Colour Correction: What to Do When Your Hair Colour Goes Wrong
- Fergal Doyle
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Beth, Colour Director, Stoke Bishop
Colour correction is the work we do when hair colour has not gone to plan, whether that is patchy regrowth, bands of different tones, a colour that went too dark, or brassiness that toner alone will not fix. It is some of the most technical work a colourist does, and the most rewarding. If you are unhappy with your current colour, here is honestly what is involved in putting it right.
What counts as colour correction?
It is more than a re-colour. Correction means undoing or evening out previous colour before building the shade you actually want. Common cases we see are dark bands where box colour has overlapped, uneven or stripy highlights, hair that has gone too dark and flat, green or khaki tones in faded colour, and over-processed, brassy blonde.
Why it usually takes more than one visit
This is the part people are surprised by. Hair can only be lightened and processed so much in one sitting before its condition suffers. A responsible colourist will often stage a correction across two or more appointments to protect the integrity of your hair. Rushing it is how breakage happens, and a correction that has to be redone costs far more than one done patiently.
It starts with a consultation, not colour
Every correction begins with a proper consultation, often including a strand test, where we assess what is already on your hair, its condition, and how it is likely to react. Crucially, we need your honest colour history, especially any box dye, henna or home lightening, because those change everything about how hair behaves. There is no judgement here, only better results when we know what we are working with.
The realistic outcome
Good correction is about getting you to a beautiful, healthy, even result, sometimes via a sensible interim shade on the way to your dream colour. We would always rather give you hair that stays strong and looks expensive than chase a shade that wrecks its condition.
Frequently asked questions
How much does colour correction cost?
It varies enormously with the work involved, so it is always quoted after a consultation. Because it can take extra time and sometimes multiple sessions, it is priced individually rather than as a standard service.
Can you fix hair that has gone too dark?
Often yes, but lifting artificial dark colour is gentle, gradual work to protect the hair, so it may take more than one visit. A consultation lets us give you a realistic plan.
Should I tell you if I have used box dye or henna?
Always. Box dye and especially henna can react unpredictably with salon colour and lightener, so knowing is essential for a safe correction.
Let us take a look
Book a colour correction consultation at our Clifton or Stoke Bishop studio and we will give you an honest plan and quote. Book online at fergaldoylehair.com.
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