Can you go back to your original hair color?

Author: Coby Keebler  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 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.

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 can I get my original hair color back?

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 you change your hair color back to normal?

Unfortunately this is not possible. Our hair color is genetically determined. All you can do is color it or lighten it, and touch up the new growth as it grows for maintenance.

Can bleached hair go back to original color?

When hair is bleached, the natural pigment (melanin) is removed, which can result in a lighter or even yellowish tone. The hair itself won't regain its original color once it has been bleached. However, over time, new hair growth will come in with its natural color, while the bleached hair will remain lighter.

HOW I GREW OUT MY DAMAGED BLEACHED HAIR | MY HAIR TRANSFORMATION

Will my hair ever go back to normal after bleaching?

Especially for bleach hair, you'll have to grow new hair to get your bleached hair back to usual. The time it would take depends mostly on how rapidly your hair grows, but it might take anywhere from two to three years.

How long does it take for permanent hair dye to fade completely?

The length of time that permanent hair dye will last depends on a few different factors, including the health of your hair, how often you wash it, what shampoo you use, and the type of hair dye you use. Generally speaking, though, you can expect permanent hair dye to last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.

Can I undo my hair color?

Use a clarifying shampoo

If you need to remove hair dye fast, reach for a clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo. These are like a deep cleanse for your hair. The harsh chemicals in these shampoos will strip your hair of color. They work by stripping away not just dirt and oil, but also any unwanted hair dye.

Can I put brown box dye over bleached hair?

Yes, but if you dying it more than 2 levels darker you may need to use a filler. Filler is a color that replaces the underlying pigment in the hair.

How to get hair back to natural color after bleaching?

Steps
  1. Let your bleached hair grow out for about 2 months. If you just got your hair re-bleached, let it grow out for a couple of months so you can see your natural hair color. ...
  2. Pick a red or gold demi-permanent color for your hair. ...
  3. Choose a hair dye that matches your natural roots.

How do I get my original color back?

Consult a Dermatologist

If home remedies and over-the-counter products do not seem to help, it might be time to consult a dermatologist. They can provide more targeted treatments such as prescription creams, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy to help you regain your original skin color.

What to do if you regret your hair color?

Go Back To The Salon

Color correction is a tricky process, so the best option is to leave fixing your hair color to the professionals. Sometimes when you try to fix your color yourself, you may cause more problems and it could cost you more money because you'll need to seek a professional to sort that out.

Can gray hair go back to original color?

This period, when graying has just begun, is probably when the process is most reversible, according to Paus. In those with a full head of gray hair, most of the strands have presumably reached a “point of no return,” but the possibility remains that some hair follicles may still be malleable to change, he says.

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

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 reverse hair dye damage?

The short answer is yes, you can reverse some of the damage caused by color treatments in your hair. The key is to use hair care products that are specifically designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair. Colouring your hair can weaken the bonds that hold your hair together, making it more prone to breakage.

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.

What happens if you put light brown dye on dark brown hair?

Colour doesn't lift colour…so, if you've previously coloured your hair to that dark brown, using a light brown won't do much, if anything at all. You may need to use a bleach or a very light blonde shade in order to lift it any and risk that orangey look.

Should I go back to my natural hair color?

"Going back to your natural hair color can allow the hair to have a softer outgrowth and can even help to strengthen the hair," says Gutterman. On a more personal note, Naselli adds that going back to your roots is a great opportunity to "embrace and celebrate your authentic self.

What happens if you put grey hair dye on brown hair?

If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.

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

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.

Does Dawn dish soap remove hair dye?

You can try washing with Dawn dish soap. It may remove some of the new dye If done quick enough. If you can't afford to go to a salon or there are none open for you to go to, you can try using a toner that will help tone down the new hair dye color.

What to do if hair color goes wrong?

Although it can be difficult to lighten strands once they're dark, all hope is not lost. Once you've noticed the color is too dark, you can make the dye fade faster by washing it as soon as possible with a clarifying shampoo — focusing on the deepest parts if the color is uneven.

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 make my permanent hair dye fade faster?

“A big trick is always using hot water when you shower, because it's opening up the cuticle and getting that dye to fade quicker,” she says. “Most brands and professionals will recommend cold water to keep the color vibrant, but for fading definitely use warm [or] hot water.”

What color stays in hair the longest?

As a general rule of thumb, darker colors tend to stay on the hair for longer. So, if you're adding lowlights, a root shadow or all-over depth, the shade will offer more mileage than, for example, light blondes, light browns or light reds. The same goes for pastel colors versus rainbow colors.

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