Bath dye for smoky hair color, no bleach – gentle, perfect for damaged hair!

In 2024, smoky hair colors are trending, but do you always need to bleach for that look? With "bath dyeing," you can achieve smoky tones without bleaching. In this article, Yuri, a stylist from NC2’s Tucheng branch, shares who this technique suits best and tips on maintaining the color longer.

NC2 Tucheng branch hairstylist Yuri

Catalogue

I. What’s the difference between bath dyeing and regular bleaching?

II. Features and benefits of bath dyeing

III. Who is bath dyeing suitable for?

IV. How to make bath dyeing last longer?

V. 3 bath dyeing colors perfect for summer

What’s the difference between bath dyeing and regular bleaching?

Bath dyeing is a trending hair dye technique that achieves high-brightness, low-saturation smoky tones without the need for bleaching. Unlike traditional bleaching, which uses bleach powder to strip color before dyeing, bath dyeing starts by evenly lightening the base color with high-brightness dye. Then, at the wash station, dye mixed with shampoo is used to add the desired color.

Yuri’s bath dyeing work

Features and benefits of bath dyeing

More color options: Achieving smoky hair colors used to require bleaching, making it challenging for those who wanted high-brightness tones without damage. With bath dyeing, you can now enjoy bright, smoky shades without bleaching.

Even fading: Bath dyeing applies multiple stages to unify the color, resulting in even fading and avoiding the patchy look common with traditional dyes.

Hair protection: The translucent effect of bath dyeing preserves hair integrity, providing shine without damage.

Who is bath dyeing suitable for?

Bath dye is suitable for a wide range of individuals. The first group includes those who desire a misty hair color effect without bleaching. Bleaching often limits options for perming afterward since bleached hair tends to become more fragile, prone to frizz, and even breakage if subjected to further processing. However, Bath Dye uses high-lift dye with a gentler, low-acid formula that minimizes hair damage and fades only one level in brightness over time, significantly reducing hair damage compared to bleaching. This allows for perming without risking hair breakage.

The second group includes individuals whose hair has become extremely damaged due to frequent coloring and perming; they can still opt for Bath Dye to maintain a beautiful color. The third group includes those with sensitive scalps, as bleach powder or dyes can cause irritation and pain on sensitive skin. Bath Dye's low-acid, zero-damage formula minimizes discomfort during the dyeing process, making it gentler for those with sensitive scalps.

How to make bath dyeing last longer?

The duration of bath dye is similar to that of regular hair dye, lasting about three months. If you want to extend the color longevity, Yuri shares two maintenance methods:

Use color-depositing shampoo. If the target color is a cool tone, use a cool-toned color-depositing shampoo. For warmer tones like pink-brown, opt for a pink color-depositing shampoo.
Return to the salon for a color refresh with another bath dye session. During the second color refresh, there’s no need to fade the color beforehand. Simply apply the color at the rinse station, making it more convenient. This second refresh can help the color last longer.

If you want to change colors using bath dye, it’s best to wait three to four months after the initial bath dye application. Yuri explains the process simply: first, the new growth is color-matched to the faded hair color, and then the color refresh is applied at the rinse station to achieve the new shade.

3 bath dyeing colors perfect for summer

When choosing a hair color, it’s recommended to consider your skin tone, as hair color and skin tone together create the overall visual effect. Selecting the right hair color is therefore essential. Yuri suggests three Bath Dye colors that are perfect for summer:

Bath dye color #1: Pink-brown
This shade is ideal for clients with fair skin. Fair-skinned individuals often benefit from a touch of warmth in their hair to bring out a healthy glow, as overly pale skin can sometimes appear washed out. For those with darker skin, Pink-Brown may not be as flattering, as pairing deep skin tones with pink or red hues can make the skin appear darker.

Yuri's pink-brown bath dye work

Bath dye color #2: Cool tea brown
Cool Tea Brown is a versatile shade that complements any skin tone, particularly suitable for those with yellow undertones. The tea-toned color balances the cool tones in yellow skin, creating a refreshed and lively appearance.

Yuri's cool tea brown bath dye creations

Bath dye color #3: Ash brown
Ash Brown is a versatile, universally flattering color that complements all skin tones. The shade is subtle and balanced, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a natural look that harmonizes effortlessly with their complexion.

Yuri's ash brown bath dye creations

For clients trying a unique color for the first time, Yuri recommends starting with a softer color palette. Choose shades that aren’t too bold or striking, like milk tea, milk tea gray, brown, or dark gray. These colors have lighter pigmentation, making them easier to maintain and an excellent choice for those new to experimenting with special hair colors.

Enjoy a 20% discount with online bookings!

With 11 years of experience in the hair industry, Yuri specializes in creating beautiful, textured hair colors. Her journey into the industry began with her mother, who worked at a family hair salon, where she would often help out and gradually developed a deep passion for hair design. For Yuri, there’s no greater satisfaction than crafting a look that leaves her clients happy and confident.

Growing up in the world of hairstyling has instilled in Yuri a keen attention to detail. She’s known for her "painless bleaching" technique, carefully ensuring that bleach doesn’t come into contact with the scalp, addressing the common discomfort that clients experience during bleaching. Yuri’s base price for a wash and cut is $800, while perm and color services start at $2,500. If you’re looking to refresh your hair color this summer, click on the link below to find more about Yuri. With online bookings, you can enjoy a 20% discount on all cut, perm, color, and care services!