Bleaching red hair is quite challenging, especially when trying to achieve the perfect shade.
So, I’ll caution you now. If this is your first time to ever color your own hair, I suggest that YOU DO NOT.
The chances are high that you will either ruin your hair (and regret it), burn your skin, or both.
It’s best to just have a professional do it (and maybe ask them to teach you). That is my recommendation for you.
However, if you already have experience with coloring your own hair and are only looking for better products to use, then by all means, read on.
You already know, for sure, that picking out the right kind and hopefully the best bleach for red hair is essential and that it can make a significant difference in your home-based coloring routine ( which may also include bleaching any facial hair ).
Ready for a transformation this 2024? Let’s dive right in!
Key Takeaways
Table of Contents
Best Bleach for Red Hair at Home: My Top Pick Is…
When it comes to selecting the best bleach for red hair at home, my top pick is …
One N Only Colorfix
Permanent Hair Color Remover Kit With Argan Oil
This kit is specifically designed to remove multiple layers of permanent hair color, making it an ideal choice for transitioning from red to blonde.
However, it may require multiple applications or additional treatment time for stubborn or heavily layered dye.
It can sometimes have a mild odor during the application process.
However, this odor typically dissipates once the hair has been rinsed thoroughly.
Enriched with Argan Oil, it helps to nourish and condition the hair while effectively removing any level of hair color.
However, it’s important to note that this product can be drying, so be sure to deep-condition your hair after using it.
While the One N Only Colorfix kit is effective in removing permanent hair color, it may not completely eliminate all traces of color in some cases.
There may be some residual tint or staining depending on various factors such as the original shade, dye quality, and hair porosity.
Extended Kit
It’s best to add a few more items to this kit for better results:
1. L’Oreal Technique Quick Blue Powder Lightener
This powder lightener is perfect for achieving blonde highlights on red ginger hair.
The blue base helps to counteract any unwanted brassiness, resulting in a more vibrant and uniform blonde tone.
However, since this is a lightening product, it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test beforehand to avoid potential damage.
2. Salon Care 20 or 30 Volume Creme Developer, 4-ounce
When using the Prism Lites Blue Powder Lightener, we recommend pairing it with Salon Care 30 Volume Creme Developer.
This developer provides the necessary lift for lightening red hair to a blonde shade.
Remember that higher volume developers can be more damaging to the hair, so it’s essential to use it cautiously and monitor the process closely.
3. Color Brilliance by Ion, Absolute Perfection Booster Step 1
To ensure optimal results and minimize damage during the coloring process, we suggest incorporating the Color Brilliance Absolute Perfection Booster.
This booster prepares the hair for the dyeing process, helping to improve color longevity and ensure even coverage.
However, take care not to leave the product on for longer than recommended as it may cause excessive drying or damage.
4. Wella Color Charm Permanent Liquid Hair Toner T18
This is highly recommended as it effectively eliminates brassiness from bleached or lightened hair, leaving a gorgeous, cool-toned blonde.
For optimal results, we suggest using it with the next items below.
5. Wella Color Charm Creme Hair Developer 20 Volume
This helps activate the toner and provides a gentle lift without damaging your hair.
6. Red Gold Corrector Plus
Additionally, this can be added to your hair dye mixture to neutralize unwanted red tones and enhance your blonde color.
How To Use The Hair Color Remover Kit
1. Start by preparing the Color Fix mixture by combining the color reducer and conditioning catalyst in a glass bowl.
2. Apply the Color Fix mixture to the areas with intense pigmentation in the hair.
3. Allow the Color Fix to process for 25 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water.
4. Dry the hair and assess the lightness achieved after using the Color Fix.
5. Mix the bleach using the Prism Lights Blue Tinted Bleach by Salon Care and the 20 or 30-volume Salon Care Developer.
6. Add half of the Ion Color Brilliance Absolute Perfection Booster Step 1 to the bleach mixture.
7. Section the hair and apply the bleach mixture, starting from the undercut and stubborn areas.
8. Leave the bleach on for a specific time according to hair thickness and desired lightness.
9. Rinse out the bleach with warm water and apply a conditioner.
10. After reviving the hair, proceed to tone using the Color Charm dye, following the instructions on the box or mixing both boxes in a glass bowl.
11. Apply the toner mixture to the hair, ensuring even distribution.
12. Leave the toner on for the recommended time, then rinse it out.
13. Dry the hair and assess the blonde result.
Always perform strand tests before using any hair color products, especially when transitioning from red to blonde.
Follow the instructions provided with each product carefully, and if in doubt, consult a professional stylist for further assistance.
These kits typically include everything you need:
1. the bleach powder
2. developer
3. gloves
4. ( usually some ) form of aftercare treatment
The effectiveness of these box kits largely depends on the condition of your hair and how dark your natural color is.
I cannot reiterate this enough:
Always do an allergy and strand test before applying any new dye or lightener to help avoid potential damage to your hair shaft.
It’s also beneficial if you seek advice from professional colorists who have extensive experience and good reputation that you can verify.
To achieve lighter shades without damaging your locks, select a slow-acting bleach with low volume developer like 20 Vol that minimizes mishaps or uneven lightening.
A great way for many folks with natural redheads or darker brunette hairs has been using purple shampoo in between treatments.
This helps counteract brassy orange tones left behind by DIY bleaching attempts.
Lastly, remember one important aspect about bleaching.
It is easier on virgin (uncolored) hair than colored ones because removing previous permanent dyes often necessitates more effort than just making natural pigments lighter.
So base your choice not only on effectiveness but also on whether it preserves the healthiness and texture of tresses while achieving desired blonde tones.
What Happens If I Bleach Red Hair?
Bleaching red hair goes beyond a simple lightening process.
It breaks down the natural red pigments and alters the original color of your strands.
As you apply bleach, you’re stripping away these pigments.
This could result in various unexpected colors depending on how much pigment remains and the condition of your hair.
It’s also worth noting that if your hair is dyed red, bleaching may turn it pink especially when using a milder 20 volume developer.
If your aim is to totally get rid of the red, this might not be appealing to you as this pink hue can be quite stubborn to remove entirely.
Therefore, pre-bleach procedures like using a color stripper can prove beneficial.
Finally, before you introduce bleach to those fiery locks, remember that conditioning regularly can help minimize potential damage caused by the bleaching process.
Bleach works by penetrating through the cuticle (hair’s outer layer) reaching into where all those lovely hues are housed.
This can cause possible dryness and brittleness if conditioning treatments are overlooked prior.
Will Bleaching Red Hair Turn It Pink?
Bleaching red hair might not always deliver the expected results.
It’s a common notion that bleach will turn red hair pink.
However, it can sometimes cause your locks to adopt an unexpected orange or even pink hue due to the resistance of red pigments against bleaching.
This is particularly true for people with deeply dyed colors and those going through this process at home.
Proper techniques are crucial when attempting to go from fiery red to bold blonde or platinum shades as mishaps could lead to brassy tones or damage hair strands.
A strand test before applying bleach all over your head is a good idea for predicting how your overall color would change post-bleach bath.
Be prepared, though. Success in achieving the desired blonde shade often requires multiple sessions and careful use of toners.
Bleaching Ginger Hair to Blonde: What You Need To Do
To bleach ginger hair to blonde, you can apply a hair bleach kit and use a blue toner afterwards for best results.
Can I bleach over ginger hair?
Bleaching ginger hair can be a challenging process.
Ginger hair tends to have strong pigments that make it difficult to achieve a light blonde shade without causing damage.
It is important to consider the condition of your hair before attempting to bleach over ginger hair. It may already be damaged from previous color treatments.
To minimize damage and achieve the best results, consult with a professional colorist who can assess your hair’s needs and recommend the appropriate bleaching technique.
How do you make ginger-bleached hair blonde?
To make ginger-bleached hair blonde, follow these steps:
1. Bleach your hair.
Use a hair bleach kit to lighten your hair and remove the red color. You’ll need to bleach it multiple times if the color is dark.
2. Protect your hair.
Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask before bleaching to minimize damage to your hair.
3. Use a toner.
After bleaching, apply a toner or pigmented shampoo to correct any unwanted orange tones.
Look for ash blonde shades to neutralize the orange in dark orange hair.
4. Consider professional help.
If you’re unsure about bleaching at home, consult with a professional colorist who can guide you through the process and achieve the best results.
5. Maintain hair health.
Keep your newly blonde locks healthy by using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, as well as regular deep conditioning treatments.
Avoid heat styling and excessive washing to preserve moisture balance.
Conclusion
After careful consideration, my top pick for the best bleach for red hair is One N Only Colorfix Permanent Hair Color Remover Kit With Argan Oil.
It provides excellent results in lightening red hair to achieve desired shades of blonde.
With its high-quality formula and easy application process and used with a few more of the recommended products above, it is a reliable option for anyone looking to transform their red locks into stunning blonde hues.
FAQs
A: My #1 pick for best bleach to use on red hair is One N Only Colorfix Permanent Hair Color Remover Kit With Argan Oil, plus a few other products to use with it (see the article above). It’s specifically formulated to eliminate numerous layers of permanent hair dye.
Q: How can I protect my hair when using bleach?
A: To keep your hair healthy after applying bleach, use products like color-safe conditioners and dry shampoo between washes. Regular treatments with apple cider vinegar or vitamin C can also help maintain vibrant color.
Q: Can I go from red to platinum blonde at home?
A: Yes, you can! But note that this change requires careful application of hydrogen peroxide-based bleach and developer, along with toning shampoos like blue or purple toner to counteract any unwanted yellow tones in the blonde dye used. If you have no experience coloring your hair, it’s best to just go to a professional hair coloring salon.
Q: If I’m a natural redhead, what should I know before using permanent dye?
A: A base color close to your original shade often yields the best results when going for a dramatic change in hair colour; especially darker ones such as dark brown or black.
Q: How do I remove semi-permanent red dye from my dark brown hair?
A: You can use a clarifying shampoo or a specialized product known as “hair colour remover”. This strips away much of the semi-permanent dye but may require more than one application for desired results.
Q: Can I use hair dye to go from red to blonde?
A: Yes, you can use hair dye to go from red to blonde, but keep in mind that it may not be as effective as using hair bleach. Hair bleach is specifically designed to lift the color out of your hair, while hair dye is meant to deposit color onto your hair.
Q: How can I remove red hair dye?
A: Removing red hair dye can be challenging, especially if it’s a permanent dye. One option is to use a hair color remover, which can help to fade the red color. It’s also important to note that bleaching your hair may be necessary to completely remove the red dye.
Q: Can I bleach my hair at home to go from red to blonde?
A: Bleaching your hair at home to go from red to blonde is possible, but it’s important to proceed with caution. Bleaching can be damaging to your hair if not done correctly, so it’s recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist or colorist to ensure the best results.
Q: How can I go from red to blonde without damaging my hair?
A: Going from red to blonde without damaging your hair can be a challenge, but there are steps you can take to minimize damage. Using a bleach bath, which is a milder form of hair bleach, can help to lighten the red tones without causing excessive damage. Additionally, deep conditioning treatments can help to keep your hair healthy during the lightening process.
Q: What is the best way to go from red to blonde?
A: The best way to go from red to blonde depends on your starting hair color and the desired shade of blonde. In most cases, bleaching is necessary to remove the red tones, followed by toning to achieve the desired blonde shade. It’s recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist to create a personalized plan for your hair.
Q: Can I go from red to blonde if I have dark hair?
A: Going from red to blonde when you have dark hair can be more challenging, as dark hair typically requires more lift to achieve a blonde shade. It may take multiple bleaching sessions to lighten your hair enough to achieve the desired blonde color. It’s recommended to consult with a professional colorist for the best results.
Q: Will bleaching my hair damage it?
A: Bleaching your hair can cause damage, as it strips away the natural pigment and can make your hair more prone to dryness and breakage. However, taking proper care of your hair before, during, and after the bleaching process can help to minimize damage. This includes using deep conditioning treatments, avoiding excessive heat styling, and using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
Q: Can I go from red to blonde without bleaching?
A: Going from red to blonde without bleaching is very difficult, especially if you have dark hair. The red tones in your hair need to be lifted in order to achieve a blonde shade. If you don’t want to bleach your hair, your options may be limited to using hair dye to gradually lighten your hair or using hair toner to neutralize the red tones.
Q: Should I visit a salon to go from red to blonde?
A: Visiting a salon to go from red to blonde is highly recommended, especially if you’re not experienced with hair coloring. A professional colorist can assess your hair’s condition, determine the best course of action, and minimize damage. They have the expertise and experience to achieve the desired result while maintaining the health of your hair.
