Hair Color Correction: What To Expect At The Salon

Overprocessed Or Damaged Hair

Frequent chemical treatments can weaken hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Lightening dark hair too quickly can cause damage. Corrective treatments are often needed to restore color and improve hair health.

When Color Changes Go Wrong

Dramatically changing your hair color—like going from jet black to platinum blonde—can be a challenging process. Without the right skills and expertise, the results may look muddy, flat, or unnatural. 

Common Hair Coloring Mistakes That Call For Correction

Knowing what can go wrong during the hair coloring process can help you determine if a color correction is needed. Here are some of the most common issues that lead clients to seek a color correction hair professional to fix their hair color:

Brassy Tones

Brassy tones are a common challenge when aiming for blonde hair or subtle highlights, but ending up with unwanted orange or overly warm hues. This often happens to brunettes, lightening their hair without proper toning, leaving a result that’s far from the desired shade.

Overly Ashy Strands

While cool tones are highly sought after, overdoing it can result in ashy, dull gray strands that lack vibrancy. This imbalance dulls your hair, needing correction to restore warmth and a natural, balanced look.

Banding 

Banding happens when hair shows uneven stripes of color or tone. It’s often caused by poorly done coloring. This is common with at-home root touch-ups. The new roots don’t blend smoothly with the older, colored lengths.

Muddy Colors

Muddy or dull hair happens when colors are mixed incorrectly. Dramatic transitions can make this worse. For example, going from vibrant red to cool brown without proper techniques can cause unwanted undertones. The result is flat, lifeless hair.

Hot Roots

Hot roots happen when the roots of your hair appear noticeably lighter, warmer, or redder than the rest of your hair. This common issue often arises from uneven application of bleach or box dye. Hot roots can throw off your hair color. They usually need extra processing to blend with the rest of your hair.

How Professional Colorists Approach Color Correction 

Color correction is never a “one-size-fits-all” process. A talented colorist begins by thoroughly assessing your hair to determine the most effective solution. Here’s a closer look at how they navigate this crucial evaluation stage:

Initial Consultation

Every great hair transformation starts with a comprehensive consultation. Your stylist will scrutinize your hair’s history, discussing: 

• Previous salon treatments or DIY color applications. 
• The specific dyes or chemicals you’ve used. 
• Your long-term goals for your hair. 

Honesty is key. Share details like recent changes or at-home box dye use. This helps your colorist create a plan tailored to you.

Hair Condition And Color Assessment

Before applying any products, your colorist will carefully assess the condition of your hair. Key factors they consider include:

• Texture and Porosity: Dry or porous hair absorbs color unevenly. Use gentler techniques to get the desired result. 
• Current Tone: Understanding tones like brassiness or ashiness is key. It helps stylists enhance or neutralize specific hues effectively. 
• Hair Health: Damage from bleaching, over-processing, or heat styling can limit correction. Safe results may not be possible in a single session.

Personalized Plan 

After the assessment, the colorist creates a custom plan to achieve your desired result. This process typically includes: 

• Toning: Using specialized formulas to neutralize unwanted hues. Targets brassiness or overly cool ash tones. 
• Lightening or Color Removal: Gently bleaching or stripping overly dark or dull shades to create a clean foundation for the next steps. 
• Re-dyeing: Layering fresh color to restore vibrancy, balance, and depth. 

A skilled professional designs this plan to meet your goals. They ensure the health and integrity of your hair comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I correct a poorly done hair dye job at home?

Fixing serious hair color issues at home can lead to more damage or uneven results. Professional help ensures a tailored approach for your hair. If you can’t visit the salon right away, consult your colorist for temporary solutions like toning or color-safe treatments.

Is hair color correction damaging?

Hair color correction can involve processes like bleaching, toning, or color removal, which may stress your hair. Professional colorists use advanced techniques and quality products to minimize damage. Post-treatment care with restorative products is key to restoring your hair’s health, softness, and strength.

How soon after a botched dye can I get a correction?

The timing for color correction depends on your hair’s condition and the extent of the issue. Minor fixes can be done immediately, but significant changes may require waiting to avoid damage. Consult your colorist for a safe, effective plan.

What products help maintain corrected color?

To maintain corrected color, use toning shampoos to combat brassiness, especially for blondes. Strengthen and hydrate lightened hair with treatments, wash less often, and use dry shampoo to keep it fresh and vibrant.