Over Toned Hair: 9 Effective Solutions To Regain Your Hair Color
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Dealing with over toned hair can be a frustrating experience, especially when all you want is a beautiful, balanced shade. Don’t worry; we understand how you feel and are here to help.
Over toned hair occurs when mistakes are made during the toning process, resulting in an unnatural hair color.
Trying to fix this issue without causing further damage to your hair is challenging.
Have no fear; we have carefully researched the best methods to correct over toned hair.
Keep reading to discover effective solutions and regain your confidence in your hair color.
Fast Facts
- Over toned hair can result from excessive toner use, leading to unwanted color outcomes.
- Proper toner application, prevention tips, and healthy hair care practices can help maintain a balanced hair color.
- Correct over toned hair gently and with patience to avoid damage, letting hair recover between treatments if needed. Seeking professional help is also an option.
Table of Contents
Understanding Hair Toning
Hair toning is a process that involves applying specialized products called toners to alter the underlying tones of your hair color.
Toning is often necessary after bleaching or dyeing your hair, especially for blonde shades, because the initial color results might need improvement.
It’s typically done to neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow hues, enhance desired cool or warm tones, or fine-tune the color to your preference.
Also, toning can help maintain hair color by combating the effects of fading and color shifts due to various factors like sunlight exposure, heat styling, or washes.
What Is Over Toned Hair?
Over toned hair refers to hair that has adopted the hue of the toner itself.
For example, if you’re a brunette who applied a blue toner to neutralize unwanted orange undertones, over toned hair means that your brunette locks now exhibit a blue tint instead of reverting to their natural color.
This situation can happen for several reasons, including leaving toning products too long and using the wrong toner for the hair’s underlying pigment.
Over toned hair can also occur when the hair has been lightened too much, causing the toner to have an exaggerated effect on the hair.
What does over toned hair look like? Well, it is characterized by the following signs:
- Unintended color hues: Over toned hair can turn to unwanted shades like purple, blue, or green, which may require additional corrective measures.
- Hair damage: Continuously trying to fix, bleach, or reapply toner to over toned hair can lead to further damage and weakened hair.
- Fading and color inconsistency: As over toned hair starts to fade, it may exhibit uneven color distribution or display the original brassy tones that the toner was meant to correct.
Causes of Over Toned Hair
Before learning how to correct over toned hair, let’s take a closer look at what actually causes it in the first place.
Here are the common culprits that lead to this hair issue:
Using Too Much Toning Products
Over toned hair can occur when too much toning product is used, resulting in a bluish or purple tint in blonde hair.
To avoid over toning, it is important to use toner sparingly and follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
It is also recommended to do a strand test before applying toner to the entire head of hair to ensure that the desired result is achieved.
Consider seeking professional help if you’re inexperienced.
Using the Wrong Toning Product
Another reason for over toned hair is using the wrong toning product for your specific hair type or desired color.
Different toners have varying strengths and shades, which means that selecting the wrong one can lead to an undesired outcome.
To prevent this issue, do proper research so you can choose the right toner for your desired look.
Leaving Toning Products for Too Long
Leaving toning products on for too long can cause over toning, especially on bleached hair that has lost its natural pigments and has underlying warm tones.
When hair is lightened too much, it can become very porous and absorb too much toner, resulting in an over toned appearance if you leave it on for too long.
Follow the instructions on the toning product and carefully monitor the processing time to avoid unexpected shades like purple, blue, green, or red.
9 Ways To Fix Over Toned Hair
Fixing over toned hair might seem cumbersome, but it is easy so long as you know what to do.
Wait It Out
Once you realize that you have over toned your hair, the first question you might ask could be “Will over toned hair fade?” Fortunately, the answer is yes: over toned hair will fade.
Sometimes the simplest solution is to give your hair time to recover naturally. The wait time can take a few days to a week, depending on the severity of the over toning.
This method works best if your hair is only slightly over-toned.
Pros
- No additional damage to your hair
- Low effort and cost-effective
Cons
- Requires patience and takes time
- Hair may appear imperfect while waiting for the toner to fade
Quick Tips
- Wash your hair frequently to help the toner fade.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos to maintain hair health while waiting.
Vitamin C Treatment
You can create a homemade vitamin C treatment by mixing crushed vitamin C tablets or powder with water or shampoo.
Apply the mixture to your overly toned hair, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse it.
Pros
- Gentle on hair as it does the job without chemicals
- Easily accessible ingredients
Cons
- Might make hair brittle and prone to breakage if left on for too long
- Can be time-consuming as you may need to repeat the treatment several times to see the desired results
Quick Tip
Avoid using heat-styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling irons for a few days after the treatment.
Baking Soda Paste
This paste opens up the hair cuticle and breaks down the hair color molecules, allowing the unwanted color to be removed.
Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, apply it to your hair, leave it on for five to 10 minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly.
Pros
- Effective in neutralizing unwanted tones
- Easily accessible and affordable ingredient
Cons
- Can leave hair dry and frizzy
- Not suitable for weak, chemically treated hair that’s more susceptible to damage from harsh ingredients like baking soda.
Quick Tip
To maintain the desired hair color and prevent further over toning after using baking soda paste, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for your hair type.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are great for removing excess oils, impurities, and product residues, including unwanted toner.
These products usually contain surfactants, acids, and botanical extracts that help to cleanse and purify the hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.
Lather the shampoo in your hair, let it sit for the duration indicated on its label, and then rinse it out.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Widely available in stores and online
Cons
- Can be drying
- May not completely remove unwanted hair color
Quick Tip
Clarifying shampoo should be used sparingly as it can strip your hair of natural oils and cause dryness. Use it once a week or every other week, depending on your hair type.
Dishwashing Soap
You can use dishwashing soap instead of regular shampoo to remove the over toned hair color you’re sporting.
Dishwashing soap contains surfactants, which are cleaning agents that can help remove dirt, oil, and residue from the hair.
Apply the soap to your hair, let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it.
Pros
- Easily accessible
- Effective in stripping unwanted hair color
Cons
- Can be extremely drying to your hair
- Can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, especially if it’s used too frequently or left on for too long
Quick Tips
- Dilute dishwashing soap with water before applying.
- Deep condition your hair afterward.
Color Remover
Hair color removers help reverse the chemical process that occurs during the hair coloring and toning process.
They effectively remove the artificial hair color, which can help neutralize the over toned appearance.
Follow the instructions on the packaging, and rinse thoroughly.
Pros
- Effective in removing unwanted tones
- Can be used on stubborn hair colors
Cons
- Can cause the hair to become more porous, which can make it more difficult to achieve the desired hair color in the future
- Can be expensive
Quick Tip
Perform a strand test to assess potential results and effectiveness.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Developer
Wondering how to fix over toned blonde hair? Look no further! Mixing hydrogen peroxide and developer is a tried and true remedy.
Both hydrogen peroxide and developer contain oxidizing agents that can help to break down the artificial hair color molecules and lighten the hair, making it effective for correcting over toned hair that’s too dark.
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and hair developer to create a solution, and apply it to your hair. Monitor your hair closely during the process and rinse the mixture as soon as the desired lightening level is achieved.
Exercise caution as this method can be extremely damaging.
Pros
- Effective in removing stubborn hair colors in light blonde hair
- Affordable
Cons
- Can cause dryness and breakage
- May lighten natural hair color
Tip
Quick Tip
Use a deep conditioning treatment after the procedure to compensate for the damage.
Bleach Wash
A bleach wash is a mixture of bleach, developer, and shampoo that’s often used to reverse the effect of over toning blonde hair.
When the bleach wash mixture is applied to the hair, the bleach powder and developer break down the artificial hair color molecules, making them easy to wash off.
The shampoo in the mixture helps to dilute the bleach and make it less harsh on the hair.
The bleach wash mixture is left on for 10 to 20 minutes and rinsed out thoroughly. The hair is then conditioned to help restore moisture and prevent damage.
Pros
- Helps even out the hair color and create a more natural-looking result
- Can remove product buildup and other impurities from the hair
Cons
- Requires careful application to prevent damage to the hair and scalp
- May require multiple sessions, which can be time-consuming and damaging to the hair
- Not recommended for dark hair as it can remove the hair’s natural pigments
Quick Tips
- Consult a professional if you’re unsure about performing a bleach wash.
- Use a bleach wash only if other methods have not been effective.
Seek Help From a Professional Colorist
If all else fails, you can consult with a professional colorist to correct your over-toned hair. The colorist has the experience and knowledge to address your specific hair situation.
Pros
- Expert advice and application
- Increases the likelihood of satisfactory results
Cons
- Can be costly
- Requires scheduling an appointment at a salon
Quick Tip
Choose a reputable colorist with experience in color correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Use Multiple Methods To Fix Over Toned Hair?
It’s best to avoid using multiple methods to fix over toned hair simultaneously as doing so can cause further damage to the hair.
Choose a suitable method for your first attempt at correcting over toned hair depending on your hair type and its over toning severity.
If the first method doesn’t work, wait three to five days before trying another approach to give your hair enough time to recover.
Is It Possible To Color Over Toned Hair?
Yes, you can color your hair after using a toner. However, waiting until you’ve washed your hair four to five times before coloring is best.
Waiting is crucial to ensure the new dye does not interfere with the existing toner, giving you the desired result.
Remember that the condition of your hair is important when considering any color treatments, so always prioritize the health of your locks.
Kiss Over Toned Hair Goodbye!
Over toned hair can be a frustrating experience, but there are a variety of effective solutions to correct it.
From waiting it out to using various products or seeking help from a professional colorist, there are plenty of methods to choose from.
Remember to be patient and gentle with your over toned hair; with the right approach, you can regain your confidence in your hair color.
What To Know More About Hair Care?
Check out these articles:
- The 12 Best Charcoal Shampoos for Healthy Scalp and Hair
- What Is Hair Porosity? How Does It Affect Hair Care?
- Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Pink Hair?