Coloring your hair can be a fun and transformative experience, allowing you to express your personal style and enhance your overall look. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and you may find yourself facing a hair color disaster. Whether your hair is too dark, too light, has unwanted tones, or you’ve made any other color mistake, don’t worry! In this article, we will guide you through the world of corrective coloring, providing you with tips and techniques to fix common hair color mishaps. Let’s dive in!
What is Corrective Coloring?
Corrective coloring is a hair coloring technique used to fix or adjust hair color that has gone wrong. It involves identifying the color mistake and applying the appropriate corrective measures to achieve the desired result. Depending on the issue at hand, corrective coloring can range from simple toning or color adjustment to more complex processes involving multiple steps.
Hair Is Too Dark
One of the most common color mishaps is ending up with hair that is darker than desired. If your hair is too dark, here’s how you can lighten it:
Lightening Shampoos and Clarifying Treatments: Start by using a lightening or clarifying shampoo to gradually lift the dark color from your hair. These products work by removing excess color pigment and can help lighten your hair over time.
Color Remover: If you want a more immediate result, you can opt for a color remover. These products help strip away the color molecules from your hair, allowing you to start with a clean canvas.
Bleaching: If your hair is significantly darker than your desired shade, bleaching may be necessary. However, it’s important to approach bleaching with caution, as it can be damaging to your hair. Consider seeking professional help to ensure the process is done safely.
Hair Color Is Too Light
On the other end of the spectrum, having hair that is too light can also be problematic. To darken your hair color, try the following methods:
Demi-Permanent or Semi-Permanent Dyes: Use a demi-permanent or semi-permanent dye in a shade slightly darker than your current hair color. These dyes are less damaging than permanent ones and allow you to darken your hair without drastic measures.
Color-Depositing Conditioners and Toners: Color-depositing conditioners and toners can be used to add depth and richness to light hair. Look for products that match the desired tone, whether warm or cool, and apply them according to the instructions.
Professional Assistance: If your hair is significantly lighter than intended and you’re not comfortable correcting it yourself, it’s best to seek the help of a professional colorist. They have the expertise to choose the right products and techniques to achieve your desired hair color.
Uneven, Patchy Tone and Spots from Bleach
Bleaching your hair can lead to uneven and patchy results if not done correctly. To address this issue, follow these steps:
Toner or Demi-Permanent Dye: If your hair has uneven tones or spots, a toner or a demi-permanent dye in the desired shade can help neutralize the unevenness. Apply the product to the affected areas and leave it on as instructed. This will help even out the overall color.
Consult a Professional: If the patchiness is severe or if you’re unsure about how to correct it, consult a professional colorist. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may involve additional processes such as color correction or partial re-bleaching.
Unwanted Tones
Unwanted tones in your hair can be frustrating, but they can be fixed. Here’s how:
Purple/Blue Tones: If your hair has turned purple or blue, it is likely due to an overuse of cool-toned dyes or toners. Counteract these unwanted tones by using a warm-toned dye or toner to neutralize the cool tones. Opt for shades with gold or red undertones to balance out the color.
Orange/Yellow Tones: If your hair has orange or yellow tones, it could be a result of brassy undertones. Use a purple or blue toning shampoo or conditioner to cancel out the warm tones. Apply it to your hair and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing.
Green Tones: Green tones often occur when attempting to neutralize red or orange tones without considering the underlying pigment in your hair. To counteract green tones, use a red-toned color depositing shampoo or conditioner to restore a more natural hue.
Color Correction at Home
While it’s generally recommended to seek professional help for major color corrections, there are some minor fixes you can attempt at home. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
Research and Preparation: Before attempting any color correction at home, research the techniques and products that are best suited for your specific color mistake. Understand the risks involved and gather all the necessary materials before starting the process.
Patch Test: Perform a patch test before applying any products to your entire head of hair. This will help you determine how your hair will react to the products and prevent any potential allergic reactions.
Follow Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions provided with the products you are using. Overprocessing or leaving products on for too long can result in further damage or undesirable outcomes.
Gradual Correction: When attempting color correction at home, it’s often best to take a gradual approach. Avoid drastic measures and make small adjustments over time to minimize potential damage to your hair.
Now that we have discussed the general tips for correcting hair color, let’s dive into 12 common color mistakes and how to correct them.
12 Common Color Mistakes and How to Correct Them
1.Dark Hair Color Correction to Light:
If you have dark hair and want to lighten it, it’s essential to approach the process with caution. Here’s how to correct it:
1.1 Start by using a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup from your hair.
1.2 Apply a lightening or bleach product to gradually lighten your hair. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-processing.
1.3 Once you have reached the desired lightness, tone your hair with a color or toner that suits your desired shade. This will help neutralize any unwanted undertones.
2.Bad Blonde Color Correction:
If your blonde hair has turned brassy or uneven, follow these steps to correct it:
2.1 Use a purple or blue toning shampoo or conditioner to counteract the brassy tones. Leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing.
2.2 If the brassiness persists, you may need to apply a toner in a cool shade to neutralize the unwanted warmth.
2.3 Maintain your blonde color by using color-protecting products and scheduling regular touch-ups.
3.Too Ashy Tone Correction:
If your hair has turned overly ashy or grayish, here’s how to correct it:
3.1 Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess ashiness.
3.2 Use a warm-toned dye or toner to add warmth and balance to your hair color. Look for shades with gold or red undertones.
3.3 Adjust the processing time based on your desired result. Keep in mind that warm-toned dyes may need more time to develop than cool-toned ones.
4.Fixing Yellow Blonde:
If your blonde hair has developed a yellow tone, follow these steps to correct it:
4.1 Use a purple or blue toning shampoo or conditioner to neutralize the yellow tones. Leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing.
4.2 If the yellow tones persist, consider applying a toner in a cool shade to cancel them out.
4.3 Regularly use color-protecting products to maintain your desired blonde shade and prevent future yellowing.
5.Fixing Spotty Bleached Hair:
If your hair has uneven spots after bleaching, here’s how to fix it:
5.1 Apply a toner or demi-permanent dye in the desired shade to even out the color. Make sure to choose a shade that matches your overall desired hair color.
5.2 If the spots are significant, consider seeking professional help for a more precise correction. A professional colorist can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions.
6.Highlights Gone Wrong:
If your highlights didn’t turn out as expected, follow these steps to correct them:
6. 1Apply a toner or demi-permanent dye in a shade that matches your desired result. This will help blend the highlights with the rest of your hair.
6.2 If the highlights are too bright or stark, you can soften them by using a hair glaze or gloss. These products add shine and create a more seamless transition between colors.
6.3 Seek professional assistance if the highlights are drastically different from what you intended. A colorist can help you achieve a more natural and balanced result.
7.Fixing Uneven Hair Color:
If your hair color is uneven, with different shades in various sections, try the following:
7.1 Apply a toner or demi-permanent dye in the desired shade to even out the color. Make sure to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair.
7.2 Consider seeking professional help if the unevenness is significant or if you’re unsure about how to correct it. A professional colorist can provide targeted solutions based on your specific situation.
8.Bad Red Hair Dye Job Correction:
If your red hair color didn’t turn out as expected, follow these steps to correct it:
8.1 Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess dye from your hair.
8.2 Apply a color remover if the red dye is still vibrant. This will help strip away the color molecules.
8.3 Apply a new shade of red or a different color altogether to achieve your desired result. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with the new color.
9.Orange Roots After Dyeing Hair:
If your roots turn orange after dyeing your hair, here’s how to fix it:
9.1 Apply a toner or demi-permanent dye in a cool shade to neutralize the orange tones. Look for shades with blue or green undertones to counteract the warmth.
9.2 If the roots are significantly orange, it’s best to seek professional help. A colorist can provide targeted solutions and ensure a seamless blend between your roots and the rest of your hair.
10.How to Fix a Bad Ombre:
If your ombre didn’t turn out as expected, follow these steps to correct it:
10.1 Apply a toner or demi-permanent dye to the transition area between the two colors. This will help create a more seamless and blended effect.
10.2 If the contrast between the colors is too stark, consider adding some intermediary shades to create a smoother transition.
10.3 Seek professional assistance if the ombre requires significant correction or if you’re unsure about how to achieve the desired result.
11.How to Fix Purple Hair:
If your hair turned out purple instead of the desired color, here’s how to correct it:
11.1 Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to help fade the purple color.
11.2 Apply a color remover if the purple is still vibrant. This will help remove the excess pigment from your hair.
11.3 Apply a new shade that matches your desired color, making sure to follow the instructions provided with the new dye or toner.
12.How to Fix Green Hair Color Mistake:
If your hair has turned green, often caused by swimming in chlorinated water or using certain hair dyes, follow these steps to correct it:
12.1 Use a clarifying shampoo or a mixture of baking soda and water to remove the green tint.
12.2 Apply a color-correcting product specifically designed to neutralize green tones. Look for products with red or reddish-brown pigments.
12.3 Seek professional assistance if the green color is persistent or if you’re unsure about how to correct it. A colorist can provide targeted solutions based on your specific situation.
Remember, hair color correction can be a complex process, and it’s essential to approach it with care. If you’re uncertain or the color mistake is significant, it’s always best to seek professional help from a skilled colorist who can guide you through the correction process while minimizing damage to your hair.
In conclusion, while hair color mistakes can be disheartening, they are not irreversible. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can tackle common color mishaps and achieve the hair color you desire. With patience, proper products, and sometimes the assistance of a professional, you can correct any color mistake and restore your confidence in your beautiful locks.