Why Your Hair Color Isn’t Working and How to Fix It: 7 Expert Tips

1. Opt for Cool or Neutral Tones

The first of many great tips for the hair color of your dreams is something pro stylist Jason Backe suggests. If you want a shade lighter than your natural one, look for hair dyes with cool or neutral tones. Warm tones can often leave a brassy sheen, which might ruin your look and your mood. For more on selecting the right products, check out our guide on choosing the right hair dye.

2. Stock up on Hair Color

Take Patty Slattery’s advice and purchase at least two tubes of hair color to ensure flawless, total coverage. As the Director of L'Oreal’s Technical Center, Patty knows that a standard tube usually only holds enough for an average mane. If your hair is thicker or longer, one tube simply won't give you that perfect, even result.

3. Do a Strand Test

Slattery also emphasizes that you should never skip a strand test. It’s always better to test the formula on one small section than to risk your entire head. Messing up a dye job can lead to a pricey color correction at a professional salon like Sally Beauty, and fixing a mistake costs significantly more than a regular DIY session. Plus, it's the best way to see how the dreams hair color actually develops on your unique base.

4. New Growth Needs to Be Touched up First

To avoid the dreaded "home dye job" look, always apply color to your roots first. Apply the dye to new growth only and let it process for 90% of the total time. Then, apply the remaining mixture to the rest of your hair for the final 5 minutes to revive the color. This prevents over-processing your ends and keeps your hair looking like it was touched up by a professional. You might also find our tips on DIY hair masks useful for keeping those ends healthy.

5. Curly Hair Absorbs More Color

Curly hair is naturally more porous, meaning it absorbs dye faster and is more prone to looking darker or feeling damaged. Manhattan pro Ouidad advises substituting one-quarter of the developer with distilled water. This small tweak helps you get perfect results without extra damage. Check these maintenance tips to keep those curls hydrated.

6. Pamper Your Hair

Porous or colored hair needs extra care to stay vibrant. This is especially true for blonde and red shades that tend to fade quickly. Invest in high-quality shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair to maintain that salon-fresh look for as long as possible. **Quick Maintenance Checklist:** * Use sulfate-free shampoo * Rinse with cool water * Apply a weekly deep conditioner * Minimize heat styling

7. Don’t Shy Away from Color

Finally, Marcy Cona, color director at Clairol, encourages you to experiment. Try lighter, darker, or warmer shades until you find the one that makes you feel most radiant. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to find your signature look!

Are you planning to use these professional hair coloring tips? Is there a particular trick you swear by for your own DIY sessions?