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.
Call the salon and express your unhappiness, especially if the color you got really doesn't match the picture you brought in. They will most likely be super understanding and offer to have you come in to have it fixed at a discount or possibly even for free.
``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.
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.
You don't need a ``remover'' for temporary or semi permanent color, period. You can use a clarifying shampoo or even dish soap, leave it on for about 30 minutes, and THAT will do the trick. You can use a clarifying shampoo every wash and that will strip out temporary, semi AND demi permanent color over time.
Consider a Gloss
If you wish your red was just a little richer, your brunette a little deeper, or your blonde ever so slightly warmer, try an at-home gloss. The difference will be minor, but if you're looking for a small tweak, a three-minute, in-shower treatment may be all you need.
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.
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.
Here's the good news: while there are many ways that hair color can go wrong, there are even more ways for hair dye to be corrected. From clarifying shampoos and hair color removers like Prime for Perfection to glosses that counteract unexpected tones and shampoos that neutralize unwanted brassiness, help is out there.
If your hair dye is too dark, you can use a clarifying shampoo or a color remover to lighten it. Home remedies like baking soda and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can also help. For significant color correction, visiting a professional stylist is recommended.
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.
If you're looking to return to your natural shade, we suggest stripping your hair color with the dye remover mentioned above, and then using a permanent hair dye, like L'Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color, to re-color your hair.
Just as a purple shampoo neutralises brassy tones on blondes, using a blue shampoo on brown hair neutralises orange and red tones for brunettes.
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.
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.
Look at the texture and stretchiness of your hair
Check whether the hair surface is uneven, if it has kinks or if some sections of it snap quite easily. These are important signs that your hair is too damaged for a new shade of colour.
Some possible fixes include re-dying the hair (either the same colour or darker), nourishing your hair to improve the condition, using toner to touch up the patches, or using gloss treatments.
Hair color remover, also known as hair color eraser, is an in-salon treatment designed to remove hair dye. It works similarly to bleach, entering the hair shaft to strip old or unwanted color. Unlike bleach, though, hair color erasers won't lift any natural pigment from your hair: all they target is the artificial dye.
Waiting to Re-Dye Your Hair
When using demi-permanent or permanent hair dyes, it's important to wait two weeks before re-dyeing. Longer-lasting color changes tend to cause more damage. Temporary methods like color-depositing conditioners and demi-permanent dyes don't penetrate the hair cortex, resulting in less damage.
Generally, it's best to wait four to seven weeks before re-dyeing your hair so that you don't damage it, but you can try to dye it earlier if you really hate your current dye-job. If you're re-dyeing just to have a change, wait at least four weeks to apply the new color.
If you're feeling a bit more daring, you can try a bleach bath. This is a lighter, more diluted version of a full-on bleach, which helps lighten dyed hair without drastic results. Mix bleach and shampoo in a 1:1 ratio. Apply this mixture to your damp hair and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is made to break up oil on dishes, which it will also do to your hair, so beware of desert-dry tresses if you try this method. Fortunately, if you go through the effort of using this drying soap on your dyed hair, it can help remove unwanted color.
Dish Soap and Shampoo
Take about 5 drops of dish soap and add it to a quarter-sized amount of your shampoo. Use this concoction for 2-3 days to slowly remove the hair dye and see some results. Consider these methods if you are trying to wash out hair dye at home!
Sulphate-rich shampoos are ideal for stripping hair since they help to release the colour - especially with dark or vibrant colours. These include clarifying or deep cleansing shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo.