Green Hair After Box-Dye: Dye Removal and Neutralization Techniques
Yesterday, I box-dyed my hair, and to my surprise, it came out green. This unexpected color left me wondering: will the color wash out, and if so, will my hair remain green or fade smoothly?
Understanding the Color Change
The good news is that if you used a semi-permanent hair dye, the green color may take up to six weeks to begin washing out. This is due to the base color or ash that has been absorbed by your hair. It's important to note that the green color can fade naturally, but it may require some additional assistance.
Shampoo for Natural Color Fading
To expedite the fading process, consider using a shampoo that is specifically designed to help neutralize green dye. You can visit a beauty supply store and ask for recommendations, as the staff there can provide their insights and help you find the right product.
Handling Porous Hair
The porosity of your hair can also play a significant role in how the dye fades. If your hair was porous before applying the ash-based color, it is more prone to staining. In such cases, a gentle method like using a soap cap or bleach bath can help remove the fresh color.
To perform a soap cap or bleach bath, mix 20 volume bleach with a colorless or white shampoo in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the mixture to your dry hair and work it through. Leave the mixture on for up to 20 minutes. This technique is gentle enough for hair that is in relatively good condition, but if necessary, you can repeat the process.
Adjusting From Blonde to Brown
It sounds like the green hue is a result of transitioning from a blonde to a brown dye. Brown is created with a combination of red and green tones, and because your blonde might not have had much red undertone, it's likely that your new brown shade is lacking a balance.
As hairdressers, we often use red tones in pre-pigmentation or opt for a brown shade that has red undertones to achieve a balanced brown look. However, if you prefer a more vibrant brown, you could consider applying a red semi-permanent dye to fill in the gap and achieve the desired hue.
Toning Out the Green Tint
Even after the semi-permanent dye has faded, your hair might still retain a green tint. This is due to the dye's residue in the hair. To address this, you can explore DIY toning methods to neutralize the green. Ren can, for example, be used to tone out green hues effectively.
Remember, the intensity of the color that remains in your hair depends on the condition of your hair. Some people have more resilient hair that can naturally remove semi-permanent dyes more easily than others. Only time will tell how your hair will ultimately respond to the process of washing out the dye.
Conclusion
It's normal to experience a color shift when dyeing your hair, and while it takes time for the dye to wash out, there are steps you can take to minimize the green tint. Whether it's a gentle bleach bath, a specially formulated shampoo, or DIY toning, you can achieve a more neutral and desired color.
Stay informed and take care of your hair during the process, and soon enough, you'll have the color you desire.