Can I Dye My Hair Red Without Bleaching It? DIY How to Guide

Beautiful woman with a dark brown skin tone with red dye on naturally dark hair.

Bleaching your hair can be damaging, expensive, and time-consuming. And it’s for these reasons that a lot of people are avoiding the chemical completely.

If you want to achieve a bold red color without bleach, keep reading. In this article, we’ll dive into whether it’s possible to dye your hair red without bleaching it.

Can I Dye My Hair Red Without Bleaching It?

You can dye your hair red without bleach. Bleaching and hair dyeing are closely associated because bleach lifts your hair’s natural pigment and gives the dye a brighter base to cling to.

But the reality is that you don’t actually have to bleach your stands before dyeing your hair, though bleaching beforehand will produce a more vibrant color result. In fact, there are dyes that are specifically formulated to work on dark, unbleached hair!

Key Takeaways

  • Achieving Red Hair without Bleaching. You can dye hair red without bleaching it, including black hair and dark brunettes. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining hair health, as bleaching can be damaging.
  • Permanent Hair Dye for Best Results. For lasting red dye, using permanent hair dye is the best option. It lifts your natural color, depositing the new hair color effectively.
  • Preparation and Application. You should use a non-metal mixing bowl. Then, apply petroleum jelly around your hairline to protect your skin. Finally, use an applicator brush for even distribution of the dye.
  • Aftercare for Dyed Hair. Post-dyeing, use a deep conditioner or leave-in conditioner to restore moisture. Avoid regular shampoo immediately after dyeing to preserve the new hair color.
  • Alternative Red Dye Methods. If you’re unsure about using chemicals or permanent hair dye, you can use hair chalk or hair wax. These can provide a temporary solution for bright red hair or different shades of red. They work well on different hair types and colors.
African American with dark brown hair that's been dyed with Color Oops natural hair color.

How to Dye Hair Red Without Bleach

There are a few different ways you can dye your hair red without using bleach. Although you might not get the same vivid color you’d be able to achieve with bleach, you can still end up with a beautiful result.

How I Dye My Hair Red/Burgundy WITHOUT Bleach! *Highly Requested* | VLOGMAS DAY 6

Permanent Dye

Permanent dye is your best bet for achieving a noticeable red result without bleach. It requires you to use hair dye and a developer to lift out your natural hair pigments and deposit your new color. Here’s how to use a permanent dye to get red hair.    

Gather the following materials before you get started:

  • Non-metal mixing bowl
  • Applicator brush
  • Single-step red hair dye (you may need 1 or 2 boxes depending on the length of your hair)
  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Hair clips
  • 20 or 30 volume developer (20 volume is gentler than 30 volume, but 30 volume developer will give you a brighter overall result). 
  • Plastic or latex gloves
  • Petroleum jelly
Woman with dyed black hair wearing a blue jean jacket and red fingernail polish.

Get to Dyeing

  1. Before you start, put on gloves and an old shirt. Only use towels if you don’t mind getting permanently stained. If you’re concerned about dripping, you may want to lay down some old towels or newspapers on your floors and surfaces. Make sure the room you’re in has adequate ventilation.
  2. Split your hair into four even sections and secure each section with a hair clip. This will help make the application process go more smoothly.
  3. Add a thin layer of Vaseline to your hairline, the back of your neck, and on the tops of your ears to prevent your skin from getting stained.
  4. Mix your dye according to the directions in your box. Typically, you’ll combine the red hair dye with a developer in a non-metal bowl and mix well. 
  5. Use your applicator brush to begin applying the color. Work in small sections and apply the dye generously. Start applying the dye on the mid-lengths and ends, and then go back and apply it to your roots.
  6. Let the dye sit for up to 30 minutes.
  7. Rinse thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to fully rinse the excess dye from your hair, so be patient and take your time.
  8. Follow up with hair conditioner. You want to avoid shampoo for the first few days after dyeing your hair red to preserve your color. You should, however, follow up your dye with a conditioning treatment to help restore your hair’s moisture. Allow the conditioner to sit for at least a few minutes before rinsing well.
  9. Dry and style your hair.
A cute lady after dying black hair red wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey.

Top Red Dyes for Bleachless Red Hair

If you want to dye your hair without bleaching it first, there are many products you can use. Some of the most effective dyes for bleachless red hair are:

  • Splat Midnight Hair Dye. This dye is specifically formulated to be used without bleaching your hair first. It contains micro-pigments that adhere to the surface of your hair and ingredients like baobab oil and quinoa extracts to strengthen and moisturize.
  • Clairol Professional Flare Me. A hair dye designed to work with dark, unbleached hair. The color is permanent and lasts for up to 5 weeks with little fading between washes. Just note that the developer is not included, so you’ll have to buy it separately.
  • Ion True Tones for Dark Hair. This versatile dye lifts, colors, and tones in just one easy step. It contains moisturizing pequi and argan oils and provides a rich color that lasts through multiple washes. Developer not included.
Black woman wearing dark red curls in an urban setting looking back over her right shoulder.

Hair Chalk

Hair chalk is a fun, temporary way to try out a new red hair hue. The chalk does not contain harsh chemicals and will be completely gone after one wash. Here’s how to get red hair using hair chalk.

To go red with hair chalk, you’ll need:

  • Holding spray
  • Hair chalk
  • Spray bottle (optional)
  • Gloves (optional)
Black lady with darker red curls after dying natural black hair using hair chalk.

How to Use Hair Chalk

  1. Start with clean, detangled, and product-free hair to give the hair chalk the best possible chance of clinging to your hair.
  2. While hair chalk can stain clothes and skin, it’s only a temporary effect. Still, wear clothes and towels you’re okay with staining, just in case.
  3. Dampen your hair with a spray bottle, or start on freshly washed, damp hair. Hair chalk can be used on either wet or dry hair, but starting with wet hair will give you a bolder, more intense color result. If you have very light, blonde hair, you might want to skip this step and apply the chalk to dry hair. Otherwise, the color might be difficult to remove.
  4. Working in one-inch sections, slide or rub the hair chalk over any hair you want colored. Build up color by going over each section more than once and gently massaging the pigments into your hair.
  5. Spritz your hair with hairspray to lock in the color. 
  6. Shake your hair to help get rid of any excess dust. 

Hair Wax

Hair wax is similar to hair chalk in that it gives you a temporary hair color makeover. The main difference between the two, though, is that hair wax has a stickier consistency, which lends itself well to twist-out and wash-and-go hairstyles. 

Here’s what you’ll need to go red with hair wax:

  • Hair wax
  • Spray bottle (optional)
  • Gloves

*Curls Unleashed Color Blast is a hair wax specifically formulated for natural hair. It deposits a vibrant color that lasts until you wash it out. The beeswax in the formula helps lock in moisture while elongating and defining your curls.

Lady with black dyed hair wearing an engagement ring on her ring finger.

How to Use Hair Wax 

  1. Protect your area. Hair wax can stain fabric, so make sure you’re wearing old clothes or a towel you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, you can put on gloves to avoid staining your hands.
  2. Start with clean, slightly damp hair. You can start with freshly washed hair or use a spray bottle to wet your hair before applying the wax.
  3. Working in small sections, begin applying the wax. Use your fingers to spread the wax over any hair you want colored. Start with a thin layer, and gradually layer the wax for a bolder color. If you only want red highlights, you can wrap the finished sections in tin foil to keep the color from transferring to the rest of your hair. If you want a twist out, twist up your hair after applying the wax to each section.
  4. Let the wax dry. You can let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer on its cool setting to speed up the process. The wax may drip while it’s wet, so be mindful of that. 
  5. Once your hair dries, you’re ready to style.

Note: If you want to wear your hair straight, start with dry and straightened hair instead of damp hair. Using heat tools with colored hair wax isn’t recommended, as it can damage both your hair and heat tools.  

Black woman with naturally black hair that's been dyed red following a deep conditioning treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ section. We answer your most common questions about dyeing hair red without bleaching. Here, you’ll find simple insights and tips to help you quickly achieve your desired red hair color.

Can I Dye My Hair Without Bleaching?

Yes, you can dye your hair without bleaching it. This approach is a good option if you want to avoid the damage caused by bleaching. You can use semi-permanent hair color or box dye to change your hair color without lightening it first. This method is useful for getting darker hair colors or making subtle changes to your natural hair color.

Can You Put Red Dye Over Dark Brown Hair?

Yes, you can put red dye over dark brown hair. To get the best results, use a hair dye made for dark hair. These dyes are made to add red color to dark hair without lightening it first. Your hair will have a red tint that enhances your natural color look, especially in light.

Do I Need to Bleach My Hair to Get Red Hair?

No, you do not need to bleach your hair to get red hair. There are hair dyes available that can deposit red pigment into your hair without the need for bleach. This is particularly relevant for those with darker hair who want to achieve a red hue without the damaging effects of bleach. The intensity of the red will depend on your original hair color and the type of dye used.

How Long Does Red Hair Dye Last Without Bleach?

The longevity of red hair dye without bleach varies depending on the type of dye used. Semi-permanent hair dyes typically last for several washes, fading gradually over time. On the other hand, permanent hair color offers more lasting results but may still require maintenance as the hair grows out or the color fades. Generally, red dye on unbleached hair can last a few weeks to a few months.

Can You Put Red Dye Over Black Hair?

Yes, you can put red dye over black hair. However, the change might not be as dramatic as it would be on lighter hair. Be sure to use dyes specially formulated for dark hair to impart a red hue to black hair. The result is often a subtle red sheen or undertones that are more noticeable in sunlight.

What Happens if You Dye Hair Without Bleaching?

When you dye hair without bleaching, the results are generally more subtle than bleached hair. The subtle color is because your natural hair color influences the outcome. The dye deposits color on the surface of your hair, enhancing or altering the original color. This is particularly true for darker hair types, where the change may be less dramatic but still provides a new hue.

How Do You Dye Black Hair to Burgundy Without Bleaching?

Choose a high-quality permanent hair dye to dye black hair to burgundy without bleaching. Ideally, you can find a hair dye specifically designed for dark hair. Then, apply the dye according to the instructions on the box. The instructions usually involve mixing the color with a developer. Next, apply it evenly to unwashed hair. The dye will add burgundy tones to your natural hair color, resulting in a subtle yet noticeable change.

How Do You Dye Black Hair Red Naturally?

You can use natural ingredients like henna to dye black hair red naturally. Henna is a plant-based dye that can give hair a reddish tint. Mix henna powder with a mildly acidic liquid like lemon juice to form a paste. Then, apply it evenly to your hair and leave it on under a shower cap for several hours. This method imparts a natural red hue to black hair without chemical dyes.

Related Articles

Dyeing your hair red without bleach is a great way to change the color of your hair while minimizing damage. This approach is suitable for various hair types and skin tones. It offers a spectrum of red shades, from vibrant copper tones to subtle burgundy hues. It’s the easiest way to refresh your look without the harshness of bleach or frequent trips to the hair salon.

Remember, maintaining your new red hair may require specific products. For example, use color-protecting shampoos or a heat-protectant when styling. Ultimately, you’ll want to build more “protection” into your hair care regimen. This protective regimen empowers you to embrace a bold new color. It also preserves the health and natural beauty of your hair.

So, there you have it– dyeing your hair red without bleaching it first is possible. Try one of the methods above to achieve the color you want while avoiding the damaging effects of bleach.

Anytime you dye your hair, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to preserve your color for as long as possible. We hope this article was helpful and wish you the best with your hair color change!

Kenneth Byrd, with a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has over 15 years of experience and is a recognized authority in hair care. Co-founder of Curl Centric® and Natural Hair Box, Kenneth has dedicated himself to promoting ethical and scientifically-backed hair care practices. Rigorous editorial guidelines, industry recognitions, and features in numerous media outlets evidence his expertise. Kenneth’s commitment to transparency, quality, and empowerment has positioned him as a trusted voice in the field, empowering readers to confidently embrace their natural beauty.

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