Hair coloring at home can save money, but sometimes things go wrong. From brassy tones to uneven application, DIY hair color disasters happen to the best of us.
These practical fixes will help you rescue your hair when your coloring session doesn’t go as planned.
1. Tomato Juice Toner for Green Tints
Swimming pools turned your blonde hair green? Tomato juice neutralizes those unwanted green tints naturally. Simply apply to damp hair, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
The acidity in tomatoes counteracts chlorine’s effects without harsh chemicals.
2. Baking Soda Lightening Bath
Color too dark? Mix baking soda with anti-dandruff shampoo for a gentle color-lifting solution. The combination helps fade overly dark dye without damaging your locks.
Massage into wet hair and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing.
3. Purple Shampoo Magic
Battling brassy blonde or silver hair? Purple shampoo is your new best friend! The violet pigments neutralize yellow tones instantly.
For maximum effect, apply to dry hair first. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wetting and rinsing thoroughly.
4. Coconut Oil Pre-Color Shield
Prevent patchy color by applying coconut oil to your ends before coloring. Hair ends absorb dye faster, often turning darker than the rest.
The oil creates a protective barrier that ensures more even color distribution from roots to tips.
5. Vitamin C Color Correction
Crushed vitamin C tablets mixed with shampoo create a surprisingly effective color remover. This kitchen remedy gently strips artificial color without salon prices.
Works best on semi-permanent colors and is gentler than commercial color removers.
6. Ketchup for Blue-Green Tones
Blonde hair taken on a greenish-blue cast? Reach for ketchup! The red pigments and acidity combat unwanted cool tones in light hair.
Cover affected areas completely, put on a shower cap, and wait 30 minutes before washing out.
7. Honey Highlights Booster
Highlights looking dull? Mix honey with conditioner for a natural brightening treatment. Honey contains small amounts of hydrogen peroxide that subtly lighten hair over time.
Apply to highlighted sections and sit in sunlight for enhanced effects.
8. Coffee Rinse for Brown Hair
Brown hair looking flat? A strong coffee rinse adds depth and dimension. The caffeine temporarily darkens hair while adding beautiful shine.
Brew extra-strong coffee, cool it completely, then pour over hair after shampooing. Don’t rinse out!
9. Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse
Product buildup making your color look dull? Apple cider vinegar strips away residue without harsh detergents. The acidity seals your hair cuticle, making color appear more vibrant.
Dilute 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water.
10. Vaseline Barrier Method
Stop color bleeding onto your skin by creating a protective barrier with Vaseline. Apply along your hairline, ears, and neck before coloring.
The petroleum jelly prevents dye from staining skin while still allowing you to color right to the roots.
11. Chamomile Tea Blonde Enhancer
Blonde hair looking brassy? Chamomile tea rinses add golden highlights naturally. The gentle plant compounds brighten blonde tones without chemicals.
Brew 3-4 tea bags in hot water, cool completely, and use as a final rinse after shampooing.
12. Olive Oil Overnight Repair
Fried your hair with bleach? Warm olive oil restores moisture to damaged strands. The natural fats penetrate the hair shaft, improving elasticity and preventing breakage.
Massage in thoroughly, cover with a shower cap, and leave overnight.
13. Cold Water Color Lock
Hot water is color’s worst enemy! It opens hair cuticles, allowing dye molecules to escape. Rinse with the coldest water you can stand after coloring.
This simple trick can double the lifespan of your color, especially with reds and purples.
14. Toning Shampoo Color Wheel
Understanding the color wheel saves botched dye jobs! Purple cancels yellow, blue neutralizes orange, and green counters red tones. Choose toning shampoos based on what unwanted color you’re fighting.
Regular use gradually corrects off-tones in colored hair.
15. Mayonnaise Deep Treatment for Overly Dry Dyed Hair
Slathering your neon pink disaster with mayo might sound like adding insult to injury, but this kitchen staple works wonders! The oils and eggs in mayonnaise create a powerful moisture barrier that helps repair damaged cuticles.
Apply a generous layer to dry hair, focusing on the most processed areas. Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes while you contemplate your life choices. The protein in egg yolks helps strengthen hair while the oil restores shine.
Fun fact: Before commercial conditioners existed, women often used mayonnaise as a hair treatment during the 1940s. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to avoid that distinctive sandwich smell!