How to Dye Your Hair Blonde and Black Underneath

Last Updated: January 9, 2023

Why only pick one? Two-toned blonde and black hair gives off an edgy and hip vibe that's both stylish and sophisticated. You can learn to do it yourself! Dying your hair at home is not only fun, but will save you loads of money in the long run!

Steps

1
Find inspiration. Look at pictures of this hairstyle, and decide exactly how deep you want the blonde layer to go. It could stop at your crown, or go all the way to the back of your head.^{[1]
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2
Bleach the upper part of your hair blonde. Depending on the natural or dyed color of your current hair, this could take up to three processes. Because bleach is so harsh, let your hair go unwashed a day longer than you usually would - the excess oil will stop the bleach from damaging your hair as much.
- Make sure to test the bleaching agent on a small hair strand where it's not going to be immediately visible. Cover the whole shaft of your hair so that you can see how it's going to lift in the different zones. Put it in foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to get an idea of how your hair will hold up and what kind of lift you'll get.
- Purchase a bleach kit at your local beauty supply store. The higher the number on the package, the stronger the stuff. 20 volume is good for dark blondes and light to medium brunettes, while anyone with darker hair would probably be better off with a 40 volume developer.
- Use a fine-tooth comb or pic to part your hair. Run a clean line from one ear to the other, wherever it is that you want the blonde to stop. Tie the lower portion in a ponytail so it's out of the way.
- Apply the bleach. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and use a hair coloring brush to apply the dye.
- Set a timer. Because you could destroy your hair if you leave the bleach in too long, set a timer for exactly as long as the instructions in the bleach kit indicate.
- Wash out the dye in the shower, using water that's as cold as you can stand. Avoiding warm water will keep your blonde from turning brassy.
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3
Whiten the blonde hair with a "toner" (optional). If you're going for an ultra-platinum or white blonde look, you'll need to use a purple toner on the bleached section of your hair. Again, this can be found at your local beauty supply store.^{[2]
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- Wait a few days after you bleach your hair. Too much trauma at once can severely damage your hair.
4
Die the lower portion of your hair black. Dying the hair on the back of your head might be more difficult than dying the front portion, so consider enlisting the help of a friend. You can purchase the dye (semi-permanent or permanent) at a beauty supply store or big-box store.
- Use a pic or fine-toothed comb to part your hair along exactly the same line you used to bleach it.
- Tie up the bleached portion securely on the top of your head, and cover with a plastic shower cap. Make sure the edge of the cap hits the part you combed out between the sections.
- Start applying the black dye. Start at the root of the hair, and be extremely careful that you don't hit the bleached portion at all. Have a friend help you with this part.
- Wash out the dye. Keep the shower cap on the blonde portion of your hair as you rinse out the black dye. Wash it in ice cold water if you can - the dye will last longer.
5
Care for your hair. Color processing is hard on hair, and bleaching is especially harsh. Compensate for this by using a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically to moisturize color-treated hair. Avoid blow drying or flat ironing your hair when you can.^{[3]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I dye my hair blonde without brassiness?

Brianna Bowling
Hair Stylist
Brianna Bowling is a Hair Stylist and the Co-Owner of The CRAFT Salon in Glendora, California. With more than 11 years of experience, she specializes in balayage, blonding, and vivid colors. Brianna has received years of in-depth training on advanced color techniques.

Brianna Bowling

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

If your hair becomes an orangey brassy, you could use a blue shampoo. If it's a yellowy brassy, then a purple shampoo should do it. If it's really brassy, it's just time for a new toner.
Question

Will this process work with other colors?

Community Answer

Yes, it will.
Question

How long should I leave the dye in?

Community Answer

It depends on your hair color and how bright or dark you wanting it to be. Read the instructions that come with the dye for specifics.

Warnings

Do not use metal clips or instruments when coloring hair.

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Dyes and bleaches can be potentially dangerous, so always avoid getting them in your eyes and make sure to do the patch test, even if you've used the product before.

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Bleaching your hair can be dangerous and it can severely damage your hair. Look into having it done professionally, especially the first time. It's also important to not try to do it all at once. It's usually a better idea to lighten it first to a brown instead of going straight to blonde.

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