You have dyed your hair at home one too many times and its looking brassy and uneven. Or maybe you decided to make a bold color change but it didn't turn out quite like you envisioned. Whatever the case, you are in need of a color correction. But what exactly does that entail? Let's break it down so you know what to expect from the process.
What is hair color correction?
Color correction is a technique hair stylists use to fix unwanted or unexpected hair dye results. It could be that your hair turned out too orange, too yellow, or just nothing like the shade you wanted. A color correction aims to smooth out patches, remove brassiness, and get your hair to the ideal tone through specialized dyeing and toning methods.
Why might you need a color correction service?
There are a few common reasons someone may opt for a color correction:
Uneven dye job - Did you try dyeing your hair at home without much experience? It's easy for the color to end up blotchy or patchy.
Brassy-looking hair - Dyes with red or yellow undertones (known as "brassy" tones) are stubborn to remove. Over time or with heat styling, they may intensify.
Hair lighter than intended - Bleach didn't lift your natural color as light as planned, leaving an undesirable dark root.
Color faded funny - Some areas held the dye better than others, so your hair didn't fade evenly.
Want a different shade - Maybe you just don't like the shade you chose anymore! A correction can modify the color.
How does it differ from regular hair coloring?
While regular salon hair dyeing aims to deposit pigment to change your hair color, color correction takes a more nuanced approach. Since it's focused on fixing or modifying an existing dye job, the techniques tend to be more extensive.
A stylist may need to lighten, deposit new dye, and precisely tone different areas. They will also take extra care not to further damage hair. Expect multiple steps and likely more than one appointment.
Professional color correction techniques
As discussed earlier, color correction involves using specialized methods to remove unwanted tones and achieve the desired shade. The main techniques include:
Toning
Applying a semi-permanent or temporary toner to hair to neutralize brassy, warm tones.
Color glazing
Using a clear or tinted gloss to refine color and address minor issues while adding shine.
Lightening with bleach
Lifting darker unnatural colors by lightening hair so a new shade takes properly.
Color fill
Placing a coordinating base color before a new dye to even out patches and prevent future undertones.
Balayage and highlighting
Strategically placing lighter or darker fragments to cover unevenness and add flattering dimension.
Specialized treatments
Formulas meant to remove dull unnatural dyes or repair hair; the right treatment depends on each person's hair needs.
Preparing for your color correction appointment
Now that you understand the purpose of a color correction, it's time to get your hair—and yourself—ready for the appointment. Here are some tips:
Before your appointment
Do your research! Look at inspiration photos of the shade you want to achieve. Read up on different correction methods so you can discuss options knowledgeably.
Communicate your hair goals
Be specific when conveying what's wrong with your current color and what you want instead. Bring photos that accurately illustrate the ideal tone and brightness level. Discussing this clearly upfront helps the colorist devise the best plan.
Ask questions if any?
Don't be shy about getting details. Ask how experienced they are with corrections. Inquire roughly how many sessions it may take. Find out if they use certain products during lightening to minimize damage.
Time commitment
The timeline depends greatly on the severity of your hair's condition and color issues. Minor corrections may only require only single appointment. But if your hair is extensively lightened or in poor condition, the colorist will need to lighten and tone gradually to prevent breakage. In these cases, expect multiple shorter sessions weeks apart.
The color correction process
Now for the nitty gritty—exactly what happens during a color correction appointment or series of appointments. Rest assured, your colorist has everything under control.
These steps are usually involved
Here's a general rundown of the correction process:
Consultation - Your colorist examines hair and decides on techniques.
Prepping - Cleanse hair, apply protectors if needed.
Lightening - Bleach or lighter dye is applied to areas in need.
Depositing - A new dye is applied to change the shade you have choosen.
Toning - A purple- or blue-toned gloss neutralizes brassiness.
Finalizing - Another deep condition, style as desired.
Home care tips - Advice on protecting your new color.
A typical session duration?
Most hair stylists block out 2+ hours for a single correction appointment. This allows them to fully assess your hair, determine a customized plan, lighten problem areas, and accurately tone the new color. Some stages like processing need 30+ minutes, so extended time is important.
Number of sessions
To avoid causing damage, most stylists don't do complex corrections in a single session. The lightening, coloring, and toning must be paced out to allow hair to rest between processes. Expect 1-4 visits total, weeks apart, to get ideal results. Going slow leads to healthy, long-lasting color.
Aftercare and maintenance
Now your color correction is complete. Your stylist will give you aftercare complete plan. Here are general tips for keeping your freshly dyed hair vibrant:
For the first 3-5 days after correction, wash only every other day in cool water with a gentle shampoo. This allows time for cuticles to close and color to seal in.
Be very gentle with heat tools and limit their use for 2 weeks. And avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or sea water for 1 week if possible as the chemicals can strip color fast.
Regular touch-ups can help to maintain your desired color and prevent fading. So, see your stylist for regular touch ups.
Remember choosing the right hairdresser is the key in color correction
When researching salons, credentials matter, but it's also key to assess a stylist's experience with color correction specifically—not just a general knack for coloring. Ask:
Portfolio: Request before & after shots of their correction work.
Qualifications: Look for advanced certification from top brands.
Recommendations: Seek out stylists with lots of glowing feedback online.
Consultation: Feel confident they listen to your goals and have a solid plan in place.
Going to an expert corrective colorist gives you the best shot at achieving beautiful, healthy hair with minimal appointments. Asking the right questions upfront helps ensure a perfect match
Looking for hair color correction experts in Fredericton?
Vibrant Salon and Spa located in Uptown Fredericton offers the best team of experienced hair stylists to help with any hair goals. Our colorists specialize in color corrections to fix uneven dye jobs, remove brassy tones, and perfect the ideal shade.
Our stylists focus on using gentle techniques during the correction process to minimize any damage that may occur from lightening treatments. You will be in good hands at Vibrant Salon for your color correction needs. We offer complimentary consultations to thoroughly assess your hair and develop a customized plan for beautiful results. Contact us to learn more about salon services and how we can help you achieve your hair goals.
To close
Ensure adequate preparation by clearly communicating your hair goals to the stylist
Have realistic expectations that color correction is a multi-step process
Commit to maintenance afterwards like gentle washing to showcase your new hair color
With the right professional stylist, you can achieve gorgeous hair that matches your vision
Consulting an expert will save both time versus multiple DIY attempts and prevent potential further damage to your hair
Your hair will thank you for taking the time to have an expert hair color correction done professionally
FAQ about hair color correction service
How much do you charge for a color correction?
The cost of a hair color correction will vary depending on several factors like the severity of the correction needed, the length and density of the hair, the experience level of the stylist, and the products required. For an accurate quote please contact us so we can assess your hair and recommend the best stylist and approach.
How soon can I correct my hair color?
The timing for a color correction depends on the severity of the issue. Minor fixes may only need 1 week waiting, but major corrections require longer recovery between processes, so allow 1-4 weeks for an assessment with a stylist to determine the best schedule.
Is professional hair color correction worth it?
Yes! It saves time versus multiple at-home attempts with cheap box dyes, prevents further damage those might cause, and ensures you achieve the vivid, long-lasting color you desire from an expert. The investment leads to beautifully coiffed, healthy hair that matches your vision.