Hair Color Gone Wrong and How to Correct It, By Mary Jo McGinnity, Fantastic Sams Trend Expert

It can put any woman into panic mode: a hair color catastrophe.

Whether it’s blond hair turned orange, dark hair dyed purple or anything in between, a hair color mistake is no laughing matter. That’s why, when it comes to correcting that mistake, it’s important to act fast and know your options.

Time is of the Essence

Even professional hair color experts can make mistakes. If that’s the case, make sure to tell your stylist immediately. Hair experts estimate that you have 48 to 72 hours before the color is permanently attached to the cuticle. So, don’t wait. If the stylist made the mistake, he or she likely will adjust the color free of charge.

Hair Color Correction at the Salon

It is especially important to get expert help if your hair color needs correction, especially if you colored your own hair at home. Stylists do not have a magic wand that can reverse a bad color service. For some, it may take up to five treatment sessions and a variety of products to correct a color. For example, removing a black color from hair is tricky because darker dye is so concentrated and removing safely can be a very lengthy process. To remove this color, a stylist will have to decolorize the hair color. This is a technical process, left best to the experts. Your stylists will be able to remove the hair color while maintaining the integrity and condition of the hair.

If you can’t visit a salon for color correction and your bad color is the result of box color, here are a few tips:

·         Check the hair color box for a telephone hotline to answer your questions.

·         You can try home remedies like:

o   Chlorine removal shampoo may work for a green color result. You can also try soaking your hair in tomato juice.

o   If you used a temporary color on your hair, you can try hot water, volumizing shampoos/gels or hot oil treatments or vinegar and baking soda to help lighten a darker color.

o   Shampoo dark color several times with a deep cleansing shampoo NOT intended for use on color-treated hair.

Most of these tips are intended for correcting temporary colors . If you have used a permanent color on your hair, it’s best to seek help from a professional.

Preventing a Color Catastrophe

Keep in mind that box hair color is not one-size fits all. For example, that beautiful creamy blonde on the box might look great on your sister… but orange on you. Only a professional can tell you if the shade you want is possible with your current hair color. Plus, experts can give you options and help you “think outside the box.” Your stylists will also be able to tell you if warm or cool colors look best with your skin tone and eye color, to enhance your features and not make you look drawn or tired.

Communication is key when it comes to hair color. Have a conversation with your stylist about what color you are hoping to achieve. Bring in a picture or several pictures. And, don’t forget to ask the stylist to help you make your decision. Stylists are trained to do color correction, make major color changes or just simply help you start covering those gray hairs and keeping it look natural.