So, you just got your hair highlighted, and instead of that sun-kissed glow you were dreaming of, you’re sporting stripes that resemble a zebra after a bleach bath. Don’t panic! Overly bright highlights are a common hair mishap, and thankfully, there are several ways to tone them down and achieve a more natural, blended look. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding why your highlights might be too bright to various at-home and professional correction methods.
Understanding Why Your Highlights Went Wrong
Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand what may have caused your highlights to turn out brighter than expected. Several factors can contribute to this, and knowing the culprit can help you avoid a repeat performance in the future.
The Bleach Factor
The primary reason for overly bright highlights is, of course, the bleach. Bleach works by lifting the natural pigment from your hair. The longer the bleach stays on, and the stronger the developer used, the more pigment is removed, resulting in lighter and brighter strands. If your hair is naturally dark or has been previously colored, it may take multiple bleaching sessions to achieve the desired lightness. Over-processing can lead to brassy tones and excessively bright highlights.
Toner Trouble
Toner is a crucial step in the highlighting process. It helps to neutralize unwanted undertones, such as yellow or orange, and refine the overall color. If the toner wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t left on long enough, or wasn’t the right shade for your hair, it might not have effectively corrected the brightness.
Application Issues
The application technique can also play a significant role. If the bleach was applied unevenly or too close to the scalp, it could result in harsh lines and overly bright spots. Chunky highlights, where large sections of hair are bleached, are also more prone to appearing unnatural and too bright.
Hair’s Natural Porosity
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. Highly porous hair tends to absorb bleach and toner more quickly, which can lead to unexpected results, including overly bright highlights. Damaged hair is often more porous.
Immediate Actions: What To Do Right After the Highlighting Session
If you realize your highlights are too bright immediately after they’ve been done at a salon, speak up! A good stylist will be happy to adjust the color. Don’t leave the salon feeling unhappy with your hair.
If you did the highlights yourself, or the problem becomes apparent later, don’t fret. There are still steps you can take. Avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours after highlighting. This allows the hair’s cuticle to close and helps to retain any toner that was applied.
At-Home Remedies to Tone Down Bright Highlights
For those who prefer a DIY approach, several at-home remedies can help to subtly tone down overly bright highlights. These methods are generally gentler than professional treatments and are best suited for minor corrections.
Toning Shampoos and Conditioners
Toning shampoos and conditioners, specifically those formulated for blonde or silver hair, contain violet or blue pigments that neutralize yellow and orange tones. These products can help to create a cooler, more balanced color. Use them sparingly, as overuse can lead to a purplish or grayish tint.
DIY Hair Masks
Certain ingredients can help to naturally tone down bright highlights. A honey and olive oil mask can add moisture and a subtle warmth to the hair, making the highlights appear less stark. A chamomile tea rinse can also gently brighten and add golden tones. To make the chamomile rinse, steep several tea bags in hot water, let it cool, and then pour it over your hair after shampooing.
Color-Depositing Conditioners
Color-depositing conditioners are a great way to add subtle color to your hair while conditioning it. Choose a shade that is slightly darker than your natural hair color or a shade that complements your existing highlights. These conditioners can help to blend the highlights with your base color.
The Dish Soap Trick (Use With Caution!)
While not recommended as a regular treatment, washing your hair once or twice with a clarifying shampoo or even dish soap can help to strip away some of the color. Be very cautious when using dish soap, as it can be extremely drying. Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture.
Professional Solutions: When to Seek Expert Help
If at-home remedies aren’t cutting it, or if you’re dealing with significant color correction, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively address overly bright highlights.
Toning Services
A professional toner is a stronger and more precise version of the toning shampoos and conditioners you can use at home. A stylist can custom-mix a toner to neutralize specific undertones and create a more natural-looking blend. This is often the quickest and easiest solution for toning down bright highlights.
Lowlights
Adding lowlights, which are strands of hair that are darker than your base color, can help to break up the brightness of the highlights and create more dimension. Lowlights are strategically placed to add depth and create a more balanced look.
Root Smudging/Shadow Root
Root smudging, also known as shadow root, involves blending the highlights at the roots with your natural hair color. This creates a seamless transition and eliminates harsh lines. This technique also helps to make the highlights look more lived-in and natural.
Color Melting
Color melting is a technique where multiple colors are blended together seamlessly, creating a gradual transition from one shade to another. This can be used to blend the highlights with your base color and add depth and dimension to your hair.
All-Over Color
In some cases, the best solution may be to apply an all-over color that is slightly darker than your natural hair color. This will tone down the highlights and create a more uniform look. This option is best for those who want a significant change or who are dealing with extensive damage from over-processing.
Caring for Your Hair After Correction
Whether you’ve used at-home remedies or professional treatments, it’s essential to take care of your hair after correcting overly bright highlights. Bleached hair is more prone to damage and dryness, so proper care is crucial to maintain its health and appearance.
Hydrating Hair Masks
Use a deep conditioning hair mask at least once a week to replenish moisture and repair damage. Look for masks that contain ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil.
Heat Protection
Minimize the use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the hair and help to prevent color fading. They also help to retain moisture and keep your hair healthy.
Regular Trims
Get regular trims to remove split ends and prevent breakage. This will help to keep your hair looking its best.
Sun Protection
Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a hair product with UV protection. The sun can fade your hair color and cause further damage.
Preventing Bright Highlights in the Future
The best way to deal with overly bright highlights is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect highlights every time:
Consultation is Key
Before getting your hair highlighted, have a thorough consultation with your stylist. Discuss your desired outcome, your hair history, and any concerns you may have. Show them pictures of the color you want to achieve.
Choose the Right Stylist
Select a stylist who is experienced in highlighting and color correction. Look at their portfolio and read reviews to get a sense of their expertise.
Gradual Lightening
If you’re starting with dark hair, it’s best to lighten it gradually over multiple sessions. This will minimize damage and prevent the highlights from turning out too bright.
Root Melt/Shadow Root
Ask for a root melt or shadow root technique when getting your highlights. This will create a softer, more natural transition at the roots.
Low Maintenance Highlights
Consider low-maintenance highlighting techniques like balayage or foilyage, which create a blended, natural look and require less frequent touch-ups.
Hair Health Matters
Keep your hair healthy by using moisturizing products, avoiding heat styling, and getting regular trims. Healthy hair is less prone to damage from bleaching.
Achieving the perfect highlights takes planning and a skilled stylist. By understanding the potential pitfalls and taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid overly bright highlights and enjoy beautiful, sun-kissed hair. Remember that patience is key. Gradual lightening and proper care are essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant, and perfectly toned highlights.
FAQ 1: Why did my highlights turn out too bright?
Your highlights might appear too bright for several reasons. One common cause is the bleaching process used to lift the color. If the bleach was left on for too long, or if a developer with a higher volume was used than necessary for your hair’s base color, it could have lifted more pigment than intended, resulting in overly light or brassy highlights. The porosity of your hair also plays a role; hair that is highly porous tends to absorb bleach more quickly and unevenly, leading to unpredictable results.
Another factor could be the toner applied (or not applied) after the bleaching process. Toner is essential for neutralizing unwanted yellow or orange tones and achieving the desired shade. If the toner wasn’t the correct shade or wasn’t applied correctly, the underlying brassiness will remain visible, making the highlights appear much brighter and less natural than desired. Furthermore, the starting color of your hair, the number of highlight sections applied, and the contrast between your base color and the highlights all contribute to the perceived brightness.
FAQ 2: Can I fix overly bright highlights at home, or should I see a professional?
Whether you can fix bright highlights at home depends largely on the severity of the issue and your comfort level with DIY hair color. For slight corrections, like toning down a bit of brassiness or adding a subtle glaze, over-the-counter toners or color-depositing shampoos might suffice. However, if the highlights are significantly too light, unevenly distributed, or damaged, attempting a home fix could worsen the problem and lead to further damage or an undesirable color.
A professional colorist has the expertise and access to professional-grade products needed to properly assess the situation and formulate a tailored solution. They can precisely match toners and glazes to achieve the desired shade, correct uneven application, and address any underlying damage. Investing in a professional correction will likely save you time, money, and further hair damage in the long run.
FAQ 3: What kind of toner should I use to tone down bright highlights?
Choosing the right toner to tone down bright highlights depends on the specific undertones you want to neutralize. If your highlights are overly yellow, a toner with violet or purple pigments will help to cancel out the yellow and create a cooler, more neutral blonde. If your highlights have orange undertones, a blue-based toner is recommended to neutralize the orange and achieve a more ash-blonde result.
It’s crucial to select a toner that is only slightly darker than your current highlights to avoid making them too dark or muddy. Start with a demi-permanent toner, as it’s less damaging than permanent hair color and allows for more flexibility if you need to make further adjustments. Consider consulting with a professional or using online color charts to determine the most suitable toner for your specific needs.
FAQ 4: How can I darken bright highlights without re-bleaching my hair?
One effective method to darken bright highlights without resorting to more bleaching is to use a hair gloss or glaze. These products deposit a sheer layer of color over the hair, adding depth and dimension without the harshness of traditional hair dye. Glosses and glazes are available in a variety of shades and can be customized to perfectly match your base color or to add a subtle tint that tones down the brightness of your highlights.
Another option is to use a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner in a shade that is slightly darker than your base color. These products gradually deposit color with each wash, allowing you to build up the desired level of darkness over time. Be sure to choose a product that is specifically designed for color-treated hair to prevent further fading or damage. Additionally, consider lowlights as a method to add depth and dimension which can mitigate the appearance of highlights that are too bright.
FAQ 5: How long does it take for toner to fade after applying it to highlights?
The longevity of toner on highlights varies depending on several factors. The porosity of your hair, the specific toner used, and your hair care routine all play a role. Generally, toner can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks before it begins to fade noticeably. Toner applied to more porous hair tends to fade faster, as porous hair has a harder time retaining color molecules.
Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair can help to prolong the life of your toner. Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as each wash can strip away some of the color. You should also avoid using hot tools excessively, as the heat can cause the toner to fade more quickly. Additionally, minimize exposure to chlorine and direct sunlight, as these elements can also contribute to color fading.
FAQ 6: Can I use hair masks to help with overly bright highlights?
Yes, hair masks can be very beneficial in addressing overly bright highlights, particularly if the bleaching process has left your hair dry or damaged. Hydrating hair masks can help to restore moisture and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair, making the highlights appear less harsh and more integrated with your base color. Look for masks that contain ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil to deeply nourish and hydrate your hair.
Additionally, color-depositing hair masks can be used to subtly tone down the brightness of your highlights. These masks contain pigments that gradually deposit color with each use, allowing you to customize the shade and intensity of your highlights. Choose a mask that is slightly darker than your desired shade to gradually achieve the desired result without overdoing it. Regular use of hair masks will improve the texture, shine, and overall appearance of your highlighted hair.
FAQ 7: What are some preventative measures to avoid getting overly bright highlights in the first place?
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding overly bright highlights. Firstly, it’s essential to choose a skilled and experienced colorist who can properly assess your hair’s condition and formulate a customized plan based on your desired outcome. They should understand how your hair reacts to bleach and use the appropriate developer volume and processing time to minimize damage and achieve the desired lift.
Secondly, communicate clearly with your stylist about your expectations and the specific shade you’re aiming for. Bring reference pictures to illustrate the desired level of brightness and tone. Additionally, prioritize the health of your hair by using a pre-treatment like Olaplex before bleaching, as it helps to protect and strengthen the hair during the chemical process. Lastly, don’t attempt to lighten your hair too drastically in one session, as gradual lightening is less damaging and allows for more control over the final result.