Dyed my hair darker than I intended what can I do?!

Jun 15, 2013

Anabel V.

I really don't like it. How long do I have to wait to go a shade lighter? My hair is damaged at the ends so I'd be willing to give up straightening.

Jun 15, 2013

Niki C.

If it's only a shade or so lighter, use a clarifying shampoo and couple times and it will lighten right up!

Jun 15, 2013

Anna L.

If you try to just dye it lighter it will only end up darker. Color on color makes it darker. You'd have to bleach it, or strip it. Then do a lighter color! But that can be super damaging to your hair. You could try used a really cheap shampoo to lighten the color, or spray peroxide on it then go in the sun!

Jun 15, 2013

Samantha T.

Give it a few days, it's always on a little heavier when you first apply it. Just wash it a few times.

Jun 15, 2013

Anabel V.

My hair is naturally very dark though would clarifying shampoo work? I had it really light brown before and was aiming for a medium brown but ended up way too dark :/

Jun 15, 2013

Niki C.

Yea, clarifying shampoos strip buildup like product, minerals, chlorine etc. it's important to do it within the first few days of coloring your hair. You can even use dawn dish soap if you're in a bind. Your hair will naturally fade out, but using a clarifying shampoo or dish soap will make it lighter for sure!

Jun 15, 2013

Anabel V.

Thank you so much Niki! :) I'll be sure to try first thing tomorrow.

Jun 15, 2013

LiLi V.

I agree, clarifying shampoo. If it's 4 or more shades darker than what you want, you could do a color strip, but I'd only recommend doing a strip within 24-48 hours of coloring. Maybe a soapcap if it's been longer, basically you mix a bleach packet according to the directions, then "cut" the mixture with shampoo so it's not as damaging.

Jun 15, 2013

Niki C.

I agree with LiLi about the soap cap if the shampoo trick doesn't lighten it as much as you want. However, it's going to be a bit more damaging to your hair (I only say this because you mentioned damaged ends). Keep us posted!

Jun 15, 2013

Patricia P.

Wait for it to wash out. It wouldnt help to dye it again

Jun 15, 2013

Jen W.

I have done the same and washed it with dish soap :)

Jun 15, 2013

Antisar A.

Soap caps usually refresh color... I wouldn't do a soap cap, clarifying shampoo is good for buildup but being that it usually strips the hairs natural oils I wouldn't want to do that either, you just colored your hair, coloring your hair can be very drying and the fact that you have damaged ends will only make them more brittle. Your hair will lighten up, color always looks a little darker for a bit and lightens on it own, even if your hair is naturally dark. Try natural alternatives like using lemons for a while. I'm sure after the 3rd wash like your regular routine you'll be fine. If you are still not satisfied with the color than you can always do a color retouch but omit your ends because adding to much color to the ends will make it darker.

Jun 15, 2013

Ashlee F.

You could get a hair dye remover.

Jun 15, 2013

Dani B.

Wash with dish detergent!! Trust me it works

Jun 15, 2013

Anita O.

Use a clarifying shampoo and then a very moisturizing hair mask and you should be looking healthy and it'll lighten up :)

Jun 16, 2013

Leslie S.

Old school Prell shampoo works too.

Jun 16, 2013

Anabel V.

Thanks for all the feedback guys :) I went with clarifying shampoo since I felt it was the safest. Can't see too much of a difference but maybe after the second wash!

Jun 29, 2013

Kimmy S.

I've heard that a hot oil mask can fade color too (and rinsing with hot water). Maybe worth a try since it well help keep you moisturized too?