Q&A for How to Color Damaged Hair

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Question

How can I protect my hair after it's dyed?

Michael Van den Abbeel
Experienced Hair Colorist
Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon.

Michael Van den Abbeel

Experienced Hair Colorist

Expert Answer

Be careful not to shampoo your hair every time you bathe since it could damage your hair more. If you do shampoo, opt for something that's sulfate-free.

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Question

Can you repair damaged hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Unfortunately no. You can hydrate damaged hair and smooth out the cuticle which will make it feel softer and look healthier. You can treat it with protein, which will help prevent breakage. But all treatments for damaged hair are temporary, not true fixes.

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Question

I don't have strong enough hair, and I want to dye my hair light pink. How could I strengthen my hair enough to get pink hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

If your hair is severely damaged, it will not be possible to get a color that requires pre-lightening, such as pink, without risking severe damage and breakage.

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Question

Can coconut oil help repair damaged hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Coconut oil can smooth damaged hair but sadly nothing can repair damaged strands.

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Question

Is permanent dye bad for your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Permanent dye opens the cuticle and breaks and reforms some of the bonds in your hair. Moderate use causes minimal damage, but frequent use and extreme changes can have a big impact on hair's health.

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Question

Can you damage your hair by dying it?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, but only if you are using strong formulations and using them frequently. If you are concerned about damage try a semi or semi-permanent color. These formulas are virtually damage-free.

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Question

I've only dyed my hair once. The ends took a second box (on shoulder length) and now 3.5 weeks later its almost gone from the ends while roots hold. What can I do to make it hold better next time?

Community Answer

You probably need a better quality hair dye. You may also be trying to change your color too radically, leading to the color not taking. Try using a more expensive dye that's closer to your natural color.

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Question

How do I get my hair to shine like it used to before I dyed my hair?

Community Answer

Coconut oil is a great solution for dull hair. Not only does coconut oil restore shine, but it also repairs damage and helps facilitate hair growth.

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Question

Can you suggest a leave-in conditioner for my hair?

Community Answer

Kérastase is a great brand for shampoos and conditioners. I would suggest Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique.

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Question

My hair is seriously bleached and can break when damp. Is it safe to dye it a darker color?

Community Answer

No. You should not further process your hair if it is in such a fragile state. If the whole head of hair is brittle, cut as much as possible off and deep condition the rest until new hair begins to grow. Gradually trim the damaged ends off until hair has grown back healthy.

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Question

How do I bring back shine to my damaged hair?

Community Answer

Shine will come back with time as you work on repairing your hair with things like masks, conditioning treatment, and so on.

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Question

Are there any home remedies to prevent hair damage if I have to dye my gray hair every two weeks?

Community Answer

Try using leave-in conditioner, and only dye the roots where your hair is gray to prevent your hair from getting damaged.

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Question

How do I repair intense color damaged hair by using a home colored bleach?

Community Answer

Bleach will not repair hair. Bleach always damages hair and tends to make problems worse. Do not bleach damaged hair.

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Question

Can I color dry hair?

Community Answer

You can, just follow the guidelines in the article. Dry hair is similar to damaged hair.

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Question

How do I get red hair dye out of my hair?

Community Answer

You can make a mixture of vitamin C and shampoo (such as a dandruff shampoo) and leave it on your hair for a long while. It won't completely remove the red but it will lighten it a lot.

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Question

Can I put mehndi on my hair?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use mehndi on your hair.

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Question

What can I do about bleached ends that won't dye?

Community Answer

If the hair is so damaged it won't dye at all, the easiest way is to simply cut the damaged parts away. You can also try to revive the hair by moisturizing, etc.

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Question

How do I repair my hair? I've bleached it four times, and it's very thin and brittle.

Community Answer

Don't bleach or dye it for a while and use a damage repair conditioner daily.

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Question

My hair is bleached blonde, but I only want to do a root touch-up. What is a safe bleach powder that I can use that's more gentle?

Community Answer

I use Wella color charm (packet) and Blond Brilliance developer to do just my roots. Depending on how light or dark your roots are, use a 20 or 35 developer. You only need part of the packet to do your roots, leaving some left over for another time. Seal the packet and place in a baggie to keep moisture out.

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Question

Can I dye my hair color back to a similar shade it was naturally after it being severely damaged from bleach?

Community Answer

No. Try strengthening and moisturizing first, then cutting off damaged ends.

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Question

Can I dye my hair black after bleaching it?

Community Answer

Depends how many times you have bleached it before. If you have bleached it with ammonia, it is most likely not safe to do.

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Question

What should I do to recolor my black hair to dark red?

Community Answer

A cosmetics store or the cosmetics section of your local grocery should have multiple options for your color needs.

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Question

What can I do to make my hair an intense red color? Ot always gets too dark when I try.

Community Answer

If you have brown or other darker hair color, I'd recommend bleaching it first. If you have blonde hair but the color is still too dark, try switching to another hair dye. Consulting a hairdresser is also a good idea.

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Question

What's a good leave-in conditioner, with shine and body, that won't weigh down your hair?

Community Answer

Salon quality products are generally better than grocery store brands, but it really depends on your hair type. Look for a salon quality conditioner catered to your hair specifically.

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