Hair dye disasters can happen at home or in the salon. Before you get out the scissors, it is possible to save hair that has been colored incorrectly without cutting it off. Because fixing hair dye can sometimes cause damage and breakage to your hair, consult a professional to determine whether your hair is healthy enough to be fixed. If your hair is already damaged, wait until your hair grows out before subjecting it to harsh dyes and hair color strippers.
Step 1
Dye your hair darker. If your hair has been dyed blond or brown, dying it a darker shade of brown or black may disguise the hair dye that is already there. Apply a protein filler 10 minutes before applying an at-home hair dye to ensure the color permeates into your hair.
Step 2
Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo, like Prell. Washing your hair in hot water with shampoo will cause your color to fade. Although it may not take the color out completely, it may reduce some of the intensity and allow you to dye over it, if necessary.
Step 3
Bleach your hair and start over. Avoid bleaching your hair if your hair is damaged, dry or feels gummy when it is wet. Use an at-home bleaching kit on your entire head according to the package's instructions, then wait several hours before dyeing it a more neutral color.
Step 4
Use a hair dye stripper to remove the majority of the color. You can buy hair dye stripper at drugstores or beauty supply stores. It uses harsh chemicals to fade hair dye. Usually, hair dye stripper will leave hair looking muddy and you will need to dye again before it reaches a desirable color. Hair dye stripper damages hair follicles, and you should only use it as a last resort for color removal.
Step 5
Apply a hair rinse to temporarily disguise botched hair color. "Marie Claire" magazine suggests mixing half a bottle of shampoo with half a bottle of hair rinse in a color that closely matches your natural hair color. Leave the mixture in your hair for 15 minutes, then rinse your hair in the shower. The color will last for approximately three to six weeks, while the hair dye disaster grows out.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do not have a clarifying shampoo on hand, use liquid dish soap.
- Consult a professional hair colorist if your hair is damaged.
Things You'll Need
- Protein filler
- At-home hair dye
- Clarifying shampoo
- At-home bleach kit
- Hair dye stripper
- Hair rinse
Member Comments