Hair color can be transformative, adding vibrancy and style to your look. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and you might end up with a hair color that doesn’t quite match what you envisioned.
Whether it’s a brassy blonde, a too dark shade, or uneven highlights, these hair color mishaps are more common than you might think. Hair color correction is the process of fixing these mistakes and restoring your locks to their ideal hue.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the best hair color correction techniques.
From understanding common color mishaps to expert solutions, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for fixing hair color mistakes and achieving the hair color of your dreams.
What is Hair Color Correction?
Hair color correction refers to the process of fixing undesirable hair color outcomes. This could be the result of home coloring gone wrong, a bad salon experience, or even fading over time. Color correction can help fix issues such as:
- Brassy or yellow tones in blonde hair
- Overly dark or flat colors
- Uneven color application
- Over processed or damaged hair
- Greenish or ashy hues
Color correction involves a variety of techniques that may require toners, color removers, dyeing techniques, or bleaching to adjust the unwanted tones and bring balance to the hair’s color.
Whether you’re looking to correct a mild color issue or deal with a more complex hair transformation, understanding the techniques available will help you achieve the best results.
The Most Common Hair Color Problems and How to Fix Them
1. Brassy, Yellow, or Orange Tones in Blonde Hair
Brassy or yellow undertones are especially common in blonde, silver, or lightened hair. These warm tones can make hair appear unnatural or unflattering and are typically the result of using the wrong lightening products or a lack of proper toning.
The Solution: Use Purple and Blue Shampoos
Purple and blue shampoos are essential tools for combating brassiness. Purple neutralizes yellow tones, while blue neutralizes orange tones.
These shampoos work by depositing purple or blue pigments into your hair to balance out the warmth and achieve a cooler, more neutral look.
How to Apply:
- Use purple or blue shampoo in place of your regular shampoo, depending on your hair’s needs.
- Leave the shampoo in for 3-5 minutes, or follow the instructions on the bottle.
- Rinse thoroughly, then follow with a conditioner.
Tip: For long lasting results, consider using purple or blue conditioners as well. They help maintain the cooler tones between washes.
2. Overly Dark Hair Color
Going too dark is another common issue, especially for those who try to lighten their hair or experiment with dramatic color changes. Too dark hair color can make you feel flat or washed out, and it may lack dimension.
The Solution: Color Removal or Lifting
If your hair has turned out too dark, you’ll likely need to use color remover or undergo lightening to correct it.
Color removers help to break down the artificial color molecules in your hair, effectively stripping the excess dye and allowing you to apply a more suitable color.
How to Apply:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about how to lighten your hair, it’s a good idea to seek expert advice.
- At home, use a color remover specifically designed for hair to help remove the excess dye.
- Once the unwanted color is gone, apply a new shade that’s closer to your desired tone.
Caution: Over lightening your hair can lead to damage, so it’s best to take it slow and consult a colorist if needed.
3. Uneven Color or Streaky Highlights
Uneven hair color happens when the dye isn’t applied correctly, resulting in patchy, streaky, or splotchy areas. This is common with home dye jobs, especially if the hair is not sectioned properly or if color is applied unevenly.
The Solution: Reapply Color in Sections and Blend
To fix uneven color, apply your hair dye in small sections, focusing on the areas that are lighter or patchy. It’s also essential to use a brush or applicator bottle to ensure a uniform application.
How to Apply:
- Divide your hair into small, even sections.
- Start applying the color at the roots and work your way down, ensuring that each section is fully coated.
- Blend the color properly to avoid harsh lines or streaks.
- Allow the color to develop fully according to the product’s instructions.
Tip: After applying the color, comb through the hair to distribute it more evenly and ensure that no spots are left untouched.
4. Too Light or Ashy Hair
If your hair has turned out too light or ashy, you may have chosen a shade that was too cool or pale for your skin tone. This often leads to a washed out or unnatural look, especially in darker hair.
The Solution: Apply a Warmer Tone or Color Gloss
To restore balance, consider applying a darker, warmer tone to your hair. A color gloss can also be used to add warmth and depth without committing to a full color change.
How to Apply:
- Opt for a warmer shade such as golden blonde or caramel.
- Apply the new color or gloss directly over the lightened or ashy hair.
- Let the product process according to the instructions.
- Rinse thoroughly and condition to lock in the warmth.
Tip: Consider using a balayage or highlighting technique to add depth and dimension rather than a solid all over color.
5. Green Hair After Dyeing
Green hair often occurs when blonde or lightened hair reacts with chemicals in water (like chlorine) or dyes that have a blue base. This causes the hair to take on a greenish hue.
The Solution: Use Red Based Toners or Shampoos
To neutralize green hair, you’ll need to apply a red based color corrector. Since red is the opposite of green on the color wheel, it will help cancel out the unwanted tones.
How to Apply:
- Use a red shampoo or red toning treatment.
- Apply the product directly to your damp hair, ensuring it covers the greenish areas.
- Leave the product on for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Tip: If you have significant green undertones, you may need to reapply the treatment a couple of times to fully neutralize the color.
6. Over Processed or Damaged Hair
When hair has been over bleached, it can become excessively dry, fragile, and prone to breakage. Over processing can also result in uneven color absorption and patchiness.
The Solution: Deep Conditioning and Color Restoring Treatments
Before making any adjustments to your color, you should focus on restoring your hair’s health. Deep conditioning treatments and protein rich masks are essential to rebuilding strength and moisture in your strands.
How to Apply:
- Use a deep conditioning mask to restore moisture and strengthen hair.
- Trim damaged ends to remove any split ends or excessive dryness.
- Once your hair is in better condition, apply a color treatment to even out the tone.
Tip: After repairing your hair, don’t rush the coloring process. Let your hair fully recover before making any further color changes.
Preventing Future Hair Color Mishaps
After correcting your hair color, it’s essential to maintain your hair to avoid future mistakes. Here are a few key tips to keep your color looking fresh and vibrant:
1. Do a Strand Test First
Before applying any hair color, always conduct a strand test to see how the color develops on a small section of your hair. This helps you understand how the dye will react with your hair, reducing the risk of unexpected results.
2. Visit a Professional Colorist
If you’re unsure about color correction or your desired shade, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional colorist. They have the experience to deal with complex color problems and can help you achieve your desired look without damaging your hair.
3. Use Color Protecting Products
After your color correction, switch to color safe and sulfate free shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair color looking fresh longer. These products are specially formulated to prevent fading and maintain color vibrancy.
4. Avoid Over Processing
Don’t overdo the coloring process. If you bleach or color your hair frequently, it can cause damage, leading to uneven or unpredictable results. Space out your coloring sessions and give your hair time to recover in between.
Conclusion
Hair color correction can be a delicate process, but with the right techniques, it’s entirely possible to fix any hair color mishap.
Whether your hair is too brassy, too dark, uneven, or damaged, these hair color correction techniques provide effective solutions to restore your hair’s color to its best version.
With a little patience and the right products, you can achieve healthy, vibrant, and flawlessly colored hair.
If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional colorist who can guide you through the process and ensure your hair remains healthy and beautiful.
5 FAQs About Hair Color Correction
- How long does hair color correction take?
It can take a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the issue and how many treatments are needed. - Is it safe to correct my hair color at home?
Minor corrections can be done at home, but more complex issues are better handled by a professional. - How often can I do color correction?
It’s best to wait several weeks between color corrections to avoid damaging your hair. - Will color correction completely restore my hair’s health?
Color correction fixes the color, but it won’t repair significant damage. You’ll need a good haircare routine for health restoration. - How do I prevent hair color mishaps in the future?
Do a strand test, use high quality products, and consult a professional if unsure.