Why did my hair dye turn out darker?

Author: Mr. Keyshawn Toy Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

Your hair's porosity refers to how much moisture it can retain. Some hair textures are naturally more porous, such as very fine or curly hair. Hair which is naturally more porous will over-absorb colour, leading to darker colour outcomes.

Why has my hair dye gone darker?

Oxidation: After lightening, hair can oxidize, which may cause it to appear darker. This can happen due to exposure to air and light, leading to a change in the hair's color.

How to fix hair that was dyed too dark?

There are a few ways to lighten a hair dye. You can use a clarifying shampoo, which will help to strip away the color. You can also try using a bleach bath, which will lighten your hair slightly. Finally, you can try using a lemon juice and water mixture, which will lighten your hair over time.

Does hair dye get darker the longer you leave it on?

Color treated hair is extremely porous and that means it absorbs dye very very fast. Color treated hair shouldn't process longer than about 5 minutes. If the dye stays on the hair the full recommended time, yes, that's gonna make the outcome very very dark, even if a lighter shade is used.

Why won't my hair take color anymore?

There are a few reasons the dye isn't taking; 1) It could be that your hair is naturally resistant to bleach 2) the developer may not be strong enough 3) you may not be leaving the dye in long enough. 4) direct dyes usually require hair to be lifted to a level 10 blonde or higher for best results.

What To Do If Hair Dye Is Too Dark | 6 Easy Methods To Tone Down Dark Hair Color

What causes hair not to hold color?

If your hair floats, it has low porosity, which means it will have a more difficult time both taking in and holding onto color. If your hair sinks, it has high porosity, which means it will take color but may not hold onto it too long.

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.

Should I shampoo after dying hair?

The answer may vary depending on who you ask, but most hair experts recommend waiting at least 48 hours before washing your hair again. This gives the color time to set and prevents it from fading too quickly. After that initial 48-hour waiting period, you can start shampooing every 1-2 weeks.

Why is my dyed blonde hair getting darker?

Product Buildup: Product buildup is another culprit, as the residue from shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can accumulate on the hair, weighing it down and contributing to blonde hair darkening. This is especially noticeable in lighter hair shades, where even a slight change in color can be quite apparent.

What happens if I leave hair dye on longer than recommended?

"If you leave your color on for too long, there is potential for extra deposit of pigment to occur. You can't make your hair too light by leaving a tint color on too long (unless you're bleaching), but it can make your hair darker than intended," says Tardo.

Will Dawn dish soap lighten dyed hair?

Dish Soap

Fortunately, if you go through the effort of using this drying soap on your dyed hair, it can help remove unwanted color. You'll need to do many washes to fade it out, but it is a step in the right direction if you want to remove a color.

How to correct 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.

Will purple shampoo lighten hair dyed too dark?

It's important to note that the pigment in purple shampoo isn't a lightener or hair dye but a gentle toner that works overtime. So it can't darken your hair or make it any lighter. For this reason, if your hair tone is too dark, it won't make it any brighter.

How do you fix hair dye that came out too dark?

How to Lighten Hair Dyed Too Dark with a DIY Approach
  1. Use a paste of Baking Soda and Lemon Juice.
  2. Wash your Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar.
  3. Take some Vitamin C Tablets.
  4. Wash Hair With Clarifying Shampoo.
  5. Use Purple or Blue Shampoo for Brassy Tones.
  6. Do a Bleach Bath.
  7. Bleed the Color Out.
  8. Use Hair Lightener or Toner.

What shampoo washes out hair dye?

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.

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.

Why did my dyed hair get darker?

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.

Why has my blonde hair dye gone brown?

Heat – such as that from your styling tools – can be one of the reasons why blonde hair turns brown. The solution? You don't have to give up your tongs, curlers or straighteners for good but do be aware of how often you use them and try to use a lower temperature setting if possible.

What happens if you use leftover hair dye?

Using old or expired hair dye can lead to funky colors and potential scalp irritation or allergic reactions. 🚫 Refrigerating the mix won't save the day either – it might actually decrease its effectiveness over time and still be unsafe for later use.

Should you rinse out hair dye with hot or cold water?

To keep your new hair colour vivid and bright, we recommend washing your hair with cold water (as cold as is bearable). Cold water keeps the hair cuticles closed and therefore stops the colour running out and fading too soon. Warm water is the enemy!

Can I use conditioner right after dying my hair?

After you've thoroughly rinsed your hair, applying a conditioner for dyed hair will also lock in the colour to prevent it from fading, and help keep it looking rich and vibrant.

How long to leave hair dye in before rinsing?

We often get the question: how long do you have to let the hair dye sit before rinsing it out? The answer is, you always have to let the dye sit for at least 35 minutes from the moment you've finished applying all of the dye. After 45 minutes the dye loses it's effect so it's no use letting it sit any longer.

Is it better to apply color depositing conditioner on wet or dry hair?

If you want more vibrancy blow dry and apply. If you are doing pieces and not the whole head it's easier to apply to dry or towel dried hair. If doing the whole head, it's easier to apply on wet or towel dried hair. If just enhancing your color or don't want it too bright shampoo, apply in shower on wet hair and rinse.

What developer is best for depositing color?

If you're using semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color, you'll need a developer with a lower volume, between 3 and 20 Vol. If you're using a permanent hair color, you'll need a developer with a higher volume. This is usually between 20 and 30 Vol.

Does depositing color damage hair?

If you're only depositing color on to the strand, there won't be much damage. Depositing color is about the same as depositing any styling product on your hair. It may be moisturizing, or it could be drying, but it probably won't permanently damage your hair.

Previous article
How to fix bad self tan hands?
Next article
Should I get a HydraFacial before vacation?