Getting from Dark/Black to Light/Bright

We get a lot of questions about how to lighten hair safely, and I had been compiling all the info from the forum into a notepad file for quick answering.  I realize some of this is also found in the FAQ's, and some older tutorials, but I thought it was time to just post this updated collection of info in the tutorial section.  Even simpler and easier for folks to find.  😀  If anyone has anything to add, please feel free to share!

Getting from Dark/Black to Light/Bright

If your hair is dyed dark, the first thing usually recommended here is to use a colour remover like Jo Baz/Jo Baz Max, Colour B4, Color Oops (US - Walgreen's), One 'n Only Colorfix (US - Sally Beauty Supply) or Scott Cornwall's Decolour Remover.  If your hair is natural/virgin hair, skip to the bleach bath section.  Colour removers can be used up to three times in close succession and are not damaging to your hair (though they may be a bit drying). Colour removers will remove colour deposits from the permanent dyes you have used, and some have even had decent results shifting semipermanent dyes with them. Some have also said it's best to wait a few days between using colour removers in case you have any re-oxidization of colour (you'll get the most bang for your buck that way).

More detailed info on colour removers can be found here:
Colour Removers

Tips on rinsing all of the Colour Remover out to prevent re-oxidation of colour:
Tips for Rinsing Colour Removers Completely

After you've removed as much of the dye as you can through the use of colour removers, the next step would be to wait one week after the last colour remover (this is done to prevent re-oxidization of colour) and then proceed to a weekly bleach bath.

It is advisable to lift your hair colour slowly through bleach baths as opposed to full bleach (which can only be done once per month).  Gradually lifting your colour over time - especially if you're wanting to lift several levels, is safer for your hair and your scalp than doing one full strength bleach.  Bleach baths may be spaced out a minimum of one week apart, and then you can condition/repair each time in-between. Note: If you decide you'd like to use a permanent colour or go for a full bleach, you should wait a minimum of 4 weeks after your last bleach bath to proceed.  Your hair is in a weakened stated from the bleach bath, and using a permanent dye or full bleach too soon after a bleach bath very well could fry your hair. Bleaching (even weaker bleach baths) and using permanent dyes (that take developer) break down the inner structure of your hair.  Hair can only take so much chemical processing before you experience damage that isn't repairable.

Here is a great thread with a picture tutorial on bleach bathing:
Bleach Bath Tutorial

Many have found that using virgin coconut oil on the hair prior to bleaching or colour with peroxide developer to help protect the hair/scalp and minimize damage.  A thread with more info is found here:
Coconut Oil to Prevent Damage

It is generally not recommended to do a full bleach (or permanent colour) more than once every four weeks to allow the hair time to rest and so that you can condition and repair the hair before the next bleach/colour service.  Any toners that you use should not contain developers.

For conditioning and repair:
Two products that are routinely recommended and used by many members of the forum are Joico K-pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor and Joico Intense Hydrator.  Both can be found by searching online (Google, eBay, Amazon) and through salons in the US that sell professional hair care products.  There are some shops in the US that retail them (Ulta & Trade Secret).  These products used once per week (clarify, DPR, then Intense Hydrator) help rebuild protein lost to bleaching/peroxide developer and replenish lost moisture.  There are reviews/testimonials from other members as to how great these products truly are that can be found in the Company & Product Review section of the forum:
Joico K-Pak DPR and Intense Hydrator Reviews
Another review thread here:
Joico - Looking to get gorgeous hair condition?

If you're up for it... even MORE great info on going from Black to White or from Dark to Bright:
Black/White, Dark/Bright

Once you have gotten your base colour to the desired shade, then you can choose your semipermanent colour to go over it or proceed to toning for blonde/white.  A tutorial for achieving white hair can be found here:
White Hair Tutorial

Info on the stages hair goes through as it lightens and info on toners can be found here:
Bleaching/Toning Charts

Please consult the FAQ Section for tips and advice on how to use semipermanent colours and how to keep them nice and bright.  🙂