Are you tired of your highlighted locks and looking to make a drastic change? Perhaps you’re considering covering up those highlights with a box dye. But before you take the plunge, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and consequences of putting box dye over highlights. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of hair coloring and explore the possibilities, limitations, and potential damage that can occur when using box dye over highlights.
Understanding Hair Highlights and Box Dye
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of putting box dye over highlights, let’s first understand the basics of hair highlights and box dye.
What are Hair Highlights?
Hair highlights are a popular hair coloring technique used to add dimension, texture, and color to your hair. Highlights involve applying a lightener or color to specific sections of hair to create a multi-dimensional look. There are various types of highlights, including:
- Foil highlights: This traditional method involves weaving small sections of hair into foil and applying a lightener or color.
- Balayage highlights: This freehand technique involves painting the lightener or color onto the hair in a sweeping motion.
- Babylights: This subtle highlighting technique involves weaving small sections of hair and applying a lightener or color in a gentle, sweeping motion.
What is Box Dye?
Box dye, also known as at-home hair dye, is a popular hair coloring option that allows you to color your hair from the comfort of your own home. Box dye typically comes in a kit that includes a color developer, colorant, and instructions. Box dye can be used to achieve a variety of colors, from subtle, natural shades to bold, vibrant hues.
The Risks of Putting Box Dye Over Highlights
While it may be tempting to cover up your highlights with a box dye, there are several risks to consider. Here are a few potential consequences of putting box dye over highlights:
- Uneven Color: When you apply box dye over highlights, the color may not take evenly. This can result in a patchy, uneven color that’s difficult to correct.
- Damage to the Hair: Box dye can be harsh on the hair, especially when applied over highlights. The color developer in box dye can cause damage to the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
- Color Build-Up: When you apply box dye over highlights, the color can build up on the hair shaft. This can cause the hair to become over-processed, leading to damage and breakage.
Factors to Consider Before Putting Box Dye Over Highlights
Before you decide to put box dye over your highlights, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The Type of Highlights You Have: If you have foil highlights, it may be more challenging to achieve an even color with box dye. This is because the foil highlights can create a barrier that prevents the box dye from penetrating the hair evenly.
- The Condition of Your Hair: If your hair is damaged or over-processed, it may not be the best candidate for box dye. This is because the color developer in box dye can cause further damage to the hair.
- The Color You Want to Achieve: If you’re looking to achieve a drastic color change, box dye may not be the best option. This is because box dye can be unpredictable, and it may be challenging to achieve the desired color.
Alternatives to Putting Box Dye Over Highlights
If you’re looking to make a change to your highlighted hair, there are several alternatives to consider. Here are a few options:
- Get a Professional Color Correction: If you’re unhappy with your highlights, consider getting a professional color correction. A professional stylist can help you achieve the desired color and correct any damage that may have occurred.
- Use a Toner: If you’re looking to make a subtle change to your highlighted hair, consider using a toner. Toners can help to adjust the tone of your hair without causing damage.
- Try a Semi-Permanent or Demi-Permanent Dye: If you’re looking to make a temporary change to your highlighted hair, consider using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye. These types of dyes can help to add color to your hair without causing damage.
How to Put Box Dye Over Highlights Safely
If you still want to put box dye over your highlights, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risks. Here are a few tips:
- Choose a Gentle Box Dye: Look for a box dye that’s formulated for damaged or over-processed hair. These types of dyes are typically gentler and less likely to cause damage.
- Follow the Instructions Carefully: Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and be sure to perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head.
- Use a Pre-Color Treatment: Consider using a pre-color treatment to help prepare your hair for the dye. These treatments can help to open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to penetrate more evenly.
Conclusion
While it’s possible to put box dye over highlights, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and consequences. By considering the type of highlights you have, the condition of your hair, and the color you want to achieve, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to use box dye. Remember to always follow the instructions carefully, and consider using a gentle box dye and a pre-color treatment to minimize the risks. With a little patience and caution, you can achieve the hair color you desire without causing damage to your locks.
| Method | Risks | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Putting Box Dye Over Highlights | Uneven color, damage to the hair, color build-up | Convenient, cost-effective, can be used to achieve a variety of colors |
| Getting a Professional Color Correction | None | Customized color, minimal damage, long-lasting results |
| Using a Toner | None | Subtle color change, minimal damage, can be used to adjust tone |
| Trying a Semi-Permanent or Demi-Permanent Dye | Minimal damage | Temporary color change, minimal damage, can be used to add color |
By understanding the risks and benefits of each method, you can make an informed decision about how to achieve the hair color you desire. Remember to always prioritize the health and integrity of your hair, and don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a professional stylist if you’re unsure about the best course of action.
Can I Put Box Dye Over Highlights?
You can put box dye over highlights, but it’s essential to consider the type of highlights you have and the color you want to achieve. If you have permanent highlights, it’s generally safe to apply box dye over them. However, if you have semi-permanent or demi-permanent highlights, the results may vary.
It’s also crucial to choose a box dye that’s suitable for your hair type and the color you want to achieve. If you’re looking to cover up your highlights completely, you’ll need to choose a dye that’s at least one shade darker than your natural hair color. On the other hand, if you want to enhance your highlights, you can choose a dye that’s one shade lighter.
Will Box Dye Damage My Highlights?
Box dye can potentially damage your highlights, especially if you have porous or over-processed hair. The chemicals in the dye can penetrate the hair shaft and cause further damage, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. However, the extent of the damage depends on the type of dye you use and how well you care for your hair after the dyeing process.
To minimize damage, it’s recommended to use a high-quality box dye that’s formulated for your hair type. You should also follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. Additionally, using a pre-dye treatment and a post-dye conditioner can help to protect your hair and reduce damage.
How Do I Choose the Right Box Dye for My Highlights?
Choosing the right box dye for your highlights depends on several factors, including your natural hair color, the type of highlights you have, and the color you want to achieve. If you want to cover up your highlights, you’ll need to choose a dye that’s at least one shade darker than your natural hair color. On the other hand, if you want to enhance your highlights, you can choose a dye that’s one shade lighter.
It’s also essential to consider the type of dye you need. If you have permanent highlights, you can use a permanent box dye. However, if you have semi-permanent or demi-permanent highlights, you may need to use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye. Always read the instructions and follow the recommended usage to ensure the best results.
Can I Put Box Dye Over Bleached Highlights?
It’s generally not recommended to put box dye over bleached highlights, as the results can be unpredictable. Bleached hair is highly porous, and the dye may not take evenly, leading to patchy or uneven color. Additionally, the chemicals in the dye can further damage the hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
If you still want to dye your bleached highlights, it’s recommended to use a high-quality box dye that’s specifically formulated for bleached hair. You should also perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head to ensure the desired results. Additionally, using a pre-dye treatment and a post-dye conditioner can help to protect your hair and reduce damage.
How Long Should I Wait Before Putting Box Dye Over Highlights?
The amount of time you should wait before putting box dye over highlights depends on the type of highlights you have and the color you want to achieve. If you have permanent highlights, you can usually apply box dye after 4-6 weeks. However, if you have semi-permanent or demi-permanent highlights, you may need to wait longer, typically 8-12 weeks.
It’s also essential to consider the condition of your hair. If your hair is damaged or over-processed, it’s recommended to wait longer before applying box dye. This will give your hair time to recover and reduce the risk of further damage. Always follow the instructions and recommendations of your hair care professional to ensure the best results.
Can I Put Box Dye Over Highlights That Are Fading?
Yes, you can put box dye over highlights that are fading, but the results may vary. If your highlights are fading, it’s likely that the color is no longer vibrant, and the dye may not take evenly. However, if you choose a box dye that’s suitable for your hair type and the color you want to achieve, you can still get good results.
It’s recommended to choose a box dye that’s one shade darker than your natural hair color to cover up the fading highlights. You should also perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head to ensure the desired results. Additionally, using a pre-dye treatment and a post-dye conditioner can help to protect your hair and reduce damage.
What Are the Alternatives to Putting Box Dye Over Highlights?
If you’re not sure about putting box dye over your highlights, there are several alternatives you can consider. One option is to get your highlights touched up by a professional hairstylist. This will ensure that your highlights are reapplied correctly and evenly, and you can achieve the desired color.
Another option is to use a toner or gloss to enhance your highlights. Toners and glosses are semi-permanent or demi-permanent treatments that can add shine and color to your hair without causing damage. They’re a great way to refresh your highlights and achieve a vibrant, healthy-looking color.