Many people decide at some point that they want to grow out their dyed hair and return to their natural hair color. Whether you’ve been coloring your hair for years or just recently made a change, the growing out process can be tricky to navigate. The transition period when roots are growing in but lengths are still dyed can look unsightly. But with some planning and patience, you can successfully grow out your dyed hair.
Why Go Back to Your Natural Color?
There are several reasons why you may want to revert to your natural hair color:
- You’re tired of constantly touching up roots and want to embrace your natural hair
- You don’t like how the dyed color turns out or it doesn’t complement your skin tone
- You want to give your hair a break from chemical processing
- You’re curious what your natural color looks like after many years
Regardless of the reason, transitioning dyed hair back to natural color can be liberating. But it does require some planning and patience for the best results.
Come Up With a Game Plan
Don’t go cold turkey and immediately stop coloring. This will likely result in obvious and awkward grow-out lines. Come up with a gradual transition plan instead:
- Slowly stretch out coloring appointments – Instead of touching up roots every 4 weeks, wait 6 to 8 weeks between appointments. This will allow more natural regrowth in between.
- Get a shorter haircut – Long hair reveals more grow out line. A shorter style like a bob or lob can camouflage roots better.
- Use root touch up products – Temporary root concealer sprays and powders can disguise visible roots on days when you want a seamless look.
- Transition with highlights – Getting subtle highlights around your face can help blend dyed hair into new growth.
Be Patient With the Process
It can take 6 months to a year or longer for dyed hair to fully transition back to natural gray or white hair. Be prepared that the intermediate stage may look awkward at times. Here are some tips to help you stay patient and positive:
- Remind yourself that the odd grow-out phase is temporary.
- Use flattering headbands, scarves and hats to conceal roots.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to help fade dye faster.
- Use a toner or glaze to blend regrowth with lengths.
- Focus on your end goal of healthy, natural hair!
How to Care for Hair in Transition
Special care is required for hair that is growing out from dyed to natural. Be gentle and strategic with your hair care:
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week – This removes buildup and helps fade dyed hair.
- Shampoo sparingly – Only lather roots to avoid drying lengths and increasing fade.
- Use a moisturizing conditioner – Focus conditioner on dry mid-lengths and ends.
- Trim ends gradually – Get regular trims to snip off damaged dyed ends over time.
- Protect hair from sun – Sun exposure can cause dyed hair to fade unevenly.
Dyeing Options for Seamless Grow Out
If done correctly, you can dye hair in ways that allow for a subtle, seamless grow out process:
- Lowlights – Adding lowlights (opposite of highlights) in a tone similar to your natural color can help blend regrowth.
- Root smudge – Using a demi- or semi-permanent color close to your natural shade to “smudge” roots can disguise the grow out line.
- All-over color – You can gradually go darker overall while avoiding a stark root contrast.
- Gloss treatments – Clear glosses won’t alter color but can improve condition and blend the look of regrowth.
Consult with a colorist to determine the best strategy for making your grow-out as seamless as possible.
Celebrate Your Natural Hair
Once your natural color has fully grown in, give your hair some TLC. Here are tips for celebrating and caring for your new natural locks:
- Show it off! Rock your natural hair with confidence.
- Improve shine by avoiding heat styling.
- Use repairing masks and treatments.
- Get regular trims to cut off any lingering damaged ends.
- Consider getting face-framing highlights if you want to warm up gray hair.
Enjoy the freedom and ease of no longer having to hide roots or routinely dye your hair. Embrace your natural color – it’s beautiful!
Common Concerns When Growing Out Dyed Hair
If you’re apprehensive about returning to your natural hair color, here are some common concerns and solutions:
| Concern | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visible roots look sloppy | Use root concealing products and hairstyles to camouflage growth. |
| Multitone hair appears brassy | Use clarifying shampoo and purple toning products to reduce brassiness. |
| Miss your vibrant dyed color | You can always go back to coloring after giving your hair a break! |
| Grow-out stage lasts too long | Get regular trims and use root transition techniques to make growing out faster. |
Conclusion
Growing out dyed hair and returning to your natural color can be challenging but rewarding. Give your color-treated hair a break and embrace your beautiful natural hue. With patience and strategic transition techniques, you can successfully achieve subtle, seamless grow-out results. Your healthy, unprocessed hair will thank you.