Why do blondes go dark?

Author: Glenna Gleichner DDS  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect melanin production. These changes can result in blonde hair darkening over time. For instance, increased levels of certain hormones can stimulate melanin production, leading to a gradual shift from blonde to brown.

Do all natural blondes go dark?

No, natural blonde hair cannot turn black without external factors or interventions. The color of your hair is determined by the amount and type of melanin pigment present. Blonde hair is typically the result of low levels of eumelanin pigment and higher levels of pheomelanin pigment.

At what age do blondes go grey?

What is a normal age for your hair to start turning gray? There is no 'normal' when it comes to hair turning gray. Some people won't notice any silver strands until their 30s or 40s. Others start experiencing what's known as 'premature graying' in their 20s or even their late teens.

Why is my blonde not bright anymore?

Shampoos remove natural oils and strip hair of its pigment, so the more often you wash your blonde hair, the quicker it will fade. If you get oily hair in between washes, try a dry shampoo on days when you don't wash your hair.

Why did my blonde hair dye turn my hair brown?

  • Oxidation: After bleaching, hair can oxidize, especially if exposed to air and light.
  • Underlying Pigment: Bleaching removes natural pigments from the hair, but if the process is incomplete, underlying darker pigments may still be present, causing a brown tint.

From Brown to Blonde At Home With Box Dye

Why is my blonde hair getting darker?

Genetics: The primary reason for why your hair color changes over time lies in genetics. Blonde hair has less melanin, particularly eumelanin, compared to brown or black hair. As individuals age, their predetermined genetic programming can “order” an increase in melanin production which gradually darkens hair color.

What is the rarest hair color?

Nature's Rarest Palette: Red Hair Standing at the apex of rarity, natural red hair occurs in just 1-2% of the global population. This striking shade results from a specific genetic variant of the MC1R gene, requiring both parents to pass on the recessive trait.

Why does blonde hair not stay blonde?

Blonde hair has less melanin than brown hair, specifically lower eumelanin. Over time, your body's increased melanin production can cause your hair to appear darker. Aging: As you grow older, the body's natural processes evolve. Hormonal changes that occur with age can also influence hair color.

Why do my blonde highlights look dull?

Hot water can dull blonde as it causes the hair cuticles to open. I know washing with cool water is a pain especially when it's cold outside but even just switching from hot to cool when rinsing out your conditioner can help preserve the brightness of your blonde as this will close and seal the cuticles.

Is it hard to go back blonde after going dark?

If you have dark brown hair and want to go blonde, don't expect your hair to magically transform into a beautiful blonde color after one sitting: Depending on your current shade, you may need a few bleaching and coloring sessions to achieve your dream hue.

Can B12 reverse gray hair?

Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.

Do some people's hair never go grey?

More likely than not, at some point in your life, your hair will start to go gray. Some individuals can maintain hair color well into their older age, but most do not. Opinions about gray hair vary, but understanding why it happens can help change the narrative around gray hair. After all, it's a natural aging process.

What color do blondes turn when old?

As natural blondes age, their vibrant multi-tonal and color shades start to darken to a more muted and flat dark blonde or light brown.” This is caused by a natural increase in eumelanin, which determines brown or black pigment, due to hormones.

Are natural blondes rare?

Interestingly, natural blondes are increasingly rare, constituting only about 2% of the global population, according to the WHO. So why the comparative scarcity of towheads? The alleles for light hair are recessive genetic traits.

Is dirty blonde hair attractive?

Dirty blonde is a multidimensional color, falling somewhere between medium and dark blonde. It's coupled with favorable wheaty, brown undertones contributing to its “dirty” appearance. It's an attractive, low-maintenance hue that typically flatters those with a warm complexion.

Do blondes have less testosterone?

There is some evidence that natural blond hair is associated with high levels of prenatal testosterone.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

What does purple shampoo do?

What is Purple Shampoo? Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo specially designed for blonde hair. It features crushed violet pigments that neutralize style-ruining brassy and yellow tones. On the color wheel, purple is the opposite of yellow, which is why purple pigments cancel out brassy, yellow tones.

Do lighter highlights make you look younger?

Our skin gets more sallow with age and a few highlights a shade or two lighter around your face can refresh your complexion, but going too light can be just as aging as going too dark. It's important to maintain a contrast between your hair color and your skin tone.

Why has my blonde gone dark?

Genetics: The primary reason for why your hair colour changes over time lies in genetics. Blonde hair has less melanin, particularly eumelanin, compared to brown or black hair. As individuals age, their predetermined genetic programming can “order” an increase in melanin production which gradually darkens hair colour.

Why is my gray hair turning black again?

That said, certain conditions may temporarily restore pigmentation. For example, if greying is caused by a vitamin deficiency, stress, or an underlying medical condition, addressing these issues may slow or even partially reverse greying. However, the complete reversal of naturally aged hair remains a challenge.

Do all blondes go dark?

Blonde fact #3: Natural blonde hair darkens over time

Blonde locks tend to darken over time to brown, or even black. If you're still a natural blonde – consider yourself lucky!

What eye color is the rarest?

The rarest eye colors are red and violet, which are primarily found in individuals with albinism. Excluding those affected by albinism, green and gray eyes are considered the most uncommon.

Why don't humans have blue hair?

The colour of human hair is determined by two varieties of melanin, the pigment which also dictates our skin colour. And the bad news for those wanting naturally blue hair is that both varieties come in only boring colours.

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