Using Sun Bum Hair Lightener on dark hair can result in warmer tones rather than a drastic lift to blonde.
Understanding the Results
When Sun Bum Hair Lightener is applied to dark brown hair, it initiates a lightening process. However, according to the provided reference, the most noticeable and desired "best color results" are typically observed on hair that is already lighter, ranging from lighter brown to blonde tones.
So, while it will work on dark hair, the outcome is different.
Expected Tones on Dark Hair
Instead of achieving a bright blonde or significantly lighter shade, using this product on dark brown hair tends to reveal warmer hues.
- Amber: A rich, warm brown-yellow tone.
- Gold: A bright, metallic yellow shade.
- Honey: A soft, golden-brown colour.
These results occur because the lightening process lifts the underlying pigments in dark hair, which are naturally warm (red, orange, yellow). Without the strength of a professional bleach or a longer processing time (which can be risky), the hair might not lift past these warmer stages.
Why the Difference?
Hair colour is determined by pigment granules called melanin. Dark hair has a higher concentration of eumelanin (dark pigment), and when lightened, it goes through stages of red, orange, and yellow before reaching blonde. Hair lighteners designed for gradual, sun-inspired effects, like Sun Bum's, are often formulated to be gentler than salon bleaches. This gentler action, combined with the strong underlying warm pigments in dark hair, leads to the emergence of amber, gold, and honey tones rather than a cooler or lighter blonde.
Key Considerations
- Starting Point: The exact shade of dark brown hair will influence the specific warm tone achieved.
- Application: Even application is crucial to avoid patchiness, especially when aiming for a sun-kissed look.
- Expectation Management: Don't expect a platinum blonde result on dark hair using this type of product. The goal is subtle, warmer highlights or an overall warmer tone.
Using Sun Bum Hair Lightener on dark brown hair will work, but it will primarily give you warmer hues like amber, gold, and honey.
