How To Lighten Already Colored Hair

I've dyed my pilus a lot, with both divine and disastrous results. With some experimentation, I've found ways to fix dye-jobs gone incorrect.

Dye chore gone wrong? Learn how to set up nighttime pilus.

Photo by Drew Coffman on Unsplash

Did yous dye your hair too night? Stylist mess up your shade? Don't listen to those who tell you lot that yous have no other pick but to bleach it out. Bleach should be used to correct pilus colour mishaps as a last resort but. There is a amend way that won't fry your tresses: colour remover (or color eraser, depending on what make you're looking at).

This article will focus on three options for lightening a too-dark dye job:

1. Use color remover.
2. See a professional person hairstylist.
3. Try fixing it upward yourself at domicile with one of several DIY methods.

First, I recommend you try color remover.

Color remover and a rinse might exist all you demand to become your pilus color back to your desired shade.

Photograph by Abigail Lynn on Unsplash

1. Hair Color Besides Dark? Use Color Remover!

Color remover, or color eraser, is a chemic that essentially reverses the oxidation of hair color molecules inside the pilus shaft. It smells like sulfur, and then don't be alarmed—that's simply the product working its magic. While it may dry your hair out a bit, it's still very safe and not remotely as damaging as bleach would be. This is one of the most effective methods, especially if it's done at a salon.

Directions

1. First, utilize the remover to the pilus much like an all-over color.
2. Exit information technology to sit for 15–20 minutes.
3. Rinse it out thoroughly with cool water and shampoo. (Some stylists may as well perform a examination to encounter if it'due south all out by pouring developer on the hair. This will brand the colour that's leftover re-oxidize. Don't worry if this happens: They'll but re-apply the color eraser).

Note: Don't freak out if your pilus isn't a cute color. The goal of this is to remove the dye, and so you can re-dye information technology.

If all the color isn't out, then the color applied after this process could go right back to the first colour. To avoid this, later all this has taken identify, your next color should be i–two shades lighter than the goal colour, just to ensure it doesn't simply turn super night again.

Can I Use This?

• Bogus pigments: Yeah. It will come out an orangey-blond color. Yet, have no fear, because you're going to dye over information technology.
• Permanent hair color: No, you cannot use color remover. Permanent colors remove the natural pigment from your hair and replace it with the artificial.
• Semi-permanent or henna dyes: No. These stain your pilus, and the color remover just doesn't work on them.

If a professional messed up the dye job, you don't necessarily take to get back to them to fix it, but they are more than likely to exist very accommodating.

Photograph by Lauren Fleischmann on Unsplash

2. See a Professional person to Prepare Your Dark Hair Color

If your hair is a complete wreck, and you don't want to fifty-fifty think nigh doing it yourself, y'all'll desire to visit a professional hairstylist for color correction. This is probably the fastest mode to go the color you originally wanted, merely it also is the most expensive.

If the stylist is any good at their task, they should ask a few questions before starting.

What Brand of Hair Coloring Was Used?

By knowing the brand used, the stylist can pick a color remover that will work well with the chemistry of what has already been applied to your hair. While pilus colour brands volition ordinarily work with any color remover, the compatibility may also depend on the brand.

Curl to Continue

Read More than From Bellatory

Was This a Home Dye Job or Did a Stylist Just Not Get the Correct Colour?

If yous did the color at home with a drugstore brand, beware! Some of them are classified every bit "straight dyes," meaning that they may contain metal ingredients (for shine) that exercise not cooperate with color remover or bleach. Because of this, it'south important that you inform your stylist what kind you used upfront. If you don't, information technology could lead to even more than damaged pilus.

How Damaged Was Your Pilus Before You Chose to Go Darker?

Your stylist should be able to determine the level of harm by feeling and looking at your pilus. In a lot of cases, the color you practical may have been correct, only your hair was too porous from over-processing. Some people, like myself, have naturally porous pilus. The same is true for damaged hair. This can be corrected by (after using the color remover) applying a shade that is 1–2 shades lighter than the desired outcome.

But retrieve to suggest using a color remover (eraser) to the stylist treatment the correction. Likewise, if they suggest scalp bleaching—run!

If the stylist is any good at their job, they should ask these questions before starting to color correct your hair.

Illustration made via Canva

Do I Need to Go Dorsum to the Same Stylist?

If a professional messed up the dye chore, y'all don't necessarily have to go back to them to ready it—but a perk is that they'll likely curve over backward to make you happy. At the very least, they might give you a refund if you aren't satisfied with the result.

If you lot've worked with them for awhile, it might be worth going back since you have developed a skilful rapport. Trust that they volition do everything in their power to try and set it. Look at it equally a collaborative process, not a confrontation.

If you're so upset or disappointed that you lot never want to return at that place once more, giving them some constructive feedback may exist very much appreciated by them. If you lot don't desire to return to your original, offending stylist, look for someone who specializes in color correction.

Fixing a funky dye job doesn't always require a trip to the salon. Here are a few ways to lighten too-dark pilus at home.

Photo by Matthew Tkocz on Unsplash

3. More DIY Fixes (Other Than Color Remover)

If your pilus is merely a shade or so darker than what you wanted and is non a mess of fried, broken hair, correcting at habitation is a viable pick. Hither are some options that y'all tin consider, if so.

1. Use a Clarifying or Lightening Shampoo to Bleed the Color Out

For very balmy cases, washing with a clarifying shampoo a few times will usually fade information technology to a nice colour. It may take a bit longer (7-10 days), then be patient if it'southward not fading right away.

Wait for a shampoo that contains sulfates as this will help the color fade. Brand certain it's not for color-treated hair! Deep conditioners tin can sometimes fade a color. Remember, even permanent hair color fades over time.

2. Use Baking Soda

If you lot find that shampoo is not helping plenty, yous can try to make your own paste using shampoo, lemon juice, and baking soda. You'll want to generously apply this to your moisture hair and wait at least 45 minutes before rinsing it out. Since lemon juice is highly acidic, it can damage your hair, so utilise it sparingly. Your pilus should be 1-2 shades lighter afterward i employ.

3. Use a Color/Dye Remover

As mentioned to a higher place, color removers are the way to go. Virtually beauty stores should have salespeople who are knowledgeable about the product and how to apply it. Be certain to follow all of the instructions, or y'all might end up back in a stylist's chair, paying hundreds to fix your attempt at correction. Recollect, this is going to lighten the color, merely information technology won't bring your hair dorsum to its original color.

iv. Employ Bleach Shampoo

Bleach shampoo is the 1 exception to bleach use that may piece of work for those of y'all trying to correct your dark hair color. Make sure y'all use bleach shampoo only if you lot used a professional line of hair colour (i.eastward. without metal salts). A bleach shampoo tin be great if you just desire the color to exist a little softer, or yous need it to lighten up quickly and intend to use a semi-permanent colour afterwards. A permanent color may dry out your pilus and is not recommended.

5. Other Solutions

• Hydrogen peroxide: This is unremarkably used to lighten hair—either past itself, mixed with other ingredients, or by a professional stylist. It is generally safe, but it could cause damage to hair and peel if not used correctly. It'southward probably best to have this done in the salon rather than trying it dwelling.
• Honey and h2o or apple tree cider vinegar mixture: This combination may help lighten your hair every bit well. Use a 4:one ratio of love and water or apple cider vinegar. You tin can also add a little scrap of hydrogen peroxide if you lot feel comfortable using that. Cascade the mixture onto your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and let sit for about 2 hours. Rinse. You should notice a difference later using it ane time.
• Love, cinnamon, and olive oil: This is another way to naturally lighten your hair. However, it is a very gradual process. You may demand to do information technology 10-xv times to notice a difference. How does this piece of work? Trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide go activated when mixed with cinnamon. The olive oil is a overnice manner to add some actress hydration.

Note: There are a lot of different DIY solutions out there, including using chamomille tea or coconut oil, but the results have been very hit or miss depending on your hair color.

What Should I Practice After the Color Fades?

If yous decide to become the DIY route, brand sure to treat your pilus after the color fades because the shampoo will likely strip your hair of vital oils. Buy a leave-in conditioner or hair mask made for dry out pilus. Be patient. Information technology may take weeks or months to go back to your original color.

How to Avoid This Situation in the Future

• Brand sure to choose the right color. This is not every bit simple equally yous may think. Compare dyes and practise some inquiry. Some brands similar Garnier and 50'Oreal permit you virtually test out different shades to find the correct one for you. If at that place'south a certain make you lot like, cheque out their site to see if something like this is available.
• Don't leave the dye on longer than information technology says.
• If in doubt, pick a piddling chip of a lighter shade. You lot can always darken it in the future.
• Don't mix brands or colors.
• Get a consultation from a professional. They can assistance you find the right colour and ensure your hair is dyed correctly.
• If getting information technology professionally done, communicate with your stylist. Be as specific as you lot tin be. Bringing in pictures is always a good idea. Don't let them talk you into something you don't desire. It's your hair.

Don't Panic Over Your Dye Job

Don't freak out likewise much over an unwanted color. There are ways to prepare it without seriously hurting your hair. I have done it the correct way and (to my dismay) the wrong way.

The wrong way resulted in a pixie cut that I'm at present trying to grow out along with many nights of sobbing over my lost hair length. Only, hair grows, and even earlier it does, you lot can gear up the color hands! Acquire from my mistakes.

Good luck!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is non meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2011 Rozenwyn

Vi diddit on January 25, 2019:

I picked a colour that was too dark what practice i practice at present

Lori on June 24, 2018:

I colored my hair at domicile with Ion hair color and developer. The color on the box said medium intense brown. My pilus naturally is medium brown and so this color sounded pretty. Well it is mode to dark. Most blackness. What practice u recommend to lighten it to a brown without the black in it?

Gerri on May 16, 2018:

Hair past salon coloured my hair dark blond but information technology turned out quite dark and at present my roots (gray) are showing and I want to lighten my hair. I accept washed it many times and it did go it a bit lighter past using Age Defy medium blond to soften the night pilus but it didn't have to the roots. What should I practise now?

Penelope Fowler on August 22, 2017:

Iwanted light dark-brown my phsco roommate locked me out of bathroom and so my haircolor stayed on to long and turned and turned dark auburn so need to change to light brow. Thanks

jeane on March 21, 2017:

I am up late then stressed out because I got a $200 balayage, only for information technology to plow out to be the worse colour chore I have ever received. I am a natural level 5n-6n and highlights turn brassy on me very easily. I explained all this to the lady. I asked for root touch on upwards, and highlights in the blonde yellowish-ash range. She did my roots a three with bluish undertones, and my highlights with vii with green undertones. I wait like I take black roots and burn out dry rust colored ends. I am freaking out. I tin can image spending more coin to fix this mess as this was a splurge for me to brainstorm with.

Sondra on June 22, 2016:

I take colored my hair since I was 16. I "thought" I knew hair colour pretty well and what brands I could trust Incorrect! Loreal has e'er had dependable products, so I trusted the name. What I didn't know was Loreal Feria was a totally unlike brute. I had kept my hair crimson for years and the instructions on the box said exercise the blond first, then go for the grey, which is what I wanted since I wanted to simply let my hair go natural as information technology grew. Ok, I put the gray on about a month (today) later on I did the blond. BTW the blond came out cute. Not so with the greyness. Subsequently putting it on similar it said and waiting the proper amount of time I rinsed my now deep majestic hair. I wanted to scream. I reshpooed it, nothing. I did it over again while searching for what to exercise. Second shampoo non much amend. I institute a suggestion to mix shampoo with baking soda. I'yard getting gear up to rinse that out and see what I've got. I establish one other proposition that had soda in it, but I have to go back and encounter what the rest are. Wish me luck.

Work in progress

Rozenwyn (author) from Portland, OR on Dec 28, 2015:

@Steph, oh no! I'm and then sorry that happened! I've been right there with you. Unfortunately, color removers, like colour b4, only piece of work with permanent colors. A semi-permanent is more of a stain on your strands, so the remover has nothing to reverse. I would exist very conscientious considering how many processes are already on your pilus. Unfortunately, my best advice is to get a harsh drugstore clarifying shampoo and use it a few times; you tin can fifty-fifty suds it upward and leave information technology on your head like a hair mask. That can really assist to lighten and soften the color. However, it won't restore it to your blonde hair. Anything else, like a bleach shampoo, I would recommend going to a professional that can assess the state of your hair before attempting to lighten it more. Adept luck! Permit me know how it turns out.

Steph on December 28, 2015:

I was blonde, but I hated my roots, then I colored my hair with wella medium blond dye that was semi permanent it went way to dark and had green in information technology! And so I added Loreal medium brown permanent dye and information technology didn't cover and it went even more green! Went to my stylist and we went dark brown black using Redken shades eq. Information technology was semi permanent plus she added a piddling red to counter human action the dark-green. I hate it and want my light hair back! I have used color b4 and I liked it. But now I am not certain if I tin can use information technology on semi permanent pilus colour. My hair is short so I can not beget to destroy my hair and I exercise not want to bleach. Not sure what to exercise.

casey on October 28, 2014:

Omg... so I had to come write here after reading posts about my disastrous nighttime. It's 5 am and I couldn't even sleep due to the monstrosity my pilus had become with the dark purple SPLAT. I recently did the bluish and was in dearest with it, I was fix for another color (I take several I purchased to try), and was concerned about the blue /blackness the was left in my pilus. A lil backstory, I did the blueish on my natural color then decided to bleach the front strands and a small office of my underhair. The blue hadn't washed out yet so I decided to rebleach the forepart and nether hair, and like an idiot, decided to bleach the residual of my hair for a quick x minutes to get the blue out completely. Well I definitely effed up the bleaching all over simply was like Screw it! I'll dye it the purple, no1 volition notice! Holy hell assurance information technology was horrific! I'thousand not certain if information technology was the imperial, the bleach job or god telling me your to old to dye your pilus, but it was a mess! I wish I had a pic but I was bright purple in the front and underhair and a very strange cranberry pink/imperial for the rest! So after trying to become to sleep, declining miserably!, I started looking up how to get this out. .. existence that splat is a directly dye, most things don't piece of work. I tried color oops earlier to get the blue out and that did nothing. I figured my only hope was either washing my pilus vigorously for days or re bleaching information technology again... and my hair is thin, I knew it would intermission off if I did. So ive been researching and what I tried was

* johnsons infant shampoo

* a piffling hydrogen peroxide

* some blistering soda thrown in

* and I used a tablespoon, maybe more than, of the base for the bleach that comes with splat.

To be more than specific, not the packet of bleach, but the canteen of oxide you Add together the packet of bleach to.

I brushed information technology over the front and under hair for 10 minutes and and so did residuum of my pilus. Put a cap on my caput and left it for 15- 20 minutes.

Lemme tell you folks,,, about 80% of the color came out! !! If not more! ! The front and underhair that i bleached blonde is at present a lavenderish colour and the remainder of my hair is back to the lite brownish colour from when I bleached for x minutes. .. still a mess.. Merely holy crap what a departure! ! Much improve then what I started off with lemme tell you! I really wanna practice something with what's left but instead put on a deep intensive conditioner and im leaving it on for a few hours. Hopefully this helps for anyone else with the aforementioned issue!

Mel on December thirteen, 2012:

Hi this was a great read thanks. i have a vague colour correction question some advice would exist welcome. While I understand how colour works my salon life is not as a colourist so any experienced advice would be ideal.

My friend who lives quite a distance from me decided stupidly to bleach her below shoulder length medium (5/vi) brown hair blonde. Well of form the results were predictable as brownish lifted a couple of shades and left her with orange/xanthous. Now this is where information technology gets complicated as I'm unsure to what she had done adjacent. She seems unsure to what the salon used to make her dark, dark brown nearly blackness but now apparently hates this result. I've told her to get back to the salon straight abroad to have it corrected. Nonetheless I don't know the salon and am unsure of the correct procedure to aid her lift this dark brown a few shades lighter to as close as possible to the original medium dark-brown that she begun with?

If possible please can yous explicate what the procedure would be if this dark brown was either permanent or a semi permanent color? For example my alarm bells would be ringing if the salon suggested more bleach (on such long pilus) am I correct in this and what's the best directions I can give her?

biancalyne on July 16, 2012:

I did this one time, and it'southward ever awful when you become to dark! The showtime time I went to the salon and they told me they'd have to bleach information technology out and cutting all my pilus off.. that was a lamentable, sad day. Later on regrowing all my hair I did it again and information technology came out almost blackness when I had picked a light dark-brown. I did my reasearch that time equally I did Non desire to have my pilus bleached and chopped off again, I found this awesome stuff chosen Color Opps. I practical information technology like a hair dye and washed afterward half an hour and the colour faded to an crawly lighter brown! I'm suprised more people don't know these products exist and resort to the bleach and cut method. I didn't know they were available until it was suggested to me online and my stylist didn't know about information technology either! (Or possibly they only make a lot of money from DIY screw ups). Either style, great post! Thanks :)

xxox

B

Source: https://bellatory.com/hair/How-to-correct-a-too-dark-hair-color

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