How do you darken highlights that are too light?

Author: Bo Ledner I  |  Last update: Sunday, April 6, 2025

What to do with highlights that are too light? First things first, try a toner. While your highlights may seem too bright, it could be that you're actually seeing undesired tones in them, and a toner can help level things out.

What do I do if my highlights are too light?

Other Methods to Darken Highlights
  1. Spray a colored dry shampoo over your hair for a quick fix. ...
  2. Try a colored gloss treatment to subtly deepen highlights. ...
  3. Use a color-depositing shampoo to correct a brassy tone. ...
  4. Visit a salon if you're still not happy with your highlights.

How can I darken my hair that was bleached too light?

The fastest method is to use another, darker hair dye to cover the unevenly bleached hair. If you bleached your hair to a medium blond, for example, you could cover it with a light brown. To fix uneven bleached hair you can either dye your hair in a darker color or bleach it again. Dye your Hair in a Darker Color.

Can you tone highlighted hair darker?

Yes, you can tone down bleached hair to a darker color. Here are a few methods to consider: Demi-Permanent Hair Color: This is one of the most effective ways to darken bleached hair. Choose a shade that is darker than your current color but not too dark to avoid drastic changes.

How to fix hair color that is too light?

5 Tips to Correct Hair that Was Colored too Light
  1. 1) Apply a darker shade to your hair. Be careful not to end up with the opposite problem: having to correct a color that is too dark. ...
  2. 2) Choose a color full of nutrients. ...
  3. 3) Prevent other hair dye mistakes. ...
  4. 4) Pamper your hair. ...
  5. 5) Test before going forward.

Can you darken bleached hair with toner?

What to do if hair color is too bright?

What can you do if the hair dye has turned out too bright? The best thing to do is to dye your hair again but with a natural shade.

Can you put dark color over highlighted hair?

Yes, it is possible to apply an all-over color over existing highlights. However, there are a few factors to consider before proceeding: 1. Starting Color: The starting color of your highlights will affect the outcome when applying an all-over color.

What to do if you don't like highlights?

How to Get Rid of Highlights: An Expert Guide
  1. 01 of 05. Add Lowlights. Want to tone down the intensity of your highlights, while still keeping some dimension? ...
  2. 02 of 05. Shadow Root or Color Melt. ...
  3. 03 of 05. Use a Darker Gloss or Toner. ...
  4. 04 of 05. Cut Off the Highlights. ...
  5. 05 of 05. Use Permanent Color.

Can I tone my highlighted hair at home?

While salon-level toners are best reserved for the pros, luckily you can now achieve similar results at home with a toning shampoo. “Luckily there are a lot of amazing at-home toner products,” says Papanikolas.

How to fix bad highlights at home?

If your highlights look sloppy or streaky, pull strands away from your head before coloring next time. When you've separated the section you want to highlight, then you can apply the dye. Remember to coat the entire strand evenly, and be delicate when you're applying color close to your scalp.

How to fix hair color that is too light at roots?

As for those lighter roots? A root touch-up kit (you can use one with permanent color—or temporary dye) will help deepen the shade until it's time to color again in six or so weeks.

Will purple shampoo tone down blonde highlights?

Purple and yellow are opposites on the color wheel, which means they can be used to counteract one another. Since blonde hair that's turned brassy looks yellow, a pigmented purple shampoo can actually neutralize the yellow hue and take you back to the ashy blonde color you wanted in the first place.

What to do if you have highlights but want to go lighter?

If the existing highlights also need lifting, use a lightener with a lower volume developer on the lighter color, so strands blend more seamlessly with the base hair color. Once locks have been lifted to the correct underlying tone, rinse and neutralize, so your client is ready for toning.

Can you color correct highlights?

Some color corrections can be as simple as applying a toner to brassy highlights, while other processes like lifting a dark hair color can be more time-consuming and sometimes take more than one appointment to achieve.

How to fix over lightened hair?

Re-Dye the Hair a Darker Colour

Now, we understand you might be a bit nervous to put more dye on your hair after your bleaching disaster. However, dyeing your hair a darker colour is the fastest way to resolve badly bleached hair.

How to tone down highlights that are too light?

What to do with highlights that are too light? First things first, try a toner. While your highlights may seem too bright, it could be that you're actually seeing undesired tones in them, and a toner can help level things out.

Will toner darken my highlights?

However, toner is a great option if you find yourself in this predicament. While it may not literally darken the color of your hair, it can neutralize or reduce the appearance of the brighter, brassier tones in your hair, making it appear a bit darker in the process.

What to do if I hate my bleached hair?

If you don't want the bleached hair and want you natural hair the only thing you can do is cut it all off and wait for your hair to grow. Otherwise you can go to a professional and ask them to dye your hair as close to your natural colour as possible. Don't try it at home because you could end up ruining your hair.

How can I darken my hair after highlights?

The simplest way to darken highlights is with toner, which is applied after bleaching but before coloring. This helps achieve the desired tone and hue, while removing unwanted orange tones and brassiness.

What happens if you put brown hair dye on blonde highlights?

As you'll learn below, going dark isn't just a process of applying brown dye straight to blonde hair. In fact, if you do go that route, you may end up with hair that appears muddy, inky or an otherwise unnatural color.

Can highlights be darker than hair color?

Highlights are usually associated with blonde, but they are gorgeous on darker shades too! If you are a brunette, for example, you can still get your hair highlighted to a light brown – or if your hair is black, you can get it highlighted to a medium-dark brown color.

Does clarifying shampoo darken highlights?

Clarifying shampoos are powerful cleansers that can strip away color along with buildup, so they may cause color fading if used too frequently.

Will blue shampoo darken my highlights?

It's important to note that blue shampoo (and purple shampoo, for that matter) can't lift or lighten your strands. These types of toning shampoos can only deposit temporary pigments onto your hair's surface to help balance, refresh, and brighten existing highlights and hair color.

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.

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