frequently. Fading can occur even when the hair is exposed to sunlight and is heat styled as UV rays disintegrate the pigment molecules.

 

How to Extend the Life of Black Dye

In case you wish to preserve that deep black color a bit longer there are a couple of easy yet effective habits to observe. You should never use a sulfate-containing color safe shampoo to wash your hair.

Attempt to wash no more than two to three times a week to avoid bleaching away the dye. Rinse using cold water as this will help close the hair cuticle and seal the pigment. Use a hair protectant spray to save your hair when styling it to avoid burning and fading.

In case you spend so much time in the open air, use UV sprays or wear a hat, since the sunlight can alter the black dye within a shorter period of time than you may guess. Deep conditioning masks are also worth using regularly to keep your hair shiny and soft and to prevent the color.

Why Black Stain Floats Away-Even Permanent

Some people think that black dye does not wear away, but that is not so. Even permanent black color fades away with time due to the nature of hair which wears away. The outermost layer of the cuticle is a bit weaker each time that you wash or style your hair. This will enable the pigment molecules to escape gradually.

As you grow up you may see your black hair getting dark brown or even reddish looking. The calcified hard water may also result in accumulation that flattens the shine and alters the color. Fading can also be caused by pollution and chlorine. Yes, permanent dye is the longest lasting but not immortal.

 

Science of Fading: What Goes on in the Hair

As you stain your hair black the tiny molecules of dye penetrate the cuticle and usually get loaded in the cortex. The molecules start to loosen over time as your hair goes through its daily wear. By washing in warm water, the cuticle swells a little that allows the color to escape.

Assuming that your hair is already damaged or porous this process occurs faster. This is why, in a few weeks, black dye tends to become uneven or dull. It is not in the sense that the pigment dissolves immediately; it simply decays until it loses its intensity.

Touch Ups and Maintenance

Most people require touch up every six to eight weeks to maintain the appearance of black dye. This will be determined by your natural hair color and the visibility of your roots. When you apply permanent dye you can even touch up the roots rather than having to do your whole head.

That helps prevent damage.
Others use color glosses or toners in between dye applications to restore shine and darken the tone thus avoiding extra chemicals. When you have semi permanent dye, you will only need to reapply it at a few intervals to maintain that dye.

Discoloring or Decoloring Black Safely

Black dye is referred to as one of the hardest to remove as it has a huge dark stain that gets deep into your hair. Attempting to bleach it yourself may lead to dire consequences and erratic outcomes. When you want to go light it is always good to have a professional colorist.

They may apply color removers or mild lighteners in steps, so as not to fry your hair. A less intense fade can be achieved by those interested in this by clarifying the hair with a shampoo or a color fading solution which helps lighten the shade as time passes.

The 10 Boneheaded Things to do with Black Dye

Many of the drying issues can be attributed to minor mistakes immediately after dyeing. When you undercolor your hair, it is important not to wash it immediately or the dye will be washed away before it gets time to settle.

Professionals suggest a minimum of forty eight hours to wait before washing. Clarifying shampoos or dandruff shampoos are also effective as the colors can be extracted very fast and these shampoos have very strong detergents.

The second error is to neglect the conditioner and leave hair dry and porous so that pigment can escape more quickly. Dullness and fading may also be caused by spending excessive time in the sun or swimming in chlorinated water without protection.

The best products to use to make black dye last

In the case you are serious and want to keep your black hair rich and shiny it is important to use the right products. Find sulfate free shampoos designed to work with color treated hair such as the Pureology Hydrate or Redken Color Extend Magnetics. An oil and protein-based conditioner will be effective to keep your hair strands smooth and prevent loss of pigment.

Another way is to experiment with color depositing masks which add back dark pigment each time you wear them. The black hair can also be treated with hair products such as Kristin Ess or Overtone to shine like glass. Always seal off with a leave-in spray that offers UV and heat protection.

How to Refresh Your Hair: When to Redye

When the black starts to look flat or jagged out, you know it is time to redye your hair. When you notice brown or red appearing in the sun you know the pigment is fading. There is another obvious indicator which you will notice; roots which are drastically contrasting your dyed hair.

Then a quick touch up root or complete recolor will restore that dark appearance. Always apply a clarifying treatment, or mild detox shampoo, before redyeing to rid the hair of product buildup. This aids the new dye stick to fit better and stick longer.

Black Dye In reality

Some individuals with varied hair types and habits get different outcomes. People with curly or rough hair will have black color last longer since their hair has a high pigment. Individuals with fine or bleached hair can be affected by fading quicker due to an exposed cuticle.

Salon grade black dye, according to stylists, will last about eight weeks before it starts to fade. Some have claimed that cold water and sulfate free shampoo enabled them to maintain their color for more than two months. The distinction usually lies in mere habits and not the dye itself.

Comments: Why I Love My Black Hair and Don’t Have to Stress

Black hair can be empowering and elegant and it must be looked after and cared about so that it looks at its best. The color will wear away regardless but it does not imply that you cannot savor it.

Your black hair can be rich and shiny all week with a little care (washing) and appropriate styling (conscious). Consider it a little act of love instead of a duty. And black dye doesn’t need to be merely a color but a statement that has to shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does black hair dye run away on bleached hair?

Yes it usually does. Bleached hair contains a defected cuticle layer that predisposes it to being more porous. That is, it absorbs black dye rapidly and also expels it at a quicker rate in the course of wash. Deep conditioners and protein masks can be used to lessen bleached hair fading.

What is the longevity of black box dye and salon dye?

Box dye tends to fade slightly more quickly, since box dye is a general purpose product, and not specific to your hair type. Salon dyes tend to have professional grade formulae that are often deeper and harder to remove. But even when you are careful of your hair, you can keep your box of dye for as long as six weeks.

Will black dye permanently stain my skin or scalp

Black dye will temporarily stain your scalp neck or your hands, unless removed immediately but will not be permanent. The stains tend to disappear after several washings. This can be avoided by coating your hairline with petroleum jelly to avoid stains.

Why doth my black dye turn to brown or red?

As the black dye removes the dark pigments, the warmer colors of red or brown remain first. This becomes more pronounced when your natural hair color is warm in nature. These shades can be neutralized with a cool shade of black gloss or toner.

How many times do I need to wash black dyed hair?

Attempt to wash your hair only twice or thrice a week. Washing regularly removes pigment particularly with hot water. Dry shampoo is a good item to keep your hair fresh between washes, but it does not strip color.

Is it possible to use black dye and go light after that?

You can but it is not easy. One of the most difficult dyes to remove is black. It would usually take several salon days to pull up. Home bleaching can destroy your hair so never attempt it.

What can I do to avoid having my towels stained with black dye?

Wash old or dark colored towels a couple of times after dyeing as some of the pigment may be transferred when your hair is wet. After the dye has settled, the danger of staining is reduced.

What shampoo do I not take after dyeing black?

Do not use sulfate-containing or harsh clearing shampoos as they remove color. Seek softer non-color safe ones with labels of dyed hair.

When am I able to re-reday my hair again?

When your hair is in good condition you can re-dye it after six to eight weeks. But when it is dry or brittle, wait and use nourishing treatments before coloring again.

Are black dyes more damaging to hair than the rest of the colors?

Black dye does not damage in itself, but permanent formula with ammonia may dry your hair when it is frequently used. The semi permanent varieties are far milder and can be used to keep a dark tone without being abusive.

That is all you have to know about the life of black dye and its ability to stay shiny and healthy that long.