This article will guide you through the different methods you can use to fix your over-toned locks.
Whether you’ve experienced too much brassiness or your hair has turned a shade you didn’t expect, we’ll help you find the solutions you need.
What Does Over-Toned Hair Look Like
Over-toned hair can look dull and lack natural dimension. When your hair is over-toned, it can appear brassy, flat, and lifeless. The color may have a dull, washed-out appearance, lacking your desired vibrancy and shine. Instead of having a natural multidimensional effect, your hair may have a one-dimensional, monotonous look.
The brassiness is a common issue with over-toned hair. It occurs when the hair has been toned too much or with a shade too cool for your hair color. As a result, your hair may have a yellow or orange undertone, giving it an unnatural appearance. This brassy effect can make your hair look artificial and far from the desired result.
In addition to the brassiness, over-toned hair can also lack volume. The excessive toning process can strip away your hair’s natural shine and texture, leaving it looking flat and lifeless. Instead of having movement and body, your hair may appear limp and thin.
Sometimes, over-toned hair can even take on a purple hue. This can happen when the toner used is too cool for your hair color, resulting in an unwanted purple tint. While some people may intentionally choose a purple-toned hair color, it can look unnatural and unflattering when it happens unexpectedly.
To avoid the pitfalls of over-toned hair, seeking professional advice and guidance is crucial. A skilled hairstylist can help you achieve the perfect balance of tone and dimension, ensuring your hair looks vibrant, healthy, and natural.
8 Different Methods to Fix Over-Toned Hair
If you’ve ended up with over-toned hair, don’t worry—there are several methods you can try to fix it. One option is to use a clarifying shampoo to help remove excess toner and restore your hair’s natural color.
Another method is to create a baking soda mask, which can gently exfoliate your hair and help to fade the over-toned color. Additionally, you can try using dish soap to strip away the toner or even hydrogen peroxide to lighten the color.
Clarifying Shampoo
To fix your over-toned hair, try using a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are specially formulated to deeply cleanse your hair and remove product residue, excess oils, and impurities. They can also help to strip away some of the unwanted tones from your hair.
When using a clarifying shampoo, follow the instructions on the bottle and use it only as often as recommended. Overuse can lead to dryness and damage.
After shampooing, following up with a good conditioner to restore moisture and prevent further damage is essential. Remember, clarifying shampoos are not meant for everyday use, but they can be a helpful tool.
Baking Soda Mask
Using a baking soda mask can help you restore the desired color of your hair. If you’ve noticed that your hair is over-toned and has become too brassy or ashy, a baking soda mask can be a simple and effective solution.
Mix equal parts baking soda and water to make the mask until you create a thick paste. Apply the paste to your damp hair, focusing on the over-toned areas. Leave the mask for about 20 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly.
The baking soda will help to neutralize the unwanted tones and bring back the natural color of your hair. Remember to follow up with a nourishing conditioner to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Dish Soap
You can quickly repair the unwanted color in your hair by using dish soap. Dish soap contains strong detergents that can help strip away your hair’s excess color. If your hair has been over-toned and you’re left with a hue that is too dark or too brassy, dish soap can be your savior.
To fix this issue, wet your hair, apply a small amount of dish soap, and gently massage it into your hair from root to tip. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Remember to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourish your hair.
Hydrogen Peroxide
One way to improve the unwanted color in your hair is by applying hydrogen peroxide. If you have over-toned hair and it feels heavy with color, hydrogen peroxide can help lighten it.
Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Then, dampen your hair with water and spray the mixture onto the areas where the toner is too dark. Gently massage it into your hair and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Afterward, rinse thoroughly and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. It’s important to remember that hydrogen peroxide can be drying to the hair, so use caution. It’s always best to do a patch test first and consult a professional if unsure.
Conditioner and Lemon Juice
One effective solution is a combination of conditioner and lemon juice. When your hair is over-toned, it can become dry and damaged, lacking its natural shine. Mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice with your regular conditioner can help restore moisture and balance to your hair.
The acidic properties of lemon juice work to break down the excess toner while the conditioner nourishes and hydrates your strands. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the affected areas, and leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
This remedy can help repair your over-toned hair, making it look healthy and vibrant again.
Hydrating Mask
Mixing a hydrating mask with your regular conditioner can help restore moisture and balance to your dry and damaged locks. This combination is especially beneficial if you have over-toned hair.
Over-toned hair occurs when you use too much toner or leave it on too long, resulting in dull and lackluster hair. Incorporating a hydrating mask into your routine can repair the damage caused by over-toning.
The hydrating mask profoundly nourishes your hair, replenishing lost moisture and restoring its natural shine. It also helps to rebalance your hair’s pH levels, leaving it healthier and more manageable.
To effectively fix this problem, apply the hydrating mask after shampooing, leave it on for the recommended time, and then rinse thoroughly. This step will make a noticeable difference in the appearance and health of your hair.
Color Remover
Applying a color remover to fix your over-toned hair can help restore your desired shade and eliminate any unwanted tones. Color remover is a product specifically designed to strip the color from your hair, allowing you to start fresh.
When selecting a color remover, choose one suitable for your hair type and the intensity of the unwanted tones. Follow the instructions carefully and apply the color remover evenly throughout your hair. Leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly.
After using the color remover, you can proceed with your desired hair color or treatment. Remember to always perform a strand test before applying any products to your entire head of hair.
Vitamin C Powder
Using vitamin C powder is a natural and effective method to improve the unwanted tones in your hair. If you’re struggling with overtoned hair, vitamin C powder can be a game changer.
This powerful ingredient helps strip away the excess color, leaving your hair more balanced and vibrant. Mix vitamin C powder on your hair with a small amount of shampoo or conditioner to create a paste. Apply the paste to your hair, focusing on the areas with the most unwanted tones.
Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in improving the appearance of your overturned hair.
FAQ
Can over-toned hair lead to damage or breakage?
Over-toned hair can lead to damage or breakage. When you tone your hair too much can weaken the strands, making them more prone to breakage. It’s essential to find the right balance.
How long does it take for over-toned hair to fade?
It depends on factors like the intensity of the toner and your hair’s porosity. On average, the toner may take a few weeks to a couple of months to fade completely.
Are there any home remedies to fix over-toned hair?
Yes, there are. You can try using a clarifying shampoo to help remove excess toner and restore balance to your hair color.
Is is possible to fix over-toned hair without using chemicals?
Yes, it’s possible to fix over-toned hair without chemicals. You can try using a clarifying shampoo, apple cider vinegar, or a color-correcting hair mask to help balance out the tones and restore your natural color.
Can over-toned hair be prevented in the future?
To prevent over-toned hair in the future, you should be cautious when applying toner. Follow instructions carefully and consider doing a strand test first. Additionally, consult a professional hairstylist for guidance and use toning products sparingly.
Michele Meesh Antunes is the lady of the Beardoholic writers team and a genius when it comes to hair and beard styles that suit any face shape. She’s been a barber for years now and, no matter your personal style, she knows exactly what beard, hairstyle and length suit you. She brings the women’s perspective on beards, beard care, haircuts and hairstyles and male grooming.