The 7 Most Common Hair Color Mistakes—And How to Fix Them
Hair colouring is one of the most common beauty treatments available, yet it’s also one of the most prone to mishaps. Knowing the pitfalls can save you from costly salon visits or the need to use colour correction hair colour. Here are the seven most common hair colour mistakes and how to fix/avoid them:
1. Choosing the Wrong Shade for Your Skin Tone
One of the most common hair colour mistakes is when people select shades that clash with their natural complexion. This is evident when someone with warm undertones chooses ash blonde or when cool-toned individuals opt for golden hues.
The rarest hair colour combinations often work because they naturally complement the person’s skin tone. Artificial changes require careful consideration.
The Fix: Know your skin’s undertones first. Here is how:
Hold silver and gold jewellery against your skin. If silver looks better, you have cool undertones and should lean toward ash blonde, platinum blonde, or cool brown shades. If gold is better on you, warm tones like strawberry blond, golden blonde, or rich auburn will suit you better. Most hair colours will work for those with neutral undertones.
2. Attempting Drastic Colour Changes Without Professional Help
Many people underestimate the complexity of dramatic hair colour changes, especially when trying to achieve dyed hair blonde from naturally dark hair. The saying “blondes have more fun” might be tempting, but the journey from black and brown hair to light shades requires expertise and patience.
The Fix: For major transformations, consult a professional colourist who can assess your hair’s condition and create a plan for achieving your desired result safely. They understand the science behind hair dyes and can prevent damage while achieving your goals.
If you’re determined to DIY, make gradual changes over several sessions rather than attempting a complete transformation at once. Understanding multidimensional hair colour techniques can help you achieve more natural-looking results that complement your features while avoiding harsh, unnatural appearances.
3. Ignoring Your Hair’s Natural Base Colour
Most people often forget that their natural pigment affects the final result. This mistake leads to unexpected outcomes, such as orange tones when trying to lighten dark brown hair or muddy results when applying certain shades over previously colored hair.
The Fix: Always consider your starting point. Dark hair requires bleaching before applying lighter shades, while grey hair may need special preparation to ensure even colour uptake.
You can use a colour wheel to understand which tones will neutralise unwanted hues. Purple cancels yellow, green neutralises red and blue tones and counteracts orange. This knowledge is crucial for effective colour correction hair treatments.
4. Rushing the Bleaching Process
If you are after blonde hair colour, especially platinum blonde or white hair, many people make the mistake of leaving the bleach on too long or using products that are too strong. This impatience can result in severe damage, breakage, and even chemical burns.
The Fix: Bleaching should be done gradually, especially for those with naturally dark hair. Professional colourists often require multiple sessions spaced weeks apart to achieve very light shades safely. If you are bleaching at home, follow instructions carefully and perform strand tests. Never leave bleach on longer than recommended.
The most common hair colour disasters stem from bleaching gone wrong. If you prefer DIY, make sure you learn proper highlighting techniques to understand how professionals approach lightening hair safely and effectively.
5. Neglecting Hair Health and Preparation
Many colour mistakes occur because the hair isn’t properly prepared or maintained. Damaged, dry, or chemically treated hair responds differently to colour than healthy strands. This often results in uneven absorption and poor colour retention.
The Fix: Prepare your hair for colouring by using deep conditioning treatments in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Avoid washing your hair 24-48 hours before colouring, as natural oils provide protection. After colouring, buy colour-safe products and regular treatments to maintain the health and vibrancy of your new shade.
6. Mismatching Colours with Natural Features
Beyond skin tone, factors like eye colour, eyebrow colour, and personal style are important in choosing hair colours. Light brown hair might look stunning on someone with hazel eyes, while the same shade could wash out someone with pale blue eyes. The red hair gene creates natural harmony between hair, skin, and eye colour that’s challenging to replicate artificially.
The Fix: Think about your entire colour palette when choosing a new shade. Your eyebrows, eyes, and even your wardrobe should influence your decision. If you’re unsure, consult with professionals who can assess how different shades will work with your features.
Sometimes, slight adjustments to tone or depth can make a dramatic difference in how flattering a colour appears.
7. Poor Maintenance and Aftercare
Even perfect initial colour results can quickly turn into disasters without proper maintenance. This is especially true for high-maintenance shades like platinum blonde or vibrant fashion colours.
Many people also make the mistake of using regular shampoos that strip colour or exposing their newly colored hair to chlorine and excessive heat.
The Fix: Buy quality colour-protecting products and follow a maintenance routine for your specific colour. Blonde hair requires purple shampoo to prevent brassiness, while red tones need colour-depositing treatments to maintain vibrancy. Make sure to schedule regular touch-ups before your roots become too obvious, and protect your hair from environmental factors that cause fading.
Proper colored hair care is really important for maintaining your investment and keeping your colour looking fresh and vibrant.
The Colour in the World of Hair Correction
When mistakes happen, don’t panic. Professional colour correction hair services can address most issues, though the process may take time and multiple appointments. The key is acting quickly before attempting to fix problems yourself, which often makes situations worse.