6 Ways to Grow Out Colored Hair
You're a chameleon. One day you're a fiery red head and the next…well, the next you're pretty sure you want to go back to your natural blond color. Now what? It looks like it's time to grow out your hair color.
Okay, so maybe you don't want to keep your natural hair hue forever. But for right now, your overly colored hair needs a major break. Before you resign yourself to months of hats, scarves and maybe even wigs, check out how you can make growing out your hair color easier — on your eyes and on your hair's health.
IT'S A DO
Styling your hair can make or break your growing-out experience. A stick-straight, flat-ironed style may look sleek and chic, but it will also completely show off your roots. Experiment with styles that don't show off your transitioning color.
This doesn't mean you have to get a dramatic cut. A bang braid that frames your face can blend the different colors. Wrap the braid into a loose bun or feed it into another braid in the back. If this doesn't work for your hair, gentle waves and layered curls are just two of the many styles that can help you during the growing process.
NOT-SO-PERMANENT COLOR
A semi-permanent color wash can help you to hide your roots, without making a mega-commitment. Even though you're still adding chemicals to your already-stressed hair, you aren't going overboard. The color will gradually wash out after about a dozen shampoos. This gives your hair time to grow. If a semi-permanent color is still too much for you, try a color-depositing conditioner.
CUTS AND TRIMS
That mermaid hair you're growing isn't going to help your color change. Yes, your hair is long and going to even greater lengths. But, that doesn't mean it's healthy. Regular trims remove the old dye that's way down at the ends of your hair. This helps to keep your hair healthy and gives your hair less space to cover during the great grow-out.
If your hair is seriously damaged or you just can't stand to let it slowly grow from one color to another, a short haircut may be the way to go. Keep in mind that a pixie style doesn't always fit every face and body. You may need to do some research (and thinking) first. If a close cut isn't your style, a bob or even a shoulder-length cut may take away at least a few inches of your damaged hair.
HAIR WITH HIGHLIGHTS
Bleachy or bright highlights can look pretty obvious as they grow out. Those first few inches of dark color paired with the light of your highlights isn't exactly natural. If you aren't going for a natural look, call it ombre and just let it grow. But, if you want something that looks more real, consider adding lowlights. These will help to tone down your overall color and blend the different shades.
DARK TO LIGHT
When light-haired girls go dark, reversing it may seem simple. It's tempting to reach for the bleach and try to take your not-so-natural maroon to dirty blond. However, this might not get you the results you want. Instead of your natural color, your hair may end up brittle or an odd color.
Forget about a full head of bleached hair and opt for more natural-looking highlights. These can temper the dark color and bring in your natural shade as it grows in.
ROOT COVER-UP
There are plenty of root cover-ups available in most drug stores and commercial beauty retailers. These are temporary fixes that hide roots when they are a different color than the rest of your hair.
You have a few different options here. There are paint-on, comb-through and spray-on root cover-ups. Look for a product that closely matches the shade you're growing out, not your natural color.
If you're passionate about hair care and want to start a career in the beauty field, contact David Pressley School of Cosmetology today!
Back to blog
