How do I fix my hair after a bad dye job?

Author: Dr. Kellie Parisian Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

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.

How to fix a bad dye job on hair?

The best way to fix a bad dye job is to use a color-correcting product. Color-correcting products can help reduce the amount of color in your hair to help blend the different tones together and make the new shade look more even.

How to fix damaged hair after coloring?

Comments Section
  • ALWAYS use cold water to wash your hair.
  • Use a no sulfate/color protecting shampoo and shampoo as minimally as possible.
  • Try out Roux Porosity Control Corrector & Conditioner.
  • My favorite deep conditioner that I've found is Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment.

What to do if you hate your hair after dying it?

Don't redye or do anything for a few days. Give your hair a good shampoo, deep condition jt, and style it your favorite way. Live with it for a day or two and then head to the salon you got it done at with photos of what you actually wanted. They should correct it for free if it's within the first week or 10 days.

How to remove bad hair dye job?

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.

Help, my hair color got too dark !!

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.

How soon can I recolor my hair if I don't like the color?

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.

How soon can I fix a bad hair dye job?

If you're dissatisfied with the result, contact a salon specializing in color correction. Semi- or demi-permanent dyes require less waiting time compared to permanent ones. If you're fixing it at home, wait at least two weeks, but professional advice might expedite the process.

What to do if you don't like your hair after getting it done?

Don't D.I.Y.

Maybe you weren't so sure how you felt in the chair, but don't try to fix it yourself with sewing scissors. Collect your thoughts and call the salon to explain your feelings and give them a chance for a do-over. They want to help just as much as you want to be helped.

What to do if a salon ruins your hair?

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.

How to fix damaged hair at home?

How to recover damaged hair fast
  1. Get a haircut to remove split ends.
  2. Use a hair serum or leave-in conditioner to smooth and protect the hair.
  3. Limit hair washing to once or twice a week to prevent further damage.
  4. Try a hair supplement or vitamin to promote hair growth and strength.

Will hair grow back after hair dye damage?

The good news is that hair loss due to hair dye can grow back with specific treatments, but it will take time.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

How do you fix damaged hair after coloring it?

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.

How soon can I dye my hair again to fix it?

How soon can you dye your hair again? You should wait at least two weeks after your last dye session to re-dye your hair, regardless of the reason. If you're maintaining your color, stylists recommend returning to the salon every four to six weeks for a touch-up.

How do you lighten hair that was dyed too dark?

Do a Bleach Bath: A bleach bath is a diluted mixture of bleach and shampoo that is applied to damp hair to lighten the color gradually. This method is less harsh than traditional bleaching and is suitable for those looking to lighten dark dye without causing excessive damage to their hair.

How to fix a bad 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 you repair hair that feels like straw?

The amount of time needed to repair dry and damaged hair depends on the extent of the damage it suffered. If the texture changes are small, you may simply need a few weeks of proper moisturising and conditioning. However, if the damage is severe, it can take several months to repair it, or it may even be irreversible.

How soon can I get a color correction?

Your color correction can be done immediately or after a few weeks depending on your current hue. Every stylist uses different formulas and techniques, however, and only they would be able to know the best time to do a color correction.

What to do if I hate my dyed hair?

Go Back to Your Natural Color

Whether you opt for a new colorist or return to the original colorist for a re-do, opt for a shade that's not too far off from your own. "Using your roots as a guide, select a color shade as close as possible to your natural color," says colorist Richy Kandasamy.

How to fix hot roots on brown hair?

On dark hair, hot roots can be corrected by using a darker shade to balance the color at your roots. If you are blonde and have hot roots, you are most likely not getting the amount of lift you need to get past the warmth that is exposed in the natural stages of lifting.

How do I know if my hair is damaged from dye?

Take a strand of hair, hold at both ends and pull gently. If it snaps, it's most likely damaged, but if you release it and it doesn't bounce back to its original shape, this is a sign of dryness. The cuticles might not be damaged, but the hair is lacking moisture to maintain its elasticity.

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.

How to remove hair dye from hair?

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 fix missed spots when dying hair?

You Missed a Spot

For a more permanent solution, try applying the hair dye to the exact area you missed before. Make sure to position a mirror in the right spot so you can see it clearly. Or, turn to a professional hair colorist who will be able to seamlessly fill in any gaps in your hair color without overlap.

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