Bubble Hair Dye: Everything You Need To Know

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Hair colors have become a fashion statement and a fun self-expression option.

But coloring your hair can be tedious, time-consuming, expensive, and even damaging to your hair.

The good news is you don’t have to go through all that anymore, thanks to a rising hair trend, which is Japanese bubble hair dye.

It’s one of the more recent hair dye options you have that’s quickly becoming popular for a number of reasons. 

a young girl wearing white shirt is flaunting her bouncy and shiny newly dye hair using bubble hair dye

Since it’s still a relatively new method of coloring your hair, it’s okay if you have some questions about it. And we’ve got you covered!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about bubble hair dyes! We’ve prepared a quick and easy guide to help you get started.

What Is Bubble Hair Dye?

Bubble hair dye’s consistency sets it apart from other hair dye methods. While other hair dyes are typically creamy, this one is typically foamy and bubbly, hence the name.

Simply put, it’s a bubble dye for your hair, so its texture might remind you of a foaming facial wash.

Bubble hair dye brands offer a gentler formula that lessens damage to your hair. Because of this, you can also expect less of the foul odor you commonly get from hair dyes with harsh chemicals.

Bubble hair dye kits are getting increasingly popular because they’re straightforward to use. You can easily change your hair color without visiting a salon or making too much of a mess.

Is Bubble Hair Dye Better Than Other Hair Dyes?

It all boils down to your preference for coloring your hair. But bubble hair dye has many advantages, and you might find it a better option than other hair dye kits.

One of the biggest advantages of bubble hair dye is its formula.

Its foamy and bubbly consistency makes it easier to apply, giving you full coverage. You can quickly and equally distribute it on every strand, so you’re less likely to miss a spot. 

Bubble hair dye, even from popular brands, is typically more affordable than regular hair dye kits too. Easy application and a better formula at a lower price? Yes, please!

a close up image of a person's hand holding a clasp of white foam bubbles

Is Bubble Hair Dye Permanent?

Longevity is one of the biggest factors people consider when choosing a hair dye kit. In the case of bubble hair dyes, brands commonly offer various options. You can find permanent and semi-permanent bubble hair dyes.

If you’re looking for a longer-lasting color that can last for 6 to 8 weeks, you can go for a permanent formula. But if you prefer to change your hair color every now and then, there are semi-permanent formulas you can get as well.

As with other hair dyes, the longevity of bubble hair dyes will depend on the overall condition of your hair.

If your hair has gone through various treatments before, the expected time bubble dyes will last could change slightly. 

Does Bubble Hair Dye Cause Damage?

The short answer is yes, just like any permanent hair dye, but hear us out. 

While most bubble hair dye kits are ammonia-free, this makes people believe that using an “ammonia-free” hair dye can free them from any health risks and hair damage. That’s not entirely true.

Bubble hair dye can contain ethanolamine, an alternative to ammonia.

Both ammonia and ethanolamine work by opening the hair’s cuticle to allow the hair dye to penetrate the hair strand.

When used improperly, both can cause damage to the hair. So always follow the recommended processing time and make sure your hair is in good condition before dyeing.

Additionally, if you’re sensitive to ammonia, don’t be surprised if you also have a sensitivity to ethanolamine. Both can cause eye, throat, and skin irritation.

Quick Tip

Be sure to do a patch test before coloring your hair to make sure you don’t have a reaction.

In any case, it is crucial for you to check the ingredients of any hair dye you want to buy. Do not be simply convinced that anything ammonia-free is considered natural or organic.

Moreover, remember that permanent hair color, including permanent bubble hair dye, is more likely to contain ammonia or ethanolamine.

So if you really don’t want to use anything with ammonia or ethanolamine, using semi-permanent hair dye instead can help you avoid these chemicals.

Where to Buy Bubble Hair Dye

Japanese bubble hair dyes have been famous for a while, so they’re readily available in your favorite hair product stores. Brands with bubble hair dyes popular among Korean hair enthusiasts are also widely available.

You can also easily find popular bubble hair dye brands on Amazon with a wide range of color options.

a young woman looking sideways while flaunting her newly colored hair using bubble hair dye

Best Bubble Hair Dye Brands

There are tons of bubble hair dyes to choose from, but we’re here to make things easier. You’ll find here some of the best brands that offer great bubble dyes for your hair.

KAO is a popular Japanese bubble hair dye brand that provides some of the best options out there. They offer the Liese bubble hair dye that comes with a creamy formula, so you can easily achieve an even, full coverage. 

Mise En Scene’s Hello Bubble hair dye collection is also one of our top picks for bubble hair dyes. If you’re a big K-pop fan, you may want to check out their line of Hello Bubble hair dyes, which was promoted by BLACKPINK.

Bubble Hair Dye Colors

You’ll find plenty of bubble hair dye colors to choose from, regardless of the brand you pick.

KAO’s Liese bubble hair dye offers as many as 18 color variants divided into the Natural Series and the Design Series. The Milk Tea Brown variant is a popular choice from its Natural Brown shades.

But for more fun bubble hair dye colors, you can choose from the Design Series of the Liese bubble hair dye collection.

The Berry Pink variant can give you a light rosy finish, or you can go for a touch of green with a matte ash finish with the Mint Ash color.

If you’re looking for flashy bubble hair dye colors just like your favorite K-pop idols, the Hello Bubble hair dye BLACKPINK edition has you covered.

The collection offers some great shades of pink, purple, and ash. If you’re aiming for the popular bubblegum pink hair dye finish, you should check out the Hello Bubble Ballet Pink variant. Another crowd favorite is the Rose Gold color.

Hello Bubble also has natural bubble hair colors like Ash Taupe Gray, Dark Ash, and Ash Olive.

How to Use Bubble Hair Dye

Now that you know the important things about bubble hair dyes, you’re ready to move on to the best part. It’s time to color your hair!

Before Applying Bubble Hair Dye

  1. Perform a skin allergy test. Apply a small amount of the bubble hair dye behind your ear or in your inner elbow and leave it to dry. Don’t use the hair dye if you get an adverse reaction in the next 48 hours.
  1. Comb your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb and run it through your strands to remove any tangles.
  1. Apply an oil-based or a barrier cream around your hairline on your forehead, the back of your ears, and the back of your head. This should prevent you from getting hair dye stains on these areas.
  1. Put on gloves and cover your clothes. Most hair dye boxes come with gloves, and you can use an old towel big enough to protect your clothes if a hairdresser’s cape isn’t available to avoid getting stained by the dye.

Applying Bubble Hair Dye

  1. Mix the bubble hair dye solutions. Each solution has a dedicated container. KAO Liese and Hello Bubble hair dye instructions are on their boxes, so make sure you read them very well before mixing. 
  1. Apply the bubble hair dye. Place a generous amount of the solution on your gloved hands and lather it on your hair. Start at the roots, fully cover all of your hair, and ensure you’re applying it from your hairline down to the tips of the strands.
  1. Massage the formula throughout your hair, and make sure you get full coverage. You don’t have to section your hair; it should be as easy as shampoo or conditioner. But do it gently with your fingertips to avoid forming hair knots.
  1. Leave the bubble hair dye on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes, but thicker hair may need an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Always check the label for the recommended duration to leave on the product.
  1. Rinse off the bubble hair dye. Wash your hair, preferably with lukewarm water. Keep rinsing your hair until the water runs clear.

After Applying Bubble Hair Dye

Both KAO Liese and Hello Bubble kits come with a hair treatment that you must apply after you’ve rinsed off the hair dye.

Leave it on for the amount of time indicated on its label, and then rinse thoroughly.

a young woman with short pink hair is flipping her hair on a blue background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bubble Hair Dye Require Bleaching?

No. You don’t have to bleach your hair for bubble hair dyes to work. But the color finish varies depending on the color of your hair before applying the dye. 

So if you’re aiming for a brighter finish, you can take an extra step to lighten your hair.

Can Bubble Hair Dye Cover Gray Hair?

Yes. Bubble hair dyes can be a quick fix to color your gray hair.

You can even use it to improve the color of your hair if it turns into a brassy tone, whether caused by a previous hair dye or excessive sun exposure.

How Long Before Bubble Hair Dye Fades?

If you choose a permanent formula, the color from bubble hair dye can last from 6 to 8 weeks. There are formulas meant to be semi-permanent only, which should fade after 2 to 3 weeks.

Other factors can affect how long bubble hair dye color lasts on your hair. You can also use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to make the color stay longer.

Does Hello Bubble Hair Dye Work on Black Hair?

Yes, Hello Bubble hair dye (and other brands) generally work even on black hair.

Although, you should expect a more subdued color result if you skip bleaching or lightening your hair. But there should still be a visible change in your hair color.

Does Bubble Hair Dye Stain?

Because applying hair dye requires massaging the product on your hair, it’s easy to get some of the dye on your skin. But you can easily remove it by wiping it off immediately using a damp paper towel. 

You should also refrain from putting on an excessive amount of hair dye to avoid stains. 

Is There Ammonia in Bubble Hair Dyes?

Some brands still include ammonia in the ingredients of their bubble hair dyes.

It’s worth noting that Mise En Scene’s Hello Bubble line, including the BLACKPINK Edition, is famous for having an ammonia-free formula. So if you want to avoid the strong odor and harsh chemicals, this product is worth checking out.

Should I Wash My Hair Before Applying Bubble Hair Dye?

No, skip the shampoo before using bubble hair dye. Washing your hair isn’t necessary before using bubble hair dye. 

For best results, apply the bubble dye on dry hair. It’s also preferable to leave the natural oils on your scalp to act as a protective barrier from the ingredients of the hair dye.

I Have Leftover Bubble Hair Dye; Can I Reuse It?

No. You can’t store or reuse any leftovers from a bubble hair dye mixture because it will soon lose its effects.

Instead, dispose of the leftover solution properly by treating it as hazardous waste.

Do not pour it down the drain. Check your state’s or local government’s laws regarding hazardous waste disposal and be sure to follow them.

Why You Should Try Bubble Hair Dye

If this is your first time coloring your hair and you don’t want to spend too much money by going to the salon, bubble hair dye is a good place to start.

It’s very easy to use at home, is more affordable, and comes with a gentler formula to lessen hair damage.

But like every other hair product, you should always determine the condition of your hair before applying a dye mixture. And for best results, don’t skip the part where you read the labels and instructions very well.

Discover Great Hair Dye Products for Various Needs:

Authors

  • Ashley Pena

    Ashley Pena brings over 13 years of seasoned writing and editing expertise, fortified by her Bachelor of Science in Management. Esteemed in the beauty domain, her content captivates readers with its depth and authenticity. While she navigates a broad spectrum of beauty trends, Ashley shines particularly as our resident K-beauty guru. Her articles are a harmonious blend of passion and profound knowledge, inspiring readers on their unique beauty journeys.

  • Madeline Hall

    With ten years in hairstyling, Madeline Hall has trained with elite colorists Naomi Knight and Lupe Voss and assisted celebrity stylist Alex Chases. From building a solid clientele at San Francisco's Code Salon to impressing Nashville's finest, Madeline is a force in the industry. Passionate about educating clients and staying updated on trends.

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