How to Tint-Back Your Copper Hair to Naturally Brown

Once you've decided to change the color of your copper hair back to its natural brown, you're about to embark on a journey of maintaining your hair's health and achieving the desired look. This process, which we call a tint-back, doesn't just involve a simple color change; it's a step-by-step approach to gently reverse the effects of a drastic coloring transformation. Let's dive into the detailed steps and tips to ensure you achieve a smooth and natural-looking transition.

Step 1: Preparing for the Tint-Back Process

The first thing you should consider when planning to tint-back your copper hair is the choice of hair color. Start with a semi-permanent tint, which is a key factor in successfully reversing the color change. Opt for a natural brown and a cool ash brown. If your natural hair color was a certain shade of brown, choose a shade that's one to two shades lighter to match your original hair color.

Why Semi-Permanent Tint?

When transitioning from a dramatic color like copper to your natural shade, using a semi-permanent tint is highly recommended. If you were a client seeking professional assistance, a different approach might be suggested. However, since you're taking the process into your own hands, a gradual and gentle change is crucial. Continuous use of a 20 vol. permanent developer can deteriorate the condition of your hair, making it prone to damage with each touch-up. The goal here is to gradually introduce more brown pigments to your hair without risking an over-dyed, inky appearance.

Step 2: Assessing the Results and Adjusting the Formula

After applying the semi-permanent tint, check the results to see if the color is close to your desired natural brown. If you're still seeing more red tones than you'd like, you can adjust the formula by increasing the ratio of ash brown to natural brown. Apply the adjusted dye for a week to achieve a more natural look without causing further damage to your hair. Remember, if the ends of your hair are more porous, they may absorb more ash, causing darker ends compared to the shaft. In such cases, apply the color only to the shafts and add it to the tips for the final 10 minutes of processing.

Step 3: Performing a Strand Test for Precision

Before applying the color to your entire hair, perform a strand test. Select a small section of hair, roughly the diameter of a pencil, and apply the color from root to end. Process the color for its full processing time and observe the results. This test is crucial because it can reveal whether the ends of your hair are more porous and require a different application method. Ensure that you buy plenty of color to have on hand and follow the mixing instructions accurately to maintain the desired ratio.

Step 4: Maintaining Your Hair

Even after the copper hair has been partially tinted back to a natural brown, you might need to continue some form of maintenance coloring until the copper hair has fully grown out. The amount of warmth you want to see in your brown can vary, but it's a necessary step to ensure a consistent and natural appearance. Keep in mind that semi-permanent shades can eventually build up and hold like permanent colors over time. Therefore, it's essential to use high-quality professional shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair to maintain its vibrancy and health.

Concluding Thoughts

I hope these detailed steps and tips help you achieve the desired transition from copper hair back to your natural brown. Remember, the key to a successful tint-back is gradual and careful application, ensuring you maintain the health and integrity of your hair throughout the process. Good luck on your journey!