Skip to Content

How to Tone Down Hair Color That is Too Light: Quick Fixes at Home (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

how to tone down hair color that is too light quick fixYou’re not alone if your hair color turned out too light – it happens!

For a quick fix to tone down hair color that is too light, try a toning shampoo with purple or blue pigments. Apply it to damp hair and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat until you achieve the desired tone.

You can also mix some semi-permanent color with conditioner, apply it, and rinse after 5-20 minutes.

Temporary root touch-up products can blend the roots seamlessly too.

Don’t worry, there are easy solutions to get your hair color back on track – and you’ll find even more helpful tips ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Use a purple or blue-based toning shampoo, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing to neutralize brassy tones and restore vibrancy
  • Mix a small amount of semi-permanent color with conditioner, apply to hair, and leave on for 5-20 minutes to gradually darken and nourish hair
  • Apply a gloss treatment by following package instructions for application and processing time to deposit temporary toners and pigments
  • Visit a salon for a professional gloss treatment to expertly assess hair and apply the perfect gloss toner for a vibrant, toned color

How to Tone Down Hair Color That is Too Light Quick Fix?

To quickly tone down overly light hair color at home, try using a purple or blue-based toning shampoo, applying a semi-permanent color mixed with conditioner, or using a color depositing shampoo or conditioner. For more vibrant results, visit a salon for a professional gloss treatment.

Use a Toning Shampoo

Use a Toning Shampoo
To quickly tone down hair color that has become too light, apply a purple or blue-based toning shampoo to your damp hair, and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this process as needed until you achieve your desired tone.

Apply a Purple or Blue-based Toning Shampoo

Revive your over-lightened locks with a purple or blue-based toning shampoo. This temporary fix neutralizes brassy tones, restoring your hair’s vibrancy. Simply:

  • Massage the shampoo into wet hair, focusing on the areas that need the most correction.
  • Rinse thoroughly after 5-10 minutes.
  • Repeat as needed until you achieve your desired tone.

Leave on for 5-10 Minutes Before Rinsing

To achieve the desired tone when using a toning shampoo, leave the product on your hair for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to work its magic before rinsing thoroughly.

The specific timing may vary depending on the product and your hair type, so it’s essential to observe the developing color to prevent overtoning.

The duration the toning shampoo is left on can substantially impact the final result, ensuring a quick fix for hair color too light .

Repeat as Needed Until Desired Tone is Achieved

If the desired tone isn’t achieved after the initial toning shampoo application, simply repeat the process until you’re satisfied.

Leave the shampoo on for 5-10 minutes each time, then rinse thoroughly.

With some patience and trial-and-error, you’ll have your hair color perfectly toned down in no time.

Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect solution for your hair!

Mix Conditioner With Semi-Permanent Color

Mix Conditioner With Semi-Permanent Color
Toning down overly light hair color at home can be achieved by mixing a small amount of semi-permanent hair color with your regular conditioner. Allow this mixture to process on your hair for 5-20 minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly.

Combine a Small Amount of Semi-permanent Color With Conditioner

Combining a small amount of semi-permanent color with your favorite conditioner is a clever way to gradually darken your hair.

This DIY toning treatment helps maintain color consistency, ensuring even application and proper dilution.

Plus, the nourishing conditioner preserves your hair’s health.

Always do a strand test first to check the results before applying to your entire head.

Get ready for a richer, more vibrant hue!

Apply to Hair and Leave on for 5-20 Minutes

To continue the process, apply the mixture of semi-permanent color and conditioner evenly to your hair .

Leave it on for 5-20 minutes, allowing the treatment to infuse the hair with temporary color correction while nourishing and enhancing hair health.

This acts as a natural overnight mask, revitalizing and addressing hair color problems, especially in cases of bleached hair gone wrong or when the hair color is too light .

Rinse Thoroughly

After letting the semi-permanent color and conditioner mixture sit for 5-20 minutes, it’s time to rinse thoroughly.

Rinse immediately with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in color.

Rinse completely until the water runs clear.

For extra shine, rinse with a diluted vinegar solution.

Avoid using dish soap or clarifying shampoos, as they can strip color.

Always test hair color on a small section first to avoid DIY disasters.

Apply a Gloss Treatment

Apply a Gloss Treatment
For a quick and easy way to tone down hair color that has become too light, consider applying a gloss treatment. These glossing products are designed to deposit temporary toners and pigments that can adjust and enrich your hair’s tone without requiring a full color application.

Follow Package Instructions for Application and Processing Time

To apply a gloss treatment, simply follow the package instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll need to mix the gloss with developer, apply it to clean, dry hair, and let it process for the recommended time, usually 5-20 minutes. The gloss will deposit pigment and seal the cuticle, leaving your hair glossy and vibrant.

Rinse and Style as Usual

After rinsing out the gloss treatment, style your hair as usual. For extra nourishment, leave a small amount of conditioner in your hair as a leave-in hair mask. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to keep your color vibrant and your strands healthy. Finish with a color-enhancing hair serum for a glossy, salon-fresh look.

Try a Color Depositing Shampoo or Conditioner

Try a Color Depositing Shampoo or Conditioner
Revive your lackluster locks with color depositing shampoos and conditioners! These nourishing hair color treatments are packed with rich pigments that gently deposit onto your strands, toning down unwanted brassiness and restoring vibrancy. Simply swap your regular shampoo and conditioner for their color-depositing counterparts, and let the magic happen.

  • Massage the shampoo into wet hair, focusing on the roots. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
  • Apply the conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Use these color-depositing products 2-3 times per week for best results.

Pamper your colored hair with these easy at-home solutions and say goodbye to dull, brassy tones for good!

Use a Temporary Root Touch-Up

A temporary root touch-up product can be a quick fix for toning down overly light hair color. Simply apply the product directly to your roots, following the recommended processing time on the package instructions.

Apply a Temporary Root Touch-up Product to the Roots

To instantly fix root coverage issues, apply a temporary root touch-up product.

This DIY solution provides a quick color adjustment.

Consider using natural ingredients like lemon juice, coconut oil, or olive oil for a gentle approach.

Avoid a drastic change if your hair color turned out too light.

Guarantee a seamless blend by opting for temporary fixes like Madison Reed hair color bars.

When applying a temporary root touch-up, leave the color on for the recommended time to achieve the desired level of saturation. Strand test first to make certain the color is a good match. Use nourishing ingredients like oils to condition hair during the process. With gradual darkening, you can gradually tone down hair that’s too light, brassy, or orange.

Get a Salon Gloss Treatment

For a professional solution to tone down overly light hair color, visit a salon and request a gloss treatment. These semi-permanent glazes can deposit demi-permanent pigments to neutralize brassiness, add depth, and create a more vibrant, toned-down shade.

Visit a Salon for a Professional Gloss Treatment

Visiting a salon for a professional gloss treatment is a game-changer when your hair color is too light.

The experts will assess your hair and recommend the perfect gloss lightener to achieve your desired tone.

They’ll apply the gloss with precision, ensuring even coverage and a flawless finish.

Get ready to leave the salon with a vibrant, toned color that turns heads.

Expect to Leave With a More Vibrant, Toned Color

When you visit a salon for a professional gloss treatment, you can expect to leave with a more vibrant, toned color that enhances your natural beauty. The skilled colorist will expertly apply the gloss, ensuring even coverage and a flawless result. Enjoy the luxurious experience and flaunt your stunning new look with confidence!

Benefits of Salon Gloss Treatment Nourishing Ingredients in Gloss
Vibrant, toned color Grape seed oil
Even coverage Avocado oil
Luxurious experience Olive oil
Flawless results Shea butter

Consider a Semi-Permanent Color Rinse

If you desire a quick fix to tone down hair color that’s too light, consider applying a semi-permanent color rinse in a darker shade. Leave it on for 5-20 minutes, depending on your desired intensity, then rinse thoroughly and style as usual.

Apply a Semi-permanent Color Rinse in a Darker Shade

To execute a semi-permanent color rinse in a darker shade effectively, choose a nourishing color cream, then apply the color for half the recommended time. Check every five minutes until achieving the desired tone. Rinse promptly once the desired shade is reached. It’s essential to use the same brand of color as initially used for satisfactory results (Source).

Leave on for 5-20 Minutes, Depending on Desired Intensity

To achieve the desired color intensity and minimize damage potential, carefully monitor the processing time when applying the semi-permanent color rinse.

For a lighter result, leave it on for 5-10 minutes; for deeper color, extend the application to 15-20 minutes.

During this period, regularly check the color intensity to ascertain the desired shade is achieved.

Consider the nourishing properties of the semi-permanent color for an added benefit.

Rinse Thoroughly and Style as Usual

To rinse thoroughly and style as usual after a semi-permanent color rinse:

  1. Use a sulfate-free color-safe shampoo to rinse out the color.
  2. Gently massage the shampoo into the hair and scalp for a thorough cleanse.
  3. Follow with a nourishing conditioner to keep the hair healthy and vibrant.

These simple steps will help retain the beautiful color while providing the care your hair needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I fix my hair if I dyed it too light?

You may have over-lightened the hair. Try soaking it in a mixture of cool coffee or tea to help tone it down temporarily.

How do you tone down too bright hair color?

To tone down overly bright hair, try a demi-permanent gloss or glaze. It’ll deposit color to neutralize unwanted tones without drastic changes. Or, use a toning shampoo or mask formulated for your shade.

How can I reduce my hair color fading?

Avoid hair color fading by using color-safe shampoos and conditioners. Leave color-depositing masks on longer, limit heat styling, and get trims regularly to snip faded ends. Protect color from sun exposure too.

How can I reduce the intensity of my hair dye?

What’s the rush? Toning down vibrant locks takes finesse. First, mix conditioner with a touch of purple toner – this will mute brassiness. For an even subtler hue, rinse with cool water and avoid heat styling. Patience pays off when achieving your perfect shade.

How long does it take to tone down hair color?

Toning down too-light hair color takes time, usually days or weeks. The quicker options are temporary toners or glosses, which fade after a few washes. For a longer-lasting fix, you’ll need to re-dye with a darker shade.

Can I use box dye to darken my hair?

Like a rebellious streak, unruly hair demands a firm hand. Box dye can darken locks, but tread carefully – the wrong shade might leave you tangled in regret.

Will toning damage my hair?

Toning won’t damage your hair if done correctly. Use a demi-permanent or semi-permanent toner made for your hair type. Avoid leaving it on too long, and deep condition afterward for moisture.

How often should I use a toning shampoo?

Like a gardener carefully pruning their roses, use a toning shampoo 1-2 times weekly to gently guide your locks back to their desired hue – not too much, lest you overdo it!

Can I mix different toning products together?

You shouldn’t mix different toning products together. Each is formulated to achieve specific results, so mixing could lead to unpredictable, undesirable outcomes. Use one high-quality toner consistently for best results.

Conclusion

Ultimately, with a variety of quick fixes at your disposal, you can easily tone down hair color that’s too light.

Whether using a toning shampoo, mixing semi-permanent color with conditioner, or opting for a gloss treatment, these methods offer convenient solutions to restore your desired shade.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.