When you dye your hair at home, you’re looking for a smooth, even color. Sometimes it just doesn’t happen that way though!
We all make mistakes, and if your hair color doesn’t come out exactly how you want it, you’ll need a corrector to either touch it up or return it to its usual color.
Read on to find out what you can do to correct blotchy highlights and unsatisfactory brassy or ashy tones.
Color Correction Tips To Take Note Of:
If your hair hasn’t turned out as you want it, the first thing to keep in mind is not to panic. Let your hair dry to see how it looks and bear in mind that color on wet hair is not accurate (it may actually appear darker or lighter due to the wetness of your hair). If you still don’t like it, there are a few color correction tips you can try.
Too Dark?
Use some shampoo on the area that you think looks the darkest. Do that a few times and make sure it’s with a shampoo not meant for color-treated hair. After that, use a rich conditioner that is meant for color-treated hair.
Too Light?
Use a darker shade from the same brand. This time however, you only need to keep it on for half the usual time. Check the color every five minutes and rinse when it’s achieved the darker shade that you want.
Too Red?
Try coloring down the red with a shade of brown that’s the same color level as the red. Apply to the reddest area for 5-10 minutes and rinse when you feel the color is right.
Faded Shade
Over time, stress and sun can fade your color so fix it up with a toning gloss. If this doesn’t work, you’ll probably have to recolor. Just use extra gentle care next time to keep the color a while.
Visible Highlights
There is such a thing as having highlights that are too visible. Try thinner strands next time and make sure to saturate each strand. You may have left the mixture in your hair too long too, forming a much lighter color.
Not Visible Enough
Highlights that aren’t visible enough are either too conservative or were done with strands that are too skinny. In this case, re-apply your highlight product with more color on your strands and make sure to saturate them fully and leave the coloring on long enough.
Too Brassy
Frequent hair care products or hair styling tools may make those highlights look too brassy. Try using a clarifying shampoo just one or two times a week. This helps to get rid of the top layer of dirt, pollution or residue left by your hair products, tools or just environmental pollution in general. Then, complement this by making use of an effective color corrector. Always be sure to use products for treated hair too.
5 Best Hair Color Correctors
If you find that your desired shade just isn’t the actual end result you got, I’ve got 5 color correctors to help you out.
5. Ardell Hair Color Corrector
Get rid of harsh red or gold tones with Ardell. You can also refresh blonde, grey, or white hair while conditioning and correcting. This extra strength formula is sure to help.
Pros:
- Removes red undertones with ease
- A few drops will fix undertones quickly
- Provides you with a natural-looking ash blonde look
Cons:
- Use with caution, since it is very strong
- You do need a little more with longer or thicker hair
4. LOreal Professional Expert Series Blondes Color Correcting Cream
LOreal makes great hair dyes, so of course they have a great corrector too. Protect your blonde coloring and highlights by getting rid of the yellowy color, leaving your hair smooth and glowing.
Pros:
- Easy fix for brassy tones
- Works very quickly
- Gets rid of brown and orangey tones
Cons:
- It is on the pricier end
- No directions in English on the bottle
3. Pravana ChromaSilk Crème Color Corrector
This formula is low in ammonia while including keratin and pure silk protein for more protection, strength and shine in your hair. It should keep your color looking great without sulfates or sodium chlorides.
Pros:
- Works great on ashy colors
- Corrects hair to silvery gray or ashy blonde
- Color lasts for a long while
Cons:
- People complain the color comes out too dark
- A little strong for some users
2. John Frieda Blonde Tone Correcting Shampoo
Get rid of brassy and yellow tones to make your hair appear completely fresh again. After just three uses, you should see results for any sort of blonde shade
Pros:
- One wash gets rid of orangey tones
- Blonde coloring stays on strongly
- Scent is light and not overpowering
Cons:
- Can make the scalp really dry
- May not remove the brassy color completely
1. Vanish Color Corrector
This color corrector works effortlessly to get rid of color with ease. There won’t be any damage to your hair so you can wash off even permanent coloring without peroxide, bleach or ammonia.
Pros:
- Removes dye without damaging the hair
- Not harsh like bleach
- Gets the hair back to its original color
Cons:
- The smell can be too strong
- Not great for semi-permanent colors
Conclusion:
Don’t panic if your hair color doesn’t come out exactly the way you want it. People make mistakes and some diy hair dyes do underdeliver, but you can fix it right up with one of these great color correctors.
