Dyeing your hair can be a fun way to express yourself, but sometimes the results aren’t quite what you expected. Perhaps you’ve rocked pink hair for a while and are ready for a change back to your natural brown, or maybe you’re simply not loving the pink as much as you thought you would. The big question is: what happens when you apply brown hair dye directly over pink hair? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t always straightforward. Several factors determine the outcome, and understanding them is crucial for achieving the desired color.
Understanding Hair Color Theory and Pink Pigments
Before diving into the specifics, let’s quickly recap some essential hair color theory. Hair color works on a layered system. The darkness or lightness of a color is known as its level, ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Beneath the visible color are underlying pigments – warm tones like red, orange, and yellow. These underlying tones will influence the final result when you apply another color on top.
Pink hair dye presents a unique challenge. Pink shades are typically created using large color molecules that don’t penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as permanent dyes. This makes them prone to fading quickly. However, these lingering pigments can significantly affect the final color when you try to cover them with brown.
The Staying Power of Pink
The longevity of pink hair dye varies drastically. Factors influencing its staying power include the dye’s quality, the hair’s porosity, how often you wash your hair, and the products you use. Some pink dyes are specifically designed to be semi-permanent, washing out after a few shampoos, while others, particularly those used in salon settings, may cling to the hair for much longer.
If your pink is already significantly faded, you’ll have a better chance of achieving a true brown color. A vibrant, freshly dyed pink will be more difficult to cover.
The Role of Undertones
Pink is essentially a variation of red. Therefore, when attempting to cover pink with brown, you must consider the underlying red pigments. Depending on the brown dye you choose, these red tones could either be neutralized or amplified. This is where color correction knowledge comes into play.
Factors Influencing the Outcome
Several factors play a crucial role in determining the result of applying brown dye over pink hair. These include:
- The intensity of the pink: A vibrant, deeply pigmented pink will be more difficult to cover than a faded pastel pink.
- The porosity of your hair: Porous hair absorbs color quickly but also releases it just as fast. Highly porous hair will grab the pink dye more intensely, making it harder to remove or cover.
- The type of brown dye you use: Different brown dyes have different undertones and strengths. Some might be better at neutralizing red pigments than others.
- Your starting hair color level: If your hair was bleached to a very light blonde before the pink was applied, the brown dye might appear lighter than expected.
- The condition of your hair: Damaged hair tends to be more porous and can absorb color unevenly. This can lead to patchy or unpredictable results.
The Intensity of the Pink: Light, Medium, or Dark?
The deeper and more saturated the pink, the more difficult it will be to cover. Pastel pinks are generally the easiest to transition away from, while neon or highly pigmented pinks pose a greater challenge. If your pink is very vibrant, you may need to fade it as much as possible before applying brown dye.
Hair Porosity: How it Affects Color Absorption
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has raised cuticles, allowing color to penetrate quickly but also fade quickly. Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, making it resistant to color absorption. Medium porosity hair falls somewhere in between.
If your hair is highly porous, the pink dye might have grabbed onto it more aggressively, making it harder to remove. You might need to use a protein treatment to help close the cuticles and create a smoother surface for the brown dye to adhere to.
Choosing the Right Brown Dye
Selecting the right brown dye is critical. Consider the following:
- Ash-toned brown: These shades contain green pigments that can help neutralize red and pink tones. They are often the best choice for covering pink.
- Neutral brown: These shades have a balanced mix of warm and cool tones. They can work well if your pink is very faded.
- Warm brown: These shades contain red and orange tones, which can actually enhance the pink undertones in your hair, leading to a muddy or reddish-brown result. Avoid these if you’re trying to completely cover the pink.
- Level of the dye: Choose a dye that is close to your desired brown shade. Going too dark can result in an unnatural look, while going too light might not provide enough coverage.
The Importance of Strand Tests
Before applying any dye to your entire head, always perform a strand test. This involves applying the dye to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair (usually behind your ear or underneath a layer of hair) to see how it reacts. This allows you to assess the color outcome and make any necessary adjustments before committing to the full application.
Potential Outcomes: What to Expect
The result of applying brown dye over pink hair can vary significantly depending on the factors discussed above. Here are some potential outcomes:
- A muddy or uneven brown: If the pink is too vibrant or the brown dye isn’t strong enough, you might end up with a muddy or uneven brown color with pink undertones still visible.
- A reddish-brown hue: If the brown dye has warm undertones or doesn’t effectively neutralize the pink, you might end up with a reddish-brown hue.
- A surprisingly good result: In some cases, particularly if the pink is faded and you use an ash-toned brown dye, you might achieve a surprisingly good result with a fairly even brown color.
- Greenish tint (rare): If you use a very strong ash-toned brown dye on very light pink hair, there’s a slight chance you could end up with a greenish tint. This is because the green pigments in the ash dye can neutralize the pink too aggressively.
- Patchy Color: If the hair has uneven porosity, the resulting color may be patchy.
Strategies for Success: Getting the Brown You Want
To increase your chances of achieving a successful brown hair color, consider these strategies:
- Fade the pink as much as possible: Use clarifying shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos, or even a color remover specifically designed for semi-permanent dyes to fade the pink before applying brown.
- Use a color corrector: Apply a green-toned color corrector to neutralize the pink pigments before applying the brown dye.
- Consider a color filler: If your hair is very light or bleached, using a color filler can help replace the missing pigments and create a more even base for the brown dye. A red or orange filler can help prevent the brown from turning muddy.
- Choose an ash-toned brown dye: As mentioned earlier, ash-toned browns are generally the best choice for neutralizing pink undertones.
- Do a strand test: This is non-negotiable! Always test the dye on a small section of your hair before applying it to your entire head.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about anything or have had difficulty dyeing your hair in the past, it’s always best to consult a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the best course of action, and ensure that you achieve the desired result.
Fading the Pink: Effective Techniques
Several methods can effectively fade pink hair dye:
- Clarifying shampoo: These shampoos are designed to remove build-up and can help strip away some of the pink pigment.
- Anti-dandruff shampoo: These shampoos contain sulfates, which can also help fade the color.
- Hot water washes: Washing your hair with hot water can open the hair cuticle and release some of the dye.
- Baking soda paste: Mixing baking soda with water to create a paste and applying it to your hair can also help fade the color.
- Color remover: These products are specifically designed to remove artificial hair color without damaging the hair. Follow the instructions carefully.
Color Correction: Neutralizing Pink Undertones
Color correction involves using complementary colors to neutralize unwanted tones. In the case of pink, green is the complementary color.
- Green Color Corrector: You can find green color correctors specifically designed for hair. Apply it evenly to your pink hair and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing and applying your brown dye.
- DIY Green Toner (Use with Caution): Some people attempt to create a DIY green toner by mixing a small amount of green food coloring with conditioner. However, this is risky and can lead to uneven results. It’s generally best to stick to professional color correctors.
Professional Help: When to Call the Experts
While DIY hair dyeing can be fun and cost-effective, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help. Consider consulting a hairstylist if:
- You’re unsure about which dye to choose.
- Your hair is damaged or has been heavily processed.
- You’ve had difficulty dyeing your hair in the past.
- You’re trying to achieve a very specific or complex color.
- You’re worried about damaging your hair.
A professional hairstylist can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the best products and techniques, and ensure that you achieve the desired result without damaging your hair. They can also provide expert advice on aftercare to keep your hair healthy and vibrant. Furthermore, they have access to professional-grade products and techniques that are not available to the general public. This can make a significant difference in the final outcome.
Post-Dyeing Care: Maintaining Your New Brown Color
Once you’ve successfully dyed your hair brown, it’s important to take steps to maintain the color and keep your hair healthy.
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner: These products are formulated to be gentle on colored hair and prevent fading.
- Avoid washing your hair too frequently: Washing your hair too often can strip away the color. Try to wash it only when necessary.
- Use lukewarm water: Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause the color to fade more quickly.
- Protect your hair from the sun: UV rays can damage the hair and cause the color to fade. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
- Deep condition regularly: Deep conditioning treatments can help keep your hair hydrated and healthy, which is especially important after dyeing.
- Avoid heat styling: Heat styling tools can damage the hair and cause the color to fade. If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray.
- Consider a gloss treatment: A gloss treatment can help add shine and vibrancy to your hair, and can also help prolong the color.
The Takeaway: Patience and Planning are Key
Covering pink hair with brown dye can be a tricky process, but it’s definitely achievable with the right knowledge and preparation. Remember to assess the intensity of your pink, understand your hair’s porosity, choose the right brown dye (preferably ash-toned), and always perform a strand test. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to consult a professional hairstylist. With patience, planning, and the right techniques, you can successfully transition from pink to brown and achieve the hair color you’ve always wanted.
What color does brown hair dye typically turn pink hair?
If brown hair dye is applied to pink hair, the result will generally be a muddy, brownish color with potentially pink undertones. The pink will be neutralized by the brown, and depending on the shade of brown and the intensity of the pink, the final color could range from a muted mauve-brown to a more obvious, albeit faded, brown. The vibrancy of the pink will definitely be diminished, and you will likely not achieve a rich, dimensional brown.
The success of completely covering the pink depends on the darkness of the brown dye and the porosity of the hair. If the pink is very light or faded, a dark brown might successfully cover it. However, if the pink is bright and vibrant, or if the hair is porous and absorbs color quickly, the brown dye may not fully saturate the pink pigment, resulting in a less-than-desirable final shade. Pre-pigmenting might be necessary.
Will the resulting color be even throughout my hair?
Achieving an even color is difficult when applying brown dye over pink hair, especially if the pink is uneven or multi-tonal to begin with. The areas with the most intense pink pigment will likely resist the brown dye more, leading to patchy results. You might notice uneven coverage, with some sections appearing more brown and others retaining pinkish hues.
Uneven application techniques of either the pink or the brown dye will also contribute to an inconsistent final result. Thorough and even application of the brown dye is crucial, but even then, pre-existing variations in the pink base will likely show through to some extent. It is therefore recommended to perform a strand test first to assess the likely outcome.
Can I predict the exact shade of brown I’ll get?
Unfortunately, predicting the exact shade of brown you’ll get when applying it over pink hair is extremely challenging. The final color is dependent on numerous factors, including the original shade and intensity of the pink, the specific brand and formulation of the brown dye, the porosity of your hair, and the duration the dye is left in. There are many variables that impact color outcome.
Even with meticulous planning and a strand test, the result can be unpredictable. The pink undertones can shift the brown dye, creating unexpected warmth or a muddy appearance. Therefore, it’s best to have realistic expectations and understand that you may need to adjust the color further after the initial application to achieve your desired shade.
Is there a way to remove the pink completely before applying brown dye?
Yes, there are methods to remove or significantly fade the pink before applying brown dye. Color removers specifically designed for hair are the most effective. These products work by breaking down the dye molecules, allowing them to be washed out of the hair. Bleach is another option, but it is more damaging to the hair and should be used with caution.
Another option is to use a color depositing shampoo in a color that will neutralize pink, like green or ash tones. This can help to get the hair closer to a neutral base before applying brown dye. Consider consulting with a professional colorist for personalized advice on the best approach for your hair type and condition. They can assess the pink pigment and recommend the least damaging removal method.
What are the potential risks of dyeing brown over pink?
One of the primary risks of dyeing brown over pink hair is ending up with an undesirable or uneven color. As discussed earlier, the pink undertones can significantly influence the final shade, leading to muddy, patchy, or otherwise unexpected results. It is possible that the color outcome will not be the anticipated brown.
Another risk is potential damage to the hair. If you need to use bleach or harsh color removers to remove the pink before applying the brown, you could weaken and dry out your hair. Overlapping chemicals can lead to breakage, split ends, and overall poor hair health. Proceed with caution and use conditioning treatments regularly.
What aftercare is recommended after dyeing brown over pink hair?
After dyeing brown over pink hair, it’s crucial to prioritize hair care to maintain the color and minimize damage. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products will help to prevent the brown dye from fading quickly and keep your hair hydrated.
Deep conditioning treatments are also highly recommended. Use a hair mask or leave-in conditioner once or twice a week to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair. Avoid excessive heat styling, as heat can accelerate color fading and cause further damage. Use heat protectant sprays if you must use heat styling tools.
When should I seek professional help instead of attempting this myself?
If you have vibrant or heavily pigmented pink hair, damaged hair, or are aiming for a very specific shade of brown, seeking professional help is strongly recommended. Hair colorists have the expertise to assess your hair’s condition, understand the nuances of color theory, and create a customized color plan that minimizes damage and maximizes your chances of achieving the desired result.
Attempting a complex color correction at home can easily lead to further problems and costly corrections later on. Professional colorists have access to higher-quality products and techniques that can deliver better results while prioritizing the health of your hair. In cases of significant color correction, it’s best to leave it to the experts.