Did you dye your hair and the blonde results were not as expected? When it comes to hair, bleaching and dyeing are chemical processes that can sometimes cause unwanted results such as uneven color, brassiness, or dryness. If you recently went blonde and the results were not what you envisioned, do not despair! There are multiple ways to fix bad highlights.
One possible solution is to apply a toner to your hair. Toner is a semi-permanent hair dye that can be used to correct brassiness or unwanted undertones. It can also be used to enhance the desired blonde color and make it look more natural. Toner is typically applied after bleaching and before dyeing, but it can also be used to fix highlights that have turned orange or yellow.
Assessing the Damage: Recognizing the Types of Bad Highlights
When it comes to hair highlighting, achieving the perfect blend of color and dimension is crucial. However, there are times when things don’t go as planned, resulting in less-than-stellar highlights. Whether it’s brassy tones, uneven distribution, or a complete color mismatch, recognizing the types of bad highlights is the first step towards correcting them.
**Brassiness:** Brassy highlights are a common problem that occurs when the hair is not properly toned or bleached. This can result in unwanted yellow or orange hues, especially in lighter hair colors. Brassiness can be caused by factors such as using the wrong developer, over-processing the hair, or not using a toner.
**Uneven Distribution:** Uneven highlights are another common pitfall. This can occur when the hair is not sectioned properly, the bleach is not applied evenly, or the timing is inconsistent. Uneven distribution can lead to patches of lighter or darker hair, making the overall look unflattering.
**Color Mismatch:** Color mismatch occurs when the highlights do not complement the base hair color. This can happen when the wrong shade of bleach or toner is used or when the highlighting technique is not suitable for the desired result. Color mismatch can result in highlights that look unnatural or out of place.
**Other Issues:**
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Dryness | Highlighting can damage the hair and lead to dryness and breakage. |
| Split Ends | Bad highlights can exacerbate split ends and make hair look unkempt. |
| Damage | Improperly done highlights can cause chemical burns, scalp irritation, and hair loss. |
Toning Down Brassy Tones: Neutralizing Warmth with Toners
Brassiness is caused by excess yellow or orange undertones in the hair, a common issue for those with natural darker hair who have bleached or lightened it. To combat this, toners are a highly effective solution that works by neutralizing these warm tones, leaving you with a cool, desired color.
Choosing the Right Toner:
Color theory plays a crucial role when selecting a toner. The color wheel is your guide, with colors opposite each other on the wheel neutralizing one another. For brassiness, you’ll need a toner with cool undertones like blue or purple.
| Hair Color | Toner Shade |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Purple |
| Orange | Blue |
| Red | Green |
Finding a toner that targets your specific brassiness is essential. If you’re unsure about your hair’s undertones, consulting with a professional colorist is highly recommended.
Refreshing Overgrown Roots: Balancing Regrowth for a Natural Look
Step 1: Determine the Extent of Regrowth
Examine your hair carefully to assess the amount of regrowth present. If the roots are only slightly visible, you may be able to refresh them with a temporary solution such as root touch-up spray or mascara. However, for more substantial regrowth, a permanent color application is necessary.
Step 2: Select the Right Color
Choosing the right color for your regrowth is crucial. It should match your hair’s natural shade as closely as possible. If you’re unsure of the exact shade, consult with a professional colorist for guidance.
Step 3: Apply the Color
Section your hair and apply the color to the roots only, avoiding the highlighted or blonde areas. Use a brush or comb to evenly distribute the color and ensure complete coverage.
Step 4: Processing Time and Care
Processing Time:
Follow the instructions provided with the color product carefully to determine the appropriate processing time. This will vary depending on the type of color and your hair’s condition.
Care During Processing:
While the color is processing, avoid touching or manipulating your hair. If possible, sit or lie down in a comfortable position to prevent any movement or discomfort.
Post-Processing Care:
Once the processing time is complete, rinse the color thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of your hair and prevent fading.
| Recommended Techniques for Different Regrowth Levels |
|---|
| Slight Regrowth: Root touch-up spray, mascara |
| Moderate Regrowth: Demi-permanent or semi-permanent hair color |
| Significant Regrowth: Permanent hair color, salon touch-up |
Restoring Vibrancy and Shine: Revitalizing Dull Highlights
1. Identify the Issue
Start by determining the reason behind dull highlights. Factors such as chlorine, sun exposure, and heat styling can strip away color and reduce vibrancy.
2. Moisturize Deeply
Rehydrate dry, brittle hair with deep conditioning treatments or hair masks. Focus on nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, avocado, or shea butter to restore moisture and softness.
3. Use Color-Enhancing Products
Apply color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners to refresh highlights and boost vibrancy. These products often contain pigments that deposit a subtle tint, enhancing the existing color without adding permanent dye.
4. Tone Gradually
A toner can neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones, while adding subtle color to highlights. Use a toning shampoo or conditioner once or twice a week to gradually adjust the shade.
5. Protect from Heat and Sun Damage
Heat styling and sun exposure can all accelerate the fading process of highlights. Protect your hair by using a heat protectant spray before styling and applying a UV protectant spray before going outdoors. Additionally, consider using a leave-in conditioner to provide ongoing hydration.
Repairing Breakage and Damage: Mending Strands Affected by Bleaching
When highlights go awry, it’s crucial to address the damage caused by bleach. Here are some effective remedies to repair and restore your hair’s health:
1. Deep Conditioning
Apply deep conditioners specifically designed for damaged hair. These treatments penetrate deep into the hair shaft, providing intense hydration and nourishment.
2. Moisturizing Masks
Use moisturizing hair masks rich in ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, or argan oil. Leave these masks on for extended periods to deeply hydrate and repair dry, brittle strands.
3. Protein Treatments
Protein treatments, such as keratin or Olaplex, help rebuild the hair’s protein structure, strengthening and repairing weakened strands after bleaching.
4. Protective Styling
Avoid heat styling tools and opt for protective hairstyles like braids or buns to minimize further damage and breakage.
5. Gentle Shampooing
Use sulfate-free shampoos designed for damaged hair. These shampoos cleanse gently without stripping away natural oils, preserving moisture.
6. Leave-In Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners provide continuous hydration and detangling benefits. Apply these products daily to keep hair soft and manageable.
7. Hair Oils
Apply hair oils, such as argan oil or coconut oil, to the ends of your hair. These oils provide a protective barrier and reduce breakage.
8. Olaplex Treatments
Olaplex is a professional hair treatment system that repairs broken disulfide bonds within the hair structure. This treatment is highly effective in mending damage caused by bleach and other chemical processes.
| Treatment | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Deep Conditioning | Weekly |
| Moisturizing Masks | Bi-weekly |
| Protein Treatments | Monthly |
| Protective Styling | As needed |
| Gentle Shampooing | 2-3 times per week |
| Leave-In Conditioners | Daily |
| Hair Oils | As needed |
| Olaplex Treatments | Every 6-8 weeks |
Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a color-correcting shampoo that helps to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair. It can be used to help prevent highlights from turning brassy. Use purple shampoo once or twice a week, alternating with your regular shampoo.
Blonde Conditioner
Blonde conditioner is a hair conditioner that is specifically designed for blonde hair. It helps to keep blonde hair hydrated and nourished, which can help to prevent highlights from drying out and becoming damaged.
Heat Protectant Spray
Heat protectant spray is a hairspray that helps to protect hair from heat damage caused by styling tools such as blow dryers and flat irons. Using heat protectant spray can help to prevent highlights from becoming damaged and fading.
Leave-in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is a hair conditioner that is applied to damp hair and left in without rinsing. It helps to keep hair hydrated and nourished, which can help to prevent highlights from drying out and becoming damaged.
UV Protectant Spray
UV protectant spray is a hairspray that helps to protect hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV rays can cause hair to dry out and fade, so using UV protectant spray can help to keep highlights looking their best.
Regular Haircuts
Getting regular haircuts can help to remove split ends and damaged hair, which can make highlights look less noticeable. Aim to get a haircut every 6-8 weeks.
Avoid Over-washing
Over-washing can strip hair of its natural oils, which can lead to highlights becoming dry and damaged. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week.
Use a Wide-tooth Comb
Using a wide-tooth comb can help to prevent highlights from becoming tangled and damaged. Avoid using a brush, as this can be too harsh on highlighted hair.
Be Gentle with Your Hair
Be gentle with your hair when you’re washing, brushing, and styling it. This will help to prevent highlights from becoming damaged.
How to Fix Bad Highlights
Bad highlights can be a major hair disaster. They can make your hair look brassy, orange, or even green. If you’re not happy with your highlights, don’t despair. There are a few things you can do to fix them.
The first step is to determine what went wrong. If your highlights are too light, you can try toning them down with a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner. If they’re too dark, you can try lightening them with a bleach bath.
If your highlights are brassy, you can try using a blue or purple shampoo to neutralize the yellow tones. If they’re orange, you can try using a red or pink shampoo to neutralize the orange tones.
If your highlights are green, you can try using a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup that may be causing the discoloration. You can also try using a color-correcting mask to neutralize the green tones.
If you’re not sure how to fix your bad highlights, it’s best to consult with a professional hair stylist. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
People Also Ask
How do I fix brassy highlights?
You can try using a blue or purple shampoo to neutralize the yellow tones.
How do I fix orange highlights?
You can try using a red or pink shampoo to neutralize the orange tones.
How do I fix green highlights?
You can try using a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup that may be causing the discoloration. You can also try using a color-correcting mask to neutralize the green tones.
How do I prevent bad highlights?
The best way to prevent bad highlights is to consult with a professional hair stylist. They can help you choose the right highlight color and technique for your hair type and skin tone.
