Hair Color Mistakes to Avoid: Expert Advice from Stylists

Changing your hair color is exciting, but it can also go wrong if you’re not careful. Many people make mistakes that lead to uneven color, damage, or fast fading. Whether you color your hair at home or visit a salon, avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. In this guide, expert stylists share the biggest hair coloring mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Shade for Your Skin Tone

Many people pick a hair color they love without considering if it matches their skin tone. This can make your complexion look dull or unnatural.

How to Avoid It:

• If you have a cool skin tone (pink or blue undertones), go for cool shades like ash blonde, platinum, or cool brown.
• If you have a warm skin tone (yellow or golden undertones), warm shades like golden blonde, caramel, or rich chocolate brown will look best.
• Not sure about your skin tone? Ask a stylist for advice or try a virtual hair color app before making a decision.

2. Skipping a Strand Test

A strand test helps you see how the color will look on your hair before applying it all over. Many people skip this step and regret it later.

How to Avoid It:

• Take a small section of hair from the back and apply the color.
• Wait for the recommended time, then rinse and check the results.
• If the color is too dark, too light, or uneven, adjust before coloring your whole head.

3. Not Prepping Your Hair Properly

Healthy hair absorbs color better and lasts longer. If your hair is too dry, oily, or full of product buildup, the color might not turn out as expected.

How to Avoid It:

• Wash your hair 24-48 hours before coloring (not right before!). Natural oils help protect your scalp.
• Avoid heavy conditioners and styling products before coloring.
• Use a clarifying shampoo a few days before to remove buildup.

4. Leaving the Dye on Too Long or Too Short

Timing is everything when it comes to hair color. If you wash it off too soon, the color may be uneven or too light. Leaving it on too long can cause damage or make the color too dark.

How to Avoid It:

• Always follow the instructions on the box or given by your stylist.
• Use a timer to track the time.
• If you’re unsure, do a test strand before applying to your whole head.

5. Ignoring Your Natural Hair Color

Your starting hair color affects how the final shade will look. If you have dark hair and want a light color, you may need bleach first. If you have light hair and want a darker shade, the result might turn out differently than expected.

How to Avoid It:

• Understand that hair dye doesn’t lighten previously colored hair. You may need to bleach first.
• Darker shades will look richer on lighter hair, but they may fade faster.
• Work with your natural undertones for a more natural look.

6. Overlapping Color on Previously Dyed Hair

When coloring your roots, applying dye all over can cause uneven color and damage the ends.

How to Avoid It:

• Apply dye only to new growth when touching up roots.
• Refresh the ends with a color-depositing conditioner instead of more dye.
• Avoid excessive layering of permanent dye over old color.

7. Using the Wrong Developer

Developer is the liquid that activates hair dye. Using the wrong strength can cause uneven color or hair damage.

How to Avoid It:

• 10-volume developer: For darkening or minimal change.
• 20-volume developer: For covering grays or lightening hair one shade.
• 30-volume developer: For lifting 2-3 shades lighter.
• 40-volume developer: Very strong; best used by professionals.

8. Washing Hair Too Soon After Coloring

Washing your hair right after coloring can strip the color and cause fading.

How to Avoid It:

• Wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after coloring.
• Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo to protect your color.
• Rinse with cool water instead of hot to seal the color.

9. Using Heat Too Soon After Coloring

Blow-drying, curling, or straightening freshly colored hair can make it fade faster.

How to Avoid It:

• Avoid heat styling for at least 72 hours after coloring.
• Use a heat protectant spray when using hot tools.
• Try air-drying to keep your color vibrant longer.

10. Not Doing Regular Touch-Ups

Roots growing out can make your hair color look messy. Some colors, like red and blonde, fade faster than others.

How to Avoid It:

• Schedule touch-ups every 4-6 weeks for permanent color.
• Use root touch-up sprays or powders between appointments.
• Deep condition your hair to keep it healthy and prevent color fading.

Bonus Tip: Consult a Professional!

If you’re unsure about coloring your hair at home, visit a professional stylist. They can help you choose the best shade, technique, and products for your hair type.

Conclusion

Avoiding these hair coloring mistakes will help you get the best results, whether you color your hair at home or at a salon. Always prep your hair, choose the right shade, and follow the proper techniques to keep your color vibrant and long-lasting.

Ready for a Hair Color Refresh?

Visit your nearest salon or try a professional root touch-up service to keep your hair looking fresh and beautiful! Need expert advice? Contact our stylists today!