How to lighten hair dyed too dark: 10 easy ways to do it (2024)

Let'sdiscuss a topic as tricky as finding the perfect red lipstick: how to lighten hair dyed too dark. Why is this important, you ask? Well, just as you don't want to rush choosing your signature scent, hair coloring requires thoughtful consideration too. Imagine ending up with dark hair when you were aiming for a luscious honey brown. An unintentional dye job can throw you off for a spin. But don't worry, I've got you covered!

In this article, we'll dive into the enchanting world of hair dye. We'll learn how to lighten dyed hair that's too dark, go through some DIY approaches, explore professional solutions, discuss post-dye treatments, and answer some frequently asked questions. Ready to turn that 'oops' moment into a 'wow'? Let's dive in!

How to Lighten Hair Dyed Too Dark with a DIY Approach

Use a paste of Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

My first method is the natural solution of baking soda and lemon juice paste (called Sodashine Hair Mix). This potent combo helps break down the dark dye and lighten your hair. The mixturelightens hair dyed too dark by reducing the size of the dye molecules and loosening their grip on the hair strands, allowing the color to wash out more easily. This is probably the easiest way to lighten your hair naturally. Here's how to do it:

👩‍💼📝 Author's note: BTW the name "Sodashine Hair Mix" is totally mine, but I'll let you use it without © Copyright, just because it's really cool!

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and lemon juice in a bowl to form a paste.

2. Apply this mixture to your strands.

3. Leave it on for 45 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

4. Shampoo with a color-safe shampoo and condition as usual.

Just be sure to avoid the sun while the paste is in your hair to prevent unwanted lightening effects!

Wash your Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for too much dye. It gently strips away the excess color and restores your hair's natural pH balance, thus aiding in color correction and enhancing shine. I called this approach #CidersplashHairTonic

1. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

2. Spray the solution on your damp hair and let it sit for 20 minutes.

3. Rinse your hair with cool water and follow with your favorite conditioner.

👩‍💼📝 Author's note: Don't overdo it, though. Once a week is plenty!

Take some Vitamin C Tablets

Vitamin C is not just for colds! Crushing some tablets and adding them to your shampoo can lighten your hair too. With my C-Breeze Fade-Away Formula (OMG, I'm so creative today!) you will allow you to reduce the size of the dye molecules, thus loosening their hold on the hair and allowing the color to wash out more easily during the rinsing process. (Similar to Sodashine Hair Mix)

1. Crush 5-10 vitamin C tablets and mix them with your shampoo.

2. Apply this mixture to your wet hair and massage it in.

3. Leave it on for an hour under a shower cap, then rinse with cold water.

Your hair will lighten, and you'll get your daily dose of vitamins!

Wash Hair With Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos are designed specifically for hair dyed too dark. They help remove buildup and unwanted color.

1. Wet your hair and apply the clarifying shampoo.

2. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

3. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired shade.

Use Purple or Blue Shampoo for Brassy Tones

Purple and blue shampoos help neutralize brassy tones in your hair, helping to lighten dyed hair and create a more desired shade.

1. Apply the shampoo to your wet hair.

2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes depending on the level of brassiness.

3. Rinse with cool water, and apply a deep conditioning treatment to prevent dry hair.

For more details, read my article on How to get brassiness out of hair.

Do a Bleach Bath

If you're feeling a bit more daring, you can try a bleach bath. This is a lighter, more diluted version of a full-on bleach, which helps lighten dyed hair without drastic results.

1. Mix bleach and shampoo in a 1:1 ratio.

2. Apply this mixture to your damp hair and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

3. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to soothe your hair strands.

However, this is a more extreme measure and should only be used as a last resort. For a more in-depth guide, read my article on Bleach bath hair treatment - Everything you need to know.

How to Lighten Hair Dyed Too Dark as a Professional

Bleed the Color Out

One professional technique to lighten hair dyed too dark is to "bleed" the color out. This method is perfect if your hair has been dyed with semi-permanent dye.

1. Wet your hair and apply a dandruff shampoo or a clarifying shampoo.

2. Massage it in and rinse. Repeat until the water runs clear.

3. Follow up with a good conditioner to prevent damaged hair.

Use Hair Lightener or Toner

Hair lighteners or toners are great for lifting darker shades and achieving a lighter shade.

1. Apply the toner or hair lightener to your hair according to the product's instructions.

2. Rinse it out once you've reached your desired color.

3. Finish with a deep conditioner to replenish your hair's moisture.

👩‍💼📝Author's note: BTW, it's also a good option for covering grey hair

Use Color Remover

Color removers work by shrinking the dye molecules in your hair, allowing you to rinse them away.

1. Apply the color remover to your hair according to the product instructions.

2. Rinse it out thoroughly.

3. Follow up with a conditioner to restore your hair's hydration.

See a Professional to Fix Your Dark Hair Color

When in doubt, seek out the pros! If your DIY attempts don't yield the desired results, consider visiting a professional stylist at your local salon. They can assess the condition of your hair and alter the best course of action.

Other Solutions

Consider Waiting

Hair dye, especially darker shades, naturally fade over time (4-6 weeks). If you've dyed your hair too dark, you might consider just waiting it out. Maintain your hair with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to ensure your hair stays healthy as the dye fades. It's the safest approach because it's not related with any hair treatment, that might damage your hair orstrip your natural oils.

Post-Dye Treatments

Once you've successfully lightened your hair, it's essential to care for your newly-colored hair. Moisture is key when caring for colored hair. Deep conditioning treatments, hydrating masks, and oils can help replenish moisture and prevent dryness and damage. Also, consider using a color-safe shampoo to preserve your new color and prevent further fading.

Also, remember to avoid heat styling tools as much as possible. They can further dry out your hair and can cause your color to fade faster. Instead, embrace your hair's natural texture, or try heatless styling methods.

FAQ:

How do I stop my hair dye from becoming too dark?

Short answer: 👌 By applying the dye 🎨 to the mid-lengths and ends 💇‍♀️ before working it up to your roots 🌱

To prevent your hair from becoming too dark, start by applying the dye to the mid-lengths and ends before working it up to your roots. Also, always conduct a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head.

Does hair dye lighten after a few days?

Short answer: 👍 Yes

Hair dye can lighten after a few days as it oxidizes and gets exposed to daily washing and sunlight.

What To Do If Hair Dye Is Too Dark?

Short answer: 🔝👍🔄 Use the techniques we discussed above

Don't panic! You can use the techniques we discussed above to lighten your hair. Whether it's a DIY method or a professional approach, there are ways to correct a dye job that's too dark.

How do I make my dark brown hair dye an ash brown color?

Short answer: Use a green 🟢 or blue 🔵-based toner! 💇‍♀️🌟

You can achieve this by using a toner of an opposite shade. In this case, a green or blue-based toner can help neutralize the warm tones in your hair, resulting in an ash brown color.

How long does it take for dark permanent hair dye to fade?

Short answer: 🗓️⏳ 4-6 weeks

Permanent hair color typically starts to fade after 4-6 weeks. However, it largely depends on your hair care routine and how often you wash your hair.

What Should I Do After the Color Fades?

Short answer: Assess the health of your hair 💪 and your color goals 🎯

After your color fades, assess the health of your hair and your color goals. You may want to re-dye it, try a new color, or go back to your natural hair color. Always follow a color-safe hair care routine and regularly condition to maintain your hair health.

How to Avoid This Situation in the Future?

Short answer: Perform a strand test 🧪💇‍♀️ before coloring 👌🎨

Always perform a strand test before coloring your entire head to avoid unexpected results. If you're new to hair coloring, consider going to a professional stylist for your first few times.

And there you have it, my lovelies! All your questions answered, all the techniques you need in your arsenal, and a dash of humor to top it all off. Remember, in the world of hair dye, as in life, there are no mistakes, only opportunities for transformation. Now, go forth and lighten with confidence!