Hair Color Correction Guide (2024)

Hair Color Correction

Having one plane color or one that has gone wrong can become dull with time. So, if you want to get rid of hair coloring faux and achieve the hair color of your dream, this article is for you. The term color correction refers to using any color service to tone out unwanted brassiness or to restore your hair’s integrity.

The Colour correction process can quickly go wrong if it is not done correctly. This is often why professional help is advised, but if you are pressed for time, they are easy hacks that can help fix this.

We have to agree that getting a color correction can be expensive and time-consuming and can even damage your hair if it is not done right. The first step to a successful color correction process is to learn about it.

Note that color correction is not the same thing as color grading, as many have them used interchangeably; however, color grading is more based on determining the depths level of your hair from lightning, toning, and dying. Read on to learn everything you need to know about color correction.

Coral Green Oil Slick Hair
Image: Glamour

Hair Color Correction Process Explained

While many people are familiar with hair color correction, they do not understand what happens in that process. The Colour correcting process involves dying your hair to a darker shade, toning out any brassiness, or neutralizing your hair color. Unlike the standard hair color change, color correction can be quite expensive.

Hair color correction can also be described as changing the color of your hair. Usually, it is to lighten it to a darker or lighter shade. There are many types of hair color correction, but the two common ones include making blond hair dark or making dim hair light.

When it comes to hair color correction, the process can take more than just one sitting, so remember that it can be time-consuming. The process can take months, depending on the color you hope to get. However, this method can help you restore your hair color, remove it or neutralize it.

How to Correct Different Hair Colors

Once the problem in the color of your hair is detected, the next step will be correcting it.

It is highly recommended that you get the help of a professional stylist to restore your hair color, and this is because harsh chemicals are used for the process, or make sure there is proper supervision in place.

So, if you are not ready for a bleaching treatment or any permanent hair dye, you can incorporate hair color correction instead. If you do this at home yourself, you will need toners and shampoos. So, below are different hair colors and how they can be corrected.

1. Lighten Dark Hair Colour

how often can you color your hair?
Image: @mrskiac via Twenty20

Many people often use the color-correcting process to lighten dark hair. If you wish to change your dark hair color or have previously dyed it too dark, then there are ways you can have it fixed to your preference.

How to correct it:

If you are going for a lighter shade of dark color, you can start with bleach. A lightening or clarifying shampoo can also help lift the color and give you the desired color. In addition, you can wash your hair with clarifying shampoos between salon visits.

2. Fix Ashy Blonde

If you want to fix your ash blonde hair color, either to lighten or darken it, do not stress about that; it can be improved.

How to correct it:

A couple of regular washes should wash it right out in no time if the plan is to tone down the color, and colors like red, sun-kissed orange, and yellow can easily remove the ashy tone. Using a warm toner can also help distribute the color evenly.

3. Cancel Out Brassy Orange Tone

After a while in your light strand, the brassy orange tone in your hair can be canceled out with the right color-correcting method. No one likes a brassy orange color; luckily, this can be fixed.

How to correct it:

To eliminate the unwanted brassiness, you would use the color blue printed shampoo or a conditioner. Blue works well with orange as they cancel each other out, thereby eliminating the brassy orange undertone. You should follow with a glossy neutralizer.

4. Correct Unevenly Dyed Hair

Unevenly dyed hair can be pretty annoying, and there are many reasons for this. If your base is patchy, then the solution might be to dye your hair again; however, here is how you can fix that.

How to correct it:

Use a color refreshing mask to even out the color, or wash with a clarifying shampoo. A clarifying shampoo will even out the color but won’t solve the problem, so you can use the same hair color again while reducing the leave in time. You can add highlights to hide the patchiness.

5. Fix Yellowish Hue

Yellowish hue is another color many will wish to correct. Blonde might be one of the most fabulous hairs in the world, but it can be high maintenance as well, and one of the downsides of it is the shabby yellowish hue that might develop. Here is how you can fix that.

How to fix it:

A purple ash toner can be used to correct the yellowish hue. It is particularly effective in neutralizing any yellowness in the hair; it will evenly distribute the ashy color and lighten your hair’s warm tone.

Is Hair Dye Without Ammonia Better?
Image: Envato Elements

Steps To Master The Hair Colour Correction Process

The degree of your work and the color you aim for will play many roles in the results you get and how long it takes. But when coloring your hair at home, the only way to stop some mishaps is to know all the proper steps and mistakes to avoid. Check out the steps and some color correction mistakes you need to know below.

  • Conduct thorough hair color correction consultation and carefully analyze the box description.
  • Evaluate your hair and look out for the right shade
  • Avoid the sink; instead, step into the shower to wash off the product
  • Put on some old clothes when you are about to color your hair, and apply some petroleum jelly all along your hairline and on your ears.
  • Once you finish the color process, put a final gloss that compliments your skin tone, this is a priority.
  • Lastly, note that color correcting might take more than one appointment, depending on the desired color you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process of color correction hair?

The technique used for hair color correction is first to fill your hair to give your initial hair color some warmth and neutralize/change the previous hair color. The basic rule of hair color correction is that the appropriate hue must cover blemishes.

Can color correction damage your hair?

Color correction may damage your hair especially if it is done regularly. Color correction might be necessary if you have uneven color regrowth or if a DIY color job goes wrong, and when done right, it shouldn’t damage your hair.

How long should I wait before color correction?

The color correction could be done immediately if you notice your hair color is fading or looks uneven. Your hairstylist is best positioned to tell you when to get a color correction.

Should I wash my hair before color correction?

You should wash your hair a day or two before your color correction. Dirty hair does not grab color better as many people think rather, the light oil in your hair will create a protective barrier and prevent your scalp from feeling itchy.

Wrapping Up

Color correction might seem like an easy enough process to do at home, but if you are worried about damaging your hair, you should fix an appointment with your hairstylist instead.

Many things can go wrong with dying or bleaching your hair at home, so be honest with your colorist about what box of hair dye you used, so they can understand your hair better and provide the best correction.

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