There’s nothing worse than the dreaded “hot roots” or “brassy streaks” that can appear after a less-than-stellar highlighting job. A botched highlighting job can be a major confidence-killer, but if you approach the fix from a place of knowledge, you’ll be able to learn how and why the mishap occurred to avoid the problem recurring in future.
Whether you’re dealing with unwanted warm tones, uneven application, or breakage from bleach damage, there are several ways you can restore your hair to its former glory. First, consider your at-home options. If your hair is only slightly brassy, a purple shampoo can help to neutralize the yellow and orange tones. For more significant issues, a toner can be applied to adjust the color and add shine.
If at-home remedies don’t provide the desired results, it’s best to consult a professional colorist. A skilled stylist can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s a color correction, a deep conditioning treatment, or a combination of both. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help if you’re unsure. With the right approach and a little patience, you can restore your hair’s health and color, leaving you feeling confident and beautiful.
Identifying the Source of the Problem
To effectively address bad highlights, it’s crucial to first pinpoint the root cause. Here are some common issues that can lead to unsatisfactory highlights:
Excessive Bleach Application
Using too much bleach or leaving it on for an extended period can severely damage the hair, resulting in unevenness, breakage, and an overly light or brassy tone.
To avoid this, follow manufacturers’ instructions carefully, perform a strand test to assess the hair’s reaction, and limit bleach applications to necessary areas.
Improper Developer Ratio
The ratio of developer to bleach plays a vital role in controlling the lifting power and preventing damage. Using too strong of a developer can lead to excessive lightening and breakage, while a too-weak developer may not provide sufficient lift.
Refer to the developer’s recommended ratios and adjust the concentration based on the desired level of lightening and the hair’s condition.
Uneven Bleach Distribution
Inconsistent or haphazard application of bleach can contribute to uneven highlights. Ensure that the bleach is applied evenly throughout the hair, avoiding overlapping or missed areas.
Sectioning the hair, using a fine-toothed comb, and applying the bleach in small sections can help improve accuracy and prevent streaks.
| Potential Problem | Contributing Factor |
|---|---|
| Uneven Highlights | – Excessive bleach application – Improper developer ratio – Uneven bleach distribution |
| Overly Light or Brassy Tone | – Excessive bleach application – Weak developer strength |
Toning Down Brassy Highlights
Brassiness in highlights is a common problem that can arise due to various factors, including improper lightening techniques or the use of the wrong toner. While it can be frustrating, there are several effective methods to correct brassy highlights and achieve the desired cool blonde shade.
1. Using a Blue or Purple Shampoo
Blue or purple shampoos are specifically designed to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair. They contain blue or purple pigments that counteract the unwanted yellow or orange hues, leaving the hair with a cooler, more natural-looking blonde.
2. Applying a Toner
Toners are semi-permanent hair color treatments that can alter the tone of highlights without completely changing their color. They are available in a range of shades, including ash, pearl, and violet, which can help neutralize brassiness and create a desired cool blonde tone.
3. Correcting Brassiness with a Corrective Color Wheel
The color wheel is a useful tool for understanding how different colors interact and counteract each other. For brassy highlights, the opposite color on the color wheel is violet, which means that a violet-based toner or hair color can be used to neutralize the brassiness.
Here’s a table summarizing the corrective colors for different types of brassiness:
| Brassiness | Corrective Color |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Violet |
| Orange | Blue-Violet |
| Red | Green |
Correcting Cool or Ashen Tones
Cool or ashen highlights are a common problem, especially if you have dark hair. The following steps can help you correct this issue:
- Use a color depositing shampoo. These shampoos are designed to gradually deposit color onto your hair, which can help to warm up cool or ashen tones. Be sure to choose a shampoo that is specifically designed for your hair color.
- Apply a toner. Toners are semi-permanent hair color products that can be used to correct unwanted tones. If you have cool or ashen highlights, you should choose a toner that is warm in color. Apply the toner according to the package directions.
- Visit a professional hair stylist. If you are unable to correct cool or ashen highlights at home, you can visit a professional hair stylist. A stylist will be able to assess your hair and recommend the best course of treatment.
- To avoid cool or ashen tones, there are a few things you can do:
Action Result Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month. This will help to remove any product buildup that could be making your hair look dull or ashy. Avoid using hot tools too often. Heat can damage your hair and make it more prone to cool or ashen tones. Get regular trims. This will help to get rid of any split ends that could be making your hair look dull or ashy.
Restoring the Hair’s Moisture Balance
After highlighting, your hair may become dry and brittle due to the chemical processing. Restoring moisture is crucial to prevent further damage and improve hair health. Here are some effective ways to replenish moisture:
Use Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners
Choose shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for highlighted hair. These products often contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and ceramides that help lock in moisture.
Apply Deep Conditioning Masks Regularly
Deep conditioning masks are intensive treatments that provide intense hydration to the hair. Use them weekly or bi-weekly to restore moisture, repair damage, and protect against future dryness.
Consider Hair Oils
Hair oils, such as argan oil or coconut oil, are excellent sources of moisture for highlighted hair. Apply a small amount to the mid-lengths and ends after washing to smooth, nourish, and prevent breakage.
Avoid Heat Styling Tools
Heat styling tools, such as hair dryers and curling irons, can further dry out highlighted hair. Minimize their use and apply a heat protectant spray before styling to prevent damage.
Use a Hair Steamer
Hair steamers are devices that release steam to penetrate the hair shaft and open the cuticles. This allows moisture to be absorbed more effectively into the hair. Using a hair steamer once or twice a month can significantly improve moisture levels.
| Hydrating Ingredients for Highlighted Hair |
|---|
| – Glycerin |
| – Panthenol |
| – Ceramides |
| – Argan oil |
| – Coconut oil |
Repairing Damaged Cuticles
The hair cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and it plays a vital role in protecting the hair from damage. When the cuticle is damaged, the hair becomes more susceptible to breakage, split ends, and frizz. There are several ways to repair damaged cuticles, including:
- Use a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners work by coating the hair shaft and smoothing the cuticles. This helps to reduce friction between the hair strands, which can help to prevent breakage.
- Use a hair mask. Hair masks are a deep conditioning treatment that can help to repair damaged cuticles and restore the hair’s natural shine. Look for hair masks that contain ingredients like keratin, ceramides, or argan oil.
- Get regular trims. Regular trims help to remove split ends, which can help to prevent further damage to the hair shaft.
- Avoid over-styling. Over-styling can damage the hair cuticle. Avoid using hot tools too often, and when you do use them, be sure to use a heat protectant spray.
- Protect your hair from the sun. The sun’s UV rays can damage the hair cuticle, so be sure to protect your hair with a hat or scarf when you’re spending time outdoors.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help to promote healthy hair growth. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
| Hair type | Recommended repair method |
|---|---|
| Fine hair | Use a leave-in conditioner and a hair mask once a week. |
| Medium hair | Use a leave-in conditioner and a hair mask twice a week. |
| Thick hair | Use a leave-in conditioner and a hair mask three times a week. |
Preventing Further Highlight Damage
Once you’ve fixed your bad highlights, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent further damage. Here are seven essential tips:
1. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling: Hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage hair, especially highlighted hair. Use them sparingly and in moderation.
2. Use Heat Protectant Products: When using heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray or cream to your hair. This will create a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing damage.
3. Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning treatments provide intense moisture and nourishment to your hair. They help repair damage, reduce breakage, and improve overall hair health.
4. Trim Split Ends: Split ends are weak and prone to further damage. Regularly trim them off to prevent them from spreading up the hair shaft and causing more damage.
5. Protect from Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun can damage hair, including highlighted hair. Wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection when going outdoors.
6. Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, making it weaker and more prone to damage. Wash your hair only when necessary, and use a gentle shampoo.
7. Use the Right Products: Choose hair products specifically designed for highlighted hair. These products typically contain ingredients that help repair damage, protect from UV rays, and maintain hair health.
8. Consult a Hair Professional: If your highlighted hair is severely damaged, consult a professional hairstylist. They can assess the damage, recommend the best course of treatment, and provide personalized advice.
Seeking Professional Intervention
If home remedies and DIY techniques fail to fix your bad highlights, it’s time to seek professional intervention from a skilled colorist. These professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in color correction and can provide tailored solutions to revive your hair.
Here are some key steps involved in professional highlight correction:
Assessment and Consultation
The colorist will thoroughly examine your hair, discuss your desired results, and assess the current state of your highlights. This helps them determine the most appropriate correction method.
Color Formulation
Based on the assessment, the colorist will formulate a custom blend of color to counteract the unwanted tones and create the desired shade.
Application and Processing
The colorist carefully applies the formulated color to the highlighted areas and allows it to process for the recommended time. This ensures even distribution and optimal color coverage.
Toning and Glazing
After the color has processed, the colorist may use toning or glazing techniques to refine the color and add depth and dimension to your highlights.
Conditioning and Styling
To restore moisture and protect your color-treated hair, the colorist will apply conditioning treatments and style your hair according to your preferences.
It’s important to note that professional highlight correction can be a time-consuming and potentially expensive process. However, it offers the best chance of achieving your desired hair color results with minimal damage.
Pricing
The cost of professional highlight correction varies depending on several factors, including the length and thickness of your hair, the extent of the color correction needed, and the experience and location of the colorist. A ballpark estimate could range from $150 to $500 or more.
| Factor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Short Hair | $150-$250 |
| Medium Hair | $250-$350 |
| Long Hair | $350-$450 and up |
| Extensive Color Correction | May incur additional charges |
| Senior Colorist | Higher fees |
Maintaining Healthy Highlights
To maintain the health and vibrancy of your highlights, follow these additional tips:
1. Use Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner
Invest in products specifically designed to protect color-treated hair. These formulas help prevent fading and keep your highlights looking their best.
2. Apply Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner provides extra moisture and protection for highlighted hair. It detangles, smooths, and reduces breakage.
3. Avoid Heat Styling
Excessive heat from hairdryers, flat irons, and curling wands can damage highlights. Air-dry or use heat protectants when styling.
4. Get Regular Trims
Regular trims remove split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and damage your highlights. Trim every 6-8 weeks.
5. Use a Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo neutralizes unwanted yellow tones that can develop in highlighted hair over time.
6. Deep Condition
Deep conditioning treatments provide intense nourishment for highlighted hair. Use a mask specifically designed for color-treated hair weekly or bi-weekly.
7. Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater
Chlorine and saltwater can strip away color and damage hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after swimming.
8. Protect from Sun Damage
UV rays can damage highlights and cause fading. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when outdoors.
9. Moisturize Regularly
Highlighted hair tends to be drier than natural hair. Use a leave-in moisturizer or a nourishing hair cream to keep it soft and manageable. Look for products containing ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, or shea butter.
| Moisturizing Ingredients |
|---|
| Coconut Oil |
| Argan Oil |
| Shea Butter |
Blending Highlights with Existing Hair
To create a seamless blend between highlights and existing hair, follow these detailed steps:
1. Section the Hair
Divide the hair into smaller sections for easier control and precision.
2. Apply Toner
Select a toner with a similar undertone to your highlights and apply it to the roots and any harsh lines between your highlights and existing hair. Leave it in for the recommended time.
3. Process the Toner
Use heat to speed up the toner processing time and achieve even distribution.
4. Rinse and Condition
Thoroughly rinse the toner and apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture and vitality to the hair.
5. Blow Dry and Style
Blow dry the hair using a round brush to smooth out the cuticle and enhance the blend between highlights and existing hair.
6. Curl or Wave the Hair
Using a curling iron or wand, add curls or waves to conceal any remaining lines and create a more natural look.
7. Apply Root Smudge
Apply a root smudge product on the newly highlighted areas to blend the colors and create a more subtle transition.
8. Gloss the Hair
Apply a gloss that matches your natural hair color to enhance shine and further blend the highlights with the rest of the hair.
9. Trim the Hair
Trim any split ends to enhance hair health and help blend the highlights.
10. Maintenance and Touch-Ups
Regularly touch up the highlights as needed to maintain the desired blend.
Opt for a professional touch-up every 6-8 weeks to ensure a seamless transition between the highlights and existing hair, especially if the highlights are more than two shades lighter than the base color.
How To Fix Bad Highlights
There are a few different ways to fix bad highlights, depending on the severity of the problem. If the highlights are simply too light or too dark, you can try to tone them down or brighten them up using a toner or color remover.
If the highlights are uneven or patchy, you can try to blend them out using a color-correcting shampoo or conditioner. You can also use a hair mask to help hydrate and repair the hair.
In some cases, you may need to see a professional stylist to fix bad highlights. They can use a variety of techniques to correct the problem, such as adding lowlights, applying a toner, or coloring the hair.
People Also Ask
How can I fix brassy highlights?
You can fix brassy highlights by using a purple shampoo or conditioner. These products contain blue pigments that help to neutralize the yellow tones in the hair.
How can I fix green highlights?
You can fix green highlights by using a red shampoo or conditioner. These products contain red pigments that help to neutralize the green tones in the hair.
How can I remove highlights from my hair?
There are a few different ways to remove highlights from your hair. You can use a color remover, a clarifying shampoo, or a hair mask. You can also see a professional stylist to have the highlights removed.
