Hair coloured with a box dye can be corrected with professional colour correction services at a salon.
Yes, but make sure to have it professionally done! Results on hair colored with box color can be unpredictable and inconsistent and getting them fixed will almost surely cost more than having it professionally done in the first place.
"Experts advise waiting at least 2 weeks (technically 15 days) before dyeing it again. However, this is the minimum amount of time and, in some cases, you may need to extend that period to 4 weeks.
If you had a bad coloring job your best bet is to visit a reputable beauty salon and have a trained professional perform corrective coloring that will rid you of the unnatural color and give your hair a second chance.
"If the tone is slightly darker in some areas, you can try to scrub those areas with a clarifying shampoo to lessen the visibility of the different tones," Tang says. If you can eventually achieve that even base, you can re-dye the hair — if your hair is healthy enough, that is.
If you walk out unhappy—without saying anything—your stylist misses the chance to fix the issue. In most cases, they'd prefer you let them know so they can address it promptly. According to a 2022 industry survey, 86% of stylists say they'd rather clients voice concerns immediately rather than stay silent.
Uneven, Imprecise Results
Hairdressers formulate custom colours tailored to clients' natural shades, desired looks and hair conditions. Box hues often turn out brassy, muted or uneven. DIY kits also cannot replicate the meticulous sectioning, application and timing of salon services. Mistakes lead to splotchy results.
Generally speaking though, it's best to wait 4-6 weeks before having another color treatment – in most cases, this is enough anyway and reduces the risk of hair damage. There are some exceptions, but in general, it's better to err on the side of caution and wait for this long.
The fastest way to remove hair dye is typically by using a clarifying shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos contain strong cleansing agents that can effectively strip color from the hair. It's important to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment, as these shampoos can be harsh and drying on the hair.
One of the main reasons why hairdressers hate box dye is the difficulties that come with colour corrections. Eventually, many clients who box dye their own hair will come to a salon for a colour service - whether it's because they need their colour fixing, or just because they now want a professional result.
Color removers: Specialized products like Revlonissimo™ Technics Color Remover can be an essential ally to help you to correct color by either partially or totally removing the stubborn color pigments that have been applied to the hair.
A semi-permanent color generally fades over time, usually after four to twelve washes. However, it is unlikely that the color will completely wash out, especially if you have used a darker shade. If your hair has been dyed for a long time or if it is porous, some color pigments may remain.
Go to the salon.
A professional colorist should know how to remove hair dye with minimal damage, and they can help correct any color mistakes (like orange hair) that may arise from the removal process. If you're worried about potential damage and hair breakage, ask your colorist to do a test strand.
"Tell your colorist—calmly—that you are unhappy with how the look turned out, and he or she will be understanding," celebrity colorist Rita Hazan says. Try to explain exactly what you don't like about the color. Is it too dark all over? Is the tone too warm or too cool?
If you made a mistake with box dye
If you're fixing it at home, wait at least two weeks, but professional advice might expedite the process.
Adding depth and cool roots is the best approach to correcting unwanted warmth. If you only have unwanted warmth at your roots, then applying a colour with a bit more depth and cool tones at your roots only can correct hot roots. Apply the colour as a root smudge only, without adding depth to your lengths.
Wait at least two weeks before applying another color.
Applying dye again too soon after coloring your hair can cause extensive damage and breakage. Additionally, you will have no way to predict how the color will look, since you're dyeing over an existing dye-job.
First things first, going back to your natural hair color is still considered a big color change, so be sure you book a hair color consultation with a professional colorist. The colorist will most likely run their fingers through your strands to assess the integrity of your hair and scalp.
yes but depends on what you want to achieve at the salon. It is impossible to remove box dye without bleach (unless you're willing to grow it out). If you are looking to go lighter and have boxed-dyed hair, you will only be able to do this with a bleaching service.
“You get what you pay for” has never been more true than when comparing box hair color to professional, in-salon, hair color services. While it may seem like a good option for the budget-conscious DIY-er, in the end, box hair dye can destroy those healthy locks (and wallets) you're working so hard to protect.
Bring Photos
Describing the type of layers or shade of color you're looking for can be difficult, and the stylist might imagine your words differently. A picture is worth a thousand words. Don't worry. We have all the options to get you started.
The best option is to complain while you are still in the salon or barbershop. Otherwise, go back as soon as possible after your appointment. Don't go somewhere else to have things put right as the salon, barbershop or independent contractor will need to see how things were left at the end of your appointment.