A hair mishap can catch anyone off guard — you aimed for a sleek platinum look but ended up with unwanted yellow tones. Your initial reaction might be to dash to the store for a quick fix, but hold off. Jumping into another dye job too soon could worsen the situation. Typically, it’s advised to wait a couple of weeks before scheduling another dye session. This waiting period helps prevent over processing, which can severely damage your hair and even alter its texture. In the meantime, there are still ways to manage and care for your hair effectively. Read on to find out more about the timeline for re-dyeing and alternative solutions.
How soon can you dye your hair again?
Wait at least two weeks after your last dye session before coloring your hair again. For maintaining your color, stylists suggest visiting the salon every four to six weeks for touch-ups. If you’re using gentler options like semi-permanent dye or color-depositing conditioners, you might shorten the time between treatments. For other coloring services, stick to the two-week waiting period.
How soon can I recolor my hair if I don’t like it?
Hair Color Type | Recommended Wait Time for Reapplication | Duration of Color | Potential Hair Damage |
Color-Enhancing Conditioner | No wait time | Lasts 5 to 10 washes | No damage |
Semi-Permanent Hair Color | Wait 1 week | Stays for 4 to 12 washes | Minimal damage |
Demi-Permanent Hair Color | Wait 2 weeks | Remains for up to 24 washes | Low damage |
Permanent Hair Dye | Wait 2 weeks | Lasts 4 to 6 weeks | Moderate damage |
Hair Bleaching | Wait 2 weeks | Lasts 4 to 6 weeks | High damage |
If you’re unhappy with your new hair color, the time needed to fix it depends on your specific hair issue and the treatments you’ve undergone. Generally, revisiting the salon within two weeks is feasible. To prepare, avoid heat styling and treat your hair with deep conditioning.
If your color turned brassy
For bleached hair that appears yellow or orange, you can tone it after a few days. Toner, typically found in purple shampoos or conditioners, helps achieve a cool-toned blonde. If considering dyeing after bleaching, waiting two weeks is safest, though some may need less time. Consult your stylist for the best approach.
If you made a mistake with box dye
DIY hair dye can be tricky. If you’re dissatisfied with the result, contact a salon specializing in color correction. Semi- or demi-permanent dyes require less waiting time compared to permanent ones. If you’re fixing it at home, wait at least two weeks, but professional advice might expedite the process.
If you dyed your hair black
Black dye is challenging and can lead to uneven results. To lighten black hair, consider using clarifying shampoo, bleach, or color-stripping products. Always consult your stylist before making these changes to minimize damage. For best results, have a professional handle black hair dyeing.
If you want to strip your hair color
Hair color removers lift the hair cuticle to eliminate color and can be less harsh than bleaching. Yet, they might produce uneven results, so this task is best left to professionals.
Waiting to Re-Dye Your Hair
When using demi-permanent or permanent hair dyes, it’s important to wait two weeks before re-dyeing. Longer-lasting color changes tend to cause more damage. Temporary methods like color-depositing conditioners and demi-permanent dyes don’t penetrate the hair cortex, resulting in less damage. However, they aren’t as vibrant or long-lasting.
Demi-permanent dyes, permanent dyes, and hair bleach last longer because they penetrate the hair cuticle and dye strands internally. Lifting the cuticle can damage hair, making it feel brittle and dry. Repeated bleaching or dyeing without breaks keeps the cuticle lifted, leaving the cortex unprotected. To protect your hair, take breaks and use care tips like cold water rinses and appropriate products.
Maintaining Hair Color
To keep your hair color fresh, re-dye every four to six weeks. This timeframe allows strands to recover without the color fading completely. For quick-growing hair or root retouches, dyeing more often might be necessary. New roots are virgin hair and can be dyed more frequently, especially for special occasions.
Risks of Re-Dyeing Too Soon
Dyeing too soon can damage the hair cuticle, making strands dry, frizzy, and rough. Signs of over processing include texture changes, breakage, cowlicks, flyaways, split ends, and hair thinning. If you suspect over processing, consult a trusted stylist to develop a plan to manage the damage. They may suggest a return to your natural color, recommend restorative products, and propose protective styles until recovery
Dyeing Hair Twice in One Day
Avoid dyeing hair twice in one day, as it doesn’t allow enough recovery time. Some situations might require multiple dye applications, like using at-home dye within the recommended time frame. In salons, a double process color may be suggested, usually over multiple days. In urgent cases, bleaching and dyeing in one day is possible but can cause extra damage
FAQs
While box hair dye isn’t as potent as salon options, it’s wise to wait at least two weeks before coloring your hair again. Since box dye is applied at home rather than by a professional, there’s a higher risk of hair damage from mistakes.
If you’re dyeing your hair yourself, read the instructions on the dye box thoroughly to ensure the best results. If your desired hair color didn’t turn out as expected, you might feel the urge to fix it quickly. However, rushing can often lead to bigger problems.
While waiting for your next dye session, you can wear a hat or tie your hair in a stylish scarf. Treat your hair to some love with a deep conditioning mask. When you’re able to see a stylist for a proper re-dye, the wait will be worthwhile.
Over-dyeing hair can cause damage and breakage, leading to the appearance of thinner hair. However, there is no scientific evidence that directly links frequent dyeing to permanent hair loss. It’s essential to follow proper dyeing techniques and give your hair time to recover between sessions.
If you’re experiencing excessive breakage or thinning due to dyeing, it might be a sign of overprocessing. Consult a stylist for advice on how to care for your damaged hair and prevent further damage
Yes, there are ways to minimize damage while still achieving your desired hair color. One option is to opt for professional salon dyeing instead of using box dyes at home. This allows a trained stylist to assess your hair’s needs and use high-quality products that are less damaging.
