When you mix two different hair dye colors together, the resulting shade can be tricky to predict. Black and blonde are on opposite ends of the color spectrum, so blending them creates a whole range of possibilities. The exact hair color you get depends on the original shades of black and blonde, as well as the ratio used. But in general, mixing a black dye with a blonde dye will create a dark neutral brown.
What Color Makes Black Hair Dye?
Black hair dye gets its rich, dark color from two main pigments:
- Blue – Blue dye molecules absorb red and green light, leaving only blue wavelengths to be reflected back to your eyes. This makes your hair look very dark.
- Violet – Violet pigments absorb yellow and green light, producing a darker shade on the color wheel near blue and red.
When blue and violet dyes are combined in a hair color formula, they create an extremely dark black shade. Most permanent black box dyes you find at the drugstore contain both blue and violet pigments.
What Color Makes Blonde Hair Dye?
Blonde hair colors contain pigments on the opposite end of the spectrum:
- Yellow – Yellow dye molecules absorb blue light, leaving more red and green wavelengths to reflect back. This produces a warmer, golden tone.
- Violet – The same violet pigments that deepen black hair dyes will lighten up blonde shades. Violet absorbs the yellow and green wavelengths.
When yellow and violet are combined, they create a bright platinum blonde. Box dyes labelled “platinum” or “ash blonde” have more violet tones added to neutralize the yellow.
What Happens When You Mix Black and Blonde Dye?
When you blend a black dye containing blue and violet pigments with a blonde dye containing yellow and violet pigments, the resulting color has a strong neutralizing effect.
Here’s what happens when these colors are mixed:
- The yellow pigments in blonde dye get canceled out by the blue pigments in black dye. This eliminates most warm, golden tones.
- The violet pigments in both shades mix together to deepen and cool the overall color.
The combination ultimately creates a dark neutral brown shade without much warm or cool undertone. There may be subtle hints of ash or warmth depending on the original shades used.
The Role of Color Ratios
The exact ratio of black dye to blonde dye makes a significant difference in the final hair color. Here are some examples:
- 90% black + 10% blonde = very dark neutral brown, almost black
- 75% black + 25% blonde = dark ash brown
- 60% black + 40% blonde = medium cool brown
- 50% black + 50% blonde = medium ash brown
- 25% black + 75% blonde = light ash brown
In general, the more blonde dye used, the lighter and cooler the brown shade will be. Adding more black dye creates a darker, warmer color. But even at high ratios of blonde to black, the resulting hair color is still likely to be a brown shade rather than blonde due to the strong darkening power of black pigment.
Using Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent Dye
Another factor affecting the final color is whether you use permanent or semi-permanent hair dye.
Permanent dyes use ammonia and peroxide to open up the hair cuticle and deposit lasting color that grows out with your natural hair. Semi-permanent dyes coat the outside of the hair strand and gradually wash out over 4-6 weeks.
Here’s the effect on color mixing:
- Permanent – Creates a longer-lasting neutral brown shade that blends more evenly.
- Semi-permanent – Can look uneven as the darker dye fades faster, revealing lighter undertones.
For the most seamless results, permanent color is best for mixing black and blonde shades. But semi-permanent dyes may be less damaging for damaged or fragile hair.
Doing a Strand Test
It’s always smart to do a strand test before coloring your whole head. This gives you a preview of how the shades will mix together on your hair.
To test the color:
- Mix a small amount of the black and blonde dyes in your ideal ratio.
- Apply the mixture to a discreet section of hair near the nape of your neck.
- Wait 48 hours and see how the color develops.
- Tweak the ratio as needed to achieve your desired shade.
Checking the blended color on your actual hair is more accurate than trying to guess how it will look. Everyone’s hair can grab color differently.
Using a Neutral Protein Filler
For optimal results, consider mixing the black and blonde dye with a protein filler. This is a clear prep product designed to fill in gaps in the hair strand and allow deeper, more even color deposit.
Protein fillers are especially helpful when:
- You have damaged, porous hair.
- You are applying dye to previously bleached hair.
- You want rich, long-lasting color.
The filler provides a neutral base for the black and blonde shades to mix and adhere evenly, preventing spotty or uneven results.
Best Practices for Mixing Dye
Follow these tips when blending black and blonde dye at home:
- Use color-safe mixing bowls and applicator brushes.
- Wear gloves to avoid staining hands.
- Mix the dyes thoroughly before each application.
- Work in sections, maintaining even saturation.
- Time development carefully for optimal results.
- Rinse with cool water and sulfate-free shampoo.
- Avoid applying heat while color processes.
Taking your time leads to better blending with less risk of splotchiness. Consider asking a friend to help apply the mixed dye evenly across your whole head.
Visit a Professional Colorist
For anyone unsure about DIY dye mixing, professional coloring services may be the best option. A licensed stylist has the right tools and training to perfectly blend black and blonde shades. Benefits include:
- Experienced eye for choosing flattering, natural-looking colors.
- Access to professional-grade dyes and developers.
- Technical techniques for flawless blending.
- Strand tests and controlled highlight or lowlight placement.
- Aftercare products and advice for longer lasting color.
The time and cost investment often yields gorgeous results by expert colorists. Consider booking a consultation to discuss your color goals.
How to Care for Mixed Black and Blonde Hair
Maintaining your new blended brunette shade involves a few adjustments to your usual hair care routine:
- Wash less often with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo.
- Use a moisturizing conditioner and avoid hot tools.
- Protect hair from sun exposure and chlorine damage.
- Use a glossing treatment to keep color vibrant.
- Get a root touch up around 6-8 weeks as needed.
Being extra gentle prevents the blended shade from fading too quickly. Schedule occasional trims to keep your ends healthy and your color looking fresh.
Can You Reverse Black and Blonde Mixed Color?
If you don’t love the results of mixing black and blonde dyes, some options exist to correct the color:
- Color remover – This specially formulated product can strip out permanent dye.
- Bleach – Lightening with bleach may be able to lift the dark color to a lighter blonde.
- toner – A toner can reduce brassiness and adjust color tone as needed.
- Color correction – Seeing a professional colorist for a color correction service.
Removing black dye is one of the biggest color correction challenges. Be patient as it may take multiple sessions over several months to achieve your ideal shade. Use plenty of conditioning treatments to keep hair healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of blonde to mix with black for brown hair?
For a medium brown, mix 25% blonde dye with 75% black dye. Increase the blonde ratio for lighter browns. Keep it under 50% for best color deposit.
What color do you get when you mix ash blonde with black?
Ashy blonde tones contain violet pigments, which when mixed with black dye creates a cooler dark brown shade. The exact tone depends on the ratio used.
Can you put blonde dye over black hair?
It’s very difficult for blonde dye to sufficiently lighten or cover black hair color. You would need to lift existing color with bleach first for blonde dye to take.
Does black and blonde hair turn green?
Black and blonde mixes are unlikely to turn hair green. But green discoloration can occur if attempting to lighten very dark dye with bleach due to underlying pigment issues.
What neutralizes black hair dye?
A protein filler, clarifying shampoo, vitamin C treatment, color remover, or bleach session may help remove or lighten excess black dye. See a colorist for the best results.
The Takeaway
Mixing black and blonde hair dyes produces a darkened neutral brown shade when the colors cancel each other out. Adjust the black to blonde ratio to control the depth and coolness of the end result. For smooth, lasting color with minimal damage, permanent dyes and professional services are best. But you can absolutely experiment with semi-permanent mixes at home. Just be cautious with lightening any results you don’t love. Your ideal hair color is within mix…and a quick trip to the salon away.
