There is no quick fix when it comes to going back to natural hair color after bleaching, but with a little patience and a plan, it can be done fairly easily.
Whether it’s learning how to get back to natural hair color with a low maintenance method, going for a much shorter cut or even figuring out how to get shiny hair whilst you’re going through the process, it’s a lot easier when you know how.
If you would like to know how to get your hair back to its natural color, here are a few tips that’ll help you do just that.
1. Grow It Out
Before you do anything, the first step in growing out dyed hair is to let your roots grow a couple of inches. Be brave and go for it. Ignore any negative comments on social media. Keep in mind why you’re doing this, and remember your hair goals. You’ll get there soon enough, and it will all be worth it.
2. Get Balayage Highlights or Lowlights
A good next step is getting your colorist to add blonde, brown or reddish balayage highlights or lowlights, depending on your goal. Hand-painted hues will help the natural color showing through in your roots blend seamlessly into the rest of your colored hair. If you’re looking for how to return your hair to its natural color by a fairly low maintenance approach, this could well be the one for you.
Instagram / @kristinamaccaro
3. Use High-Quality Products
There isn’t a product or approach that’ll instantly transform your locks back to their original hue, so if you do want to know how to get back to natural hair color be prepared to be patient. Also, any products you use need to be of top quality or you could find yourself waiting longer, or worse, doing damage. High-quality shampoos and conditioners that deposit color can help to fade the bleached tone and keep your hair in good condition. Speaking of keeping your locks in good condition, if you want to know how to get shiny hair you can read more here.
4. Use Root Concealers for Special Occasions
When you’re going through the process of going back to natural hair color there might be times when you’d prefer to cover your roots, and there are options to do just that. Root concealers are a temporary solution, but they’re completely effective, and come in a variety of shades. There’re red and blonde shades, as well as dark tones – from brunette to brown and black. Some brands offer even unicorn colors. The best root concealers include creams, powders, sprays, and sticks. You can easily use these products at home and without damage.
Instagram / @bravve
5. Rock Grown Out Roots Because It’s a Trend!
At all other times, though, be proud of your root re-growth, because you’re totally on-trend! Take inspiration from celebrities with grown out roots, like Drew Barrymore, Ciara, and even Beyoncé, who have all rocked this style at some point. The best way to get your natural hair color back is to accept your reality, stop comparing yourself to others and love your grown out roots.
Instagram / @salsalhair
6. Get Regular Trims
While you’re growing out dyed hair you don’t need to feel totally stuck for things to do to your locks. You should still visit your stylist for regular trims. You need to keep hair fresh, especially over-processed ends. By going about your business as usual like this, you’ll find time passes quicker, and your hair will look better during the transition too.
Instagram / @mizaninigeria
7. Re-Dye
Another thing you can try is to find a tone that’s as close as possible to your original color. If you’re worried that growing out dyed hair is just going to take too long, this can be the quickest fix. In essence, it’s a bit of a smoke and mirrors approach, as your hair is still technically dyed, it’s just a more natural shade. One of the biggest bonuses of this approach is that if you get it right the new color will match up with your natural tone. Therefore, as it starts to grow out, the distinction between your natural and dyed hair will be less obvious.
If you’d like to get your natural hair color back this way, it’s best to consult a professional stylist first and let them pick the right product for you. Such caution is needed because each dye and natural hair have their own levels and underlying pigments, mixing which can sometimes produce unexpected results. For example, you cannot beautifully color bleached hair brown without filling hair with red pigment first. Without this step, the color can turn greenish or muddy.
8. Get a Haircut
If you want to know how to get bleach out of hair the quickest way (or the resulting color that’s been left by the bleach), going for a trim will do it. When you think about it it’s pretty obvious, and the shorter you go the less growing out will be required. As with the original point, let your roots grow at least two inches and then head for the salon. From there it all depends on how impatient you are to get your original tone back or how short you’re prepared to go.
As we’ve already said, you can’t go back to your natural hair color after permanent dye overnight. However, with a little patience and the use of one or more of these strategies, you’ll get there!
Featured Image via Unsplash
