Why won't my hair take color after bleaching?

Author: Darrell Halvorson  |  Last update: Thursday, September 11, 2025

When you bleach your hair you strip it of its natural pigments, which means it won't react to dye in the same way. Dye can come out darker than you would assume and you may need to use a protein filler. Speak to your stylist and be sure you're choosing the right colour and products for you.

Why is my bleached hair not taking color?

Bleached hair is extremely porous and your colouring is unable to fully saturate through diffusion and there aren't enough protein for the colour pigment anchor on. You'll need to do a protein treatment to fill in the void, and a pre/post colour protection treatment.

How do you get bleached hair to absorb color?

To ensure that a new colour doesn't turn out much too dark, take extra good care of your bleached hair before you dye it. It will then be less porous. Start eight days before you plan to dye; pamper your hair for five days with a restorative conditioner or mask every day. Let it sit for at least five minutes.

What to do when hair won't hold color?

Best Ways to Help Hair Color Last
  1. Wash your hair with cool water every other day.
  2. Use products that are formulated for color-treated hair.
  3. Style and dry your hair without using heat tools.
  4. Apply a SPF spray to protect your hair from the sun.
  5. Deep condition your hair before and after dyeing it.

Why won't my hair absorb color?

The Science Behind Hair Color Absorption

If it's too closed or damaged, dye can't penetrate well. Healthy hair with an open cuticle layer will soak up color better, giving you that vibrant look. The pH level and the porosity of your hair also affect how well it takes color.

COMMON HAIR COLOUR QUESTIONS | Why My Hair Colour Went Black ? | Why My Hair Color Doesn't Last |

Why isn't my hair picking up color?

Either the application isn't even, the waiting time is too short or you aren't using the right product for the desired effect. Another reason could be that your hair has already been sensitised by products which are too harsh for your locks or the heat from a heating device.

Why is my hair not absorbing product?

Low porosity hair doesn't absorb product

Because the cuticles are so tight, products including creams, oils and water-based formulas, tend to sit on top of the hair instead of being absorbed.

What causes hair color not to take?

Semi permanent hair dye stains the outside cuticle of the hair. While demi permanent hair dye goes deeper into the hair shaft cortex. Then permanent hair dye goes deepest into the cortex and medulla. If your hair is too porous from bleaching/lightening it sometimes it won't fully take the dye.

Why is my hair bleach not working?

Make sure you leave the bleach on for the correct time - nothing more and nothing less! Be careful when mixing your bleach. If your kit involves peroxide, make sure you have the correct the ratio else the bleach could be too intense or not strong enough. As we mentioned earlier - don't rush the sectioning of your hair!

How do you dye stubborn hair?

10 Tricks to Help You Color Resistant Gray Hair
  1. Use a Permanent Color. ...
  2. Add a Dose of Pure Naturals. ...
  3. Choose the Right Developer. ...
  4. Saturate Stubborn Silver Strays. ...
  5. Start With the Most Resistant Patches. ...
  6. Develop Color Under Heat. ...
  7. Get Inspired by Formulas. ...
  8. Blend Away Grays with Highlights.

Why won't my hair take color after bleaching reddit?

It sounds like your hair might need some extra TLC after the bleaching process. Dryness could be preventing the color from taking. Consider deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture before trying to dye it again.

What cancels out bleached hair?

If your lousy bleach job has come out more yellow, you'll need a purple toner. Purple shampoo can help neutralize the yellow. If your hair is orange, you'll need a blue toner. Try a blue shampoo to tone the brassiness and get rid of the orange.

Can I put a dye over bleached hair?

When you bleach your hair you strip it of its natural pigments, which means it won't react to dye in the same way. Dye can come out darker than you would assume and you may need to use a protein filler. Speak to your stylist and be sure you're choosing the right colour and products for you.

Why is bleach not dying my hair?

Each individual hair has different levels of pigment that the bleach needs to dissolve through, and your overall result is dependent on the condition and type of hair you have, as well as how dark your natural colour is.

What is the best color depositing conditioner?

Our favorite color-depositing conditioner is the dpHue Gloss+ thanks to its wide range of shades, easy application, and ability to soften and hydrate hair. For a clear gloss that adds shine to any hair color, we recommend the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer.

Why is my hair resistant to color?

Most hairdressers don't quite understand what makes grey hair so resistant to color. Sometimes it is because the hair has been coated with silicone that is not water soluble. However, MOST of the time it is because grey hair is extremely hard hair.

Why wont my bleached hair hold color?

Your hair will not hold color as it has been over processed and has the cuticle wide open not allowing pigment to stick to the hair follicle. You would want to replace the pigment that is missing from the hair.

Can I bleach my hair again if it didn't work?

If you do bleach again, make sure to wait 3 weeks to give your hair cuticle enough time to heal, close and lay flat again. If you want to achieve a platinum blonde from dark hair, you will most likely need to get to a mid-toned orange color first, then condition and care for your hair before you bleach it again.

Why won't my hair bleach past orange?

If you tried to lighten your hair but the end result was a brassy orange colour, there's a good chance you're a brunette. Darker hair is made up of several underlying pigments which give your brown, dark brown or black hair depth and dimension, and red and orange are the most dominant undertones.

Why won't my hair pick up color?

It's determined by the amount of cuticles on your hair strand and their ability to open up and take in product. Healthline says that if your hair has high porosity, it doesn't hold onto moisture easily, so it has trouble absorbing dyes or other coloring treatments as well.

Will vinegar set hair dye?

The vinegar actually helps the hair dye to remain bonded to the hair, according to my awesome stylist Viviane of Marina Beach Hair.

How to fix a bad hair dye job?

If you had a bad coloring job your best bet is to visit a reputable beauty salon and have a trained professional perform corrective coloring that will rid you of the unnatural color and give your hair a second chance.

Why is my hair not absorbing color?

That essentially means that your cuticle is blown open and needs a filler. your hair is over processed and damaged. when the cuticle is blown open, your hair can't grab color. your best bet would be to go to a professional.

What does low porosity hair look like?

We tend to think of curly hair as dense and prone to dryness. Low porosity curls tend to be looser, wavy, or S-shaped. The curls are distinct with a tight, flat cuticle that prevents moisture from entering and exiting the hair. This is why low porosity hair can often look limp or flat.

What are signs of high porosity hair?

10 Signs You Have High Porosity Hair
  • You Have Aging Hair. ...
  • Your Hair Feels Rough. ...
  • Your Hair Lacks Shine. ...
  • Your Hair Feels Dry (Even After Moisturizing) ...
  • Your Hair Breaks Easily. ...
  • Your Hair Dries Quickly After a Wash. ...
  • You Battle Frizz Constantly. ...
  • Your Hair Tangles Easily.

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