Mixing two colors of hair dye together can sometimes be done, but it requires caution and an understanding of color theory. When dyeing hair, the final color outcome is determined by the underlying natural hair color, the color that is currently on the hair, and the new color being applied. Mixing dyes creates an opportunity to customize or adjust a color, but can also lead to unexpected or undesirable results if not done properly. Considerations when mixing dyes include the color wheel, dye formulation, application method, and achieving your desired shade.
How Hair Color Works
Hair color works by depositing artificial pigment inside the hair shaft. Permanent hair dye uses developers and ammonia to open the cuticle layer so color molecules can penetrate into the cortex. Semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes coat the outside of the hair. The natural underlying pigment of hair combines with the artificial dye to create the final shade. This is why darker hair tends to mute brighter dye colors. When mixing two hair dyes, the resulting color is determined by the combination of the two individual dye colors along with the influence of the original hair color peeking through.
Considering the Color Wheel
The color wheel provides a useful visual guide when mixing dyes. Complementary colors (opposite each other on the wheel) will neutralize each other. For example, mixing a blue-based dye with an orange-based dye will create a brown or muted tone. Analogous colors (next to each other) will blend nicely. Mixing two shades of red or purple can deepen the overall color.
| RED | RED-ORANGE | ORANGE |
| RED-VIOLET | VIOLET | BLUE-VIOLET |
| BLUE | BLUE-GREEN | GREEN |
| YELLOW-GREEN | YELLOW | YELLOW-ORANGE |
Dye Formulation Differences
Permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent hair dyes have different chemical compositions that impact mixing ability.
Permanent dyes have peroxide developers that allow penetration into the hair shaft. The peroxides and ammonia can react unpredictably when mixed, potentially leading to color changes or hair damage.
Demi-permanent dyes deposit color without fully penetrating the cuticle. Mixing demi-permanents is generally safe, but may create a hybrid color.
Semi-permanent dyes only coat the outside of hair. They can be blended well, but won’t lift or alter existing permanent color underneath.
Application Method
How the dyes are applied during mixing also impacts results:
Applied separately: Dyes are kept segregated and applied to distinct sections of hair. This allows for an ombre look.
Pre-mixed: Dyes are blended together in a bowl first, then applied evenly across all hair. This averages the two colors.
Root smudge/melt: One dye is applied from mid-shaft down, the second dye is applied only at roots. The two dyes meet and blend for a seamless look.
Achieving Your Ideal Shade
When mixing dyes at home, getting your precise desired color can take trial and error. Certain approaches can help increase success:
– Mix small test strands before applying to full head
– Choose dyes in similar color families
– Add darker dye to lighten, lighter dye to darken
– Dilute intense shades with conditioner
– Don’t exceed a 1:1 ratio for dye amounts
– Add minimal secondary dye to subtly shift tone
Ask your stylist for guidance specific to your hair goals. With patience and thoughtful color selection, mixing dyes can create beautiful customized shades.
Can You Mix Semi-Permanent Hair Dye With Permanent?
Mixing semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes is generally not recommended. Permanent hair dye contains peroxide developer and ammonia that alters the hair shaft itself. Semi-permanent dye simply coats the outer hair cuticle. When mixed together, the permanent dye may still penetrate the cuticle while the semi-permanent coats the outside unevenly. This can lead to uneven results where the color washes out in strange ways.
There are a few exceptions where a semi-permanent could be cautiously blended with a permanent dye:
– Adding a small amount of semi-permanent dye to tone down permanent dye that is too light or bright. The semi-permanent will dilute and mute the permanent color.
– Using a semi-permanent as a glaze over freshly permanent dyed hair to add shine and protect hair from processing damage.
– Applying semi-permanent only to the mid-shafts and ends after permanent dye has been applied to roots for root touch-up grow out.
In these cases, the semi-permanent is not being directly mixed into the permanent dye itself. Talk to your stylist before attempting this type of application. Mixing dye types often creates more problems than solutions.
What Happens If You Mix Semi And Demi Permanent Hair Dye?
Mixing semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes can be done safely in most cases. Both types of dye sit on the outside of the hair strand since they don’t contain peroxide or lighteners.
Demi-permanent dyes last longer than semi-permanent since they have a small amount of peroxide to help the color molecules penetrate the hair a bit more deeply. When mixing demi with semi, you’ll likely get a hybrid result somewhere between the two dye types in terms of color deposit and permanence.
Some tips for mixing semi and demi dye:
– Do a strand test first to check the color result.
– Use no more than a 1:1 ratio for even mixing.
– Add darker demi dye to lighten semi dye, or vice versa.
– Mix compatibly toned shades (e.g cool tones with cool)
– Don’t exceed recommended processing time.
– Rinse hair with cool water and use sulfate-free shampoo.
Follow all safety instructions when experimenting with any at-home hair color. While demi and semi mixes are generally safe, doing allergy tests beforehand is always a good precaution. And aim for subtle color adjustments rather than expecting drastic changes.
What Colors Make Your Hair Blonder?
Certain hair dye shades can help make hair appear slightly lighter or “blonder” when used correctly. Cooler toner shades tend to work best to neutralize brassiness and brighten up blonde tones. Here are some of top toner choices:
– Violet: Counteracts yellow tones on pale blonde to white hair.
– Blue: Neutralizes orange or brassy undertones on medium to dark blonde hair.
– Silver: Reduces warmth on all levels of blonde by adding brightening coolness.
– Green: Cancels out red or coppery hues that can occur on light blonde hair.
| Hair Color Level | Toners for Blonder Effect |
|---|---|
| Pale Yellow Blonde | Violet, Silver |
| Dark Yellow Blonde | Blue, Silver |
| Strawberry Blonde | Green, Violet |
When applying toner, choose a demi-permanent or semi-permanent formula designed for toning rather than permanent dye. Violet and blue pigments tend to fade faster than orange and red undertones, so avoid permanent products to prevent unwanted color buildup. Always do a strand test to check the color effect first before applying toner to full hair. With the right toner choice and proper application, you can knock out brassiness for brighter, blonder results.
Does Mixing Colored Conditioners Change Hair Color?
Conditioners that come colored in fun shades like pink, blue, and purple are gaining popularity. But do they actually deposit any tint on hair when used? Can mixing these create custom colors?
The short answer is: barely. Colored conditioners contain minimal dye pigment, nothing close to semi-permanent hair color. They are more for temporary cosmetic effect than permanent color change.
Here’s what to expect when using colored conditioners:
– Little to no deposit of tint, especially on darker hair
– Very subtle tone effect on bleached or porous hair
– Results fade immediately after rinsing
– Mixing shades makes minimal difference
– Continued use gradually builds up more tint
– Works best on pre-lightened hair
While colored conditioner won’t dramatically alter your hair color, the youthful vibrancy of the shades can be fun for a temporary makeup-like effect. Look for nourishing formulas with keratin, argan oil, and antioxidants to boost shine and softness while playing with color. But approach mixing them more like combining cosmetics rather than permanent dyes for best results.
Can I Dye My Hair Two Colors At Once?
Dyeing your hair two colors at the same time is absolutely possible for creative, colorful styles. Also known as color melting, the dual-tone look has become popular for mermaid and ombre hair. With some planning and technique, you can get the multi-colored dimensional look you want.
Here are some tips:
– Do a strand test to see how the colors interact on your hair
– Choose dyes in harmonious hues next to each other on color wheel
– Mix ratios with more dominant color as base
– Section hair cleanly and secure the two areas to keep separated
– Apply colors separately to each section of hair
– Let colors meet and blend at midlengths for ombre effect
– Alternate colors on individual strands for spiraled effect
It’s best to have a professional initially create the two-tone framework. But creative color-mixing can allow you to maintain the look at home. Always do allergy tests and follow product instructions carefully when dyeing hair two colors. With the right colors and technique, you can get beautiful multi-dimensional, mermaid-worthy locks!
Should I Mix Semi-Permanent Dyes to Get a New Color?
Mixing semi-permanent hair dyes can allow you to create custom, unique colors from the shades you already have at home. But before breaking out the bowls, keep these precautions in mind:
– Do an allergy strand test for any new mixes.
– Mix small ratios at first – adding too much of a second shade can overpower.
– Use similar shades and undertones for best blending.
– Add darker colors very gradually to avoid going too dark.
– Know color theory – complementaries will mute each other.
– Don’t leave mixes on hair longer than recommended.
– Apply petroleum jelly around hairline to avoid skin staining.
– Have stain remover wipes or solution on hand just in case.
Semi-permanent dyes are the safest type of dye to mix together since they don’t contain peroxide or ammonia. But proceed with caution and have realistic expectations around the final results. You may not achieve an exact replica of a color you see on a box model. But experimenting with mixing semi-permanent shades can be an enjoyable way to expand your color palette options.
Can I Mix Ash And Gold Hair Dye?
Mixing ash and gold hair dyes is generally not recommended. While both ash and gold shades are beautiful in their own right, the tones have a contradicting effect when combined together.
Ash hair color utilizes blue and green pigments to neutralize red and orange tones. It creates a cooler essence on hair.
Gold shade hair dyes use warm copper and red tones to deliver a sunny, golden effect.
When formulating hair color, undertones are like the background canvas that other shades get painted onto. If you mix opposite ash and gold bases together, they end up cancelling each other out and creating a muddy or murky color result.
It’s best to choose one dominant undertone for hair color results that are vibrant and true-to-tone. If you love both the ash and gold, consider doing them as a melt with ash on the roots and gold on the mid-lengths to ends. Or alternate between the two for dimension. But mixing them directly together is a formula for disappointment. Stick to colors in the same tonal family for custom mixing success.
Conclusion
Mixing hair dyes together allows for creativity and customization in achieving your perfect shade. But some caution is required, especially when blending different dye types and formulas. Consider the color wheel, perform strand tests, choose compatible undertones, and start with small mixing ratios. While not every combination works seamlessly, you can expand your color possibilities by carefully mixing semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes. Partner with a knowledgeable stylist and approach your color-mixing endeavors with patience. You may just find a new signature hue that’s uniquely you!