Can you get your original hair color back after dying it?

Author: Prof. Vince Predovic Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, November 10, 2025

If you had your hair colored with a semi-permanent hair dye, then the color should gradually fade away with every wash. There are semi-permanent hair dyes that usually last for around six weeks and fade quite quickly, so you'll be back to your original hair color in no time providing you wash your hair regularly.

How do I get my natural hair color back after dying it?

3 Additional Ways To Get Back to Your Natural Hair Color
  1. Grow out your hair. Growing your hair out is both the most effective and least damaging way to return to your natural color (though, depending on how quickly your hair grows, can take some time). ...
  2. Dye your hair—again. ...
  3. Opt for a short hairstyle.

Can your hair return to its original color after dying it?

Yes. Once your hair starts growing, you will again have your natural color at your roots. Using a permanent hair color does not change the color of the hair growing out of your scalp.

How long does it take for your original hair color to come back?

On average, hair grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) monthly. So, if you have shoulder-length hair and want to completely grow dyed hair to your natural color, it may take approximately 12 to 18 months. However, keep in mind that this timeline can be shorter or longer based on individual circumstances.

Can you reverse hair dye damage?

Chemically damaged hair can not be repaired. It can be camouflaged with conditioning treatments and styling products. Once the damaged hair is cut off it will be healthy again.

Hair care routine for colored hair | How to keep colored hair healthy | Nipun Kapur

How to reverse hair color damage?

Apply Deep Conditioner to Add Moisture

You'll need to do more deep conditioning than normal because your hair is now damaged. Aim to do deep conditioning once per week if you have color-treated natural hair. Deep conditioning treatments will help to add in the moisture you've lost through the open cuticles.

Can you change your hair color back to normal?

When it comes to giving your mane a breather from salon color, you have two options—dye your hair to match your natural base shade, or gradually grow-out your salon hue.

Can you dye over permanent hair dye?

Adbullah explains, "Since semi-permanent hair dye only coats the outside of the hair shaft and is used to darken the strands, it can be used over permanent hair dye. Permanent dye lightens the hair from the inside of the hair shaft and deposits color there. So the two processes work with different parts of the hair.

How to fix a bad hair dye job?

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.

Can hair color be restored?

Whether you're looking for a lower maintenance color fix, need to repair your hair, or just want to get in touch with your roots, going back to your natural hue is totally doable—but is safely and most successfully accomplished with a little help from your (Society) friends.

How to remove permanent hair dye at home?

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda can be an effective way to remove permanent hair dye naturally because of its lightening properties. Try mixing baking soda with lemon juice, which is acidic, to create a paste. Then, work the paste through your hair, allow it to sit for five minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

How to go back to brown from blonde?

How to Go From Blonde to Brown Hair
  1. Step 1: Don't Go Too Dark at Home. ...
  2. Step 2: Find a Professional You Trust. ...
  3. Step 3: Start With Clean Hair. ...
  4. Step 4: Use a Filler Shade First. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply Brown Dye. ...
  6. Step 6: Finish With a Hair Glaze.

Can you dye your hair again after dying it?

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.

Can GREY hair go back to natural color?

In case of nutritional deficiencies and underlying medical conditions, you can gradually slow down or even reverse the process. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced, nutritious diet and low stress levels to get your natural hair colour back.

How do I get my natural hair back?

Tips for Going Natural
  1. Wash and condition weekly or within every 12 days. There's long been a misconception that because textured hair can be drier, you don't need to wash it very often. ...
  2. Use moisturizing products. ...
  3. Try an intensive salon treatment. ...
  4. Experiment with protective hairstyles.

What to do if you hate your new hair color?

"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?

Why do hairdressers hate box dye?

Certain harsh chemicals in popular box dyes have given many stylists pause. Common concerns include: Ammonia - This mixing agent lifts cuticles to deposit colour but is quite drying over time. Peroxide - High volumes like 30+ developer cause more damage to delicate hair.

Why did my blonde hair dye turn my hair brown?

The primary reason why hair goes so dark when you dye it is often related to the dye application itself. That is, many people make the mistake of coloring their entire head of hair each time they color. Not only do you not need to do this, you don't want to do this, either.

Can I color over already colored hair?

Dye your roots only.

Applying the dye to hair that you've already colored can cause the color to darken and your hair to become brittle from over treatment. Start applying the product on your scalp and work your way until you reach the end of the new growth. Leave the ends of your hair untreated.

What is the best color depositing conditioner?

Our favorite color-depositing conditioner is the dpHue Gloss+ thanks to its wide range of shades, easy application, and ability to soften and hydrate hair. For a clear gloss that adds shine to any hair color, we recommend the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer.

Does permanent hair dye ever fully wash out?

It is important to note that while the color will never fully fade out of the hair strand, the tone of the color can fade over time, losing its vibrancy and richness. Therefore, it will need to be refreshed at some point. 2. As your hair grows, the color grows out.

How can I get my hair back to its original color?

Start Slow With Lowlights & Toning

"We start by adding your natural color back into your hair appointments," he says, recommending lowlights in the tone of your natural hair color. "Doing this slowly is better as you don't want to rush the process and freak out!"

How do you fix a hair color mistake?

Daily washes with hot water and a clarifying shampoo (not a color-safe shampoo) will go a long way toward washing out your color. Until your hair is ready for another attempt at dyeing, you can use a cool-toned gloss to tide you over with short-term hair color correction while also adding gorgeous shine.

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