Are you tired of coloring your hair and have to keep on doing maintenance? Want a natural look and save money? What's better than natural hair color growing from the roots? After all, hair color is genetic, just like eye and skin color. You can restore your natural hair color by cutting your hair and/or using the same dye. Also, make sure to take good care of your hair so it can grow back naturally.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cutting Hair
Step 1. Grow roots at least 3-5 cm
The first step to restoring your natural hair color is growing your hair. Wait 2–4 months for the hair to grow three or five inches (if it lasts, let it grow longer). As a first step, you will need a natural color base at the roots.
Step 2. Cut the hair
Hair should be cut by an expert at the salon. The best way to wait for growth to a natural color is with a short hairstyle, and there are plenty of trendy cuts to choose from. Find inspiration that works for you from magazines and the internet.
- Consider a pixie cut or a short bob.
- If you prefer long hair, you can always trim the ends regularly and slowly return to the original color as the roots grow.
Step 3. Trim your hair every 4–6 weeks
Return to the salon for a regular trim. The option to trim will remove any residual hair that has undergone chemical treatment, and maintain the health and beauty of the hair because the split ends have been trimmed.
Step 4. Extend the hair back
Once you've used up the rest of your dyed hair, start growing your hair out if you'd like. Who knows, it turns out you're into the pixie cut.
Method 2 of 3: Using Dye
Step 1. Grow 3 cm roots
If you want to match your natural hair color with the dye, you'll need a sample of your natural hair color. Grow roots at least 3 cm before looking for the same color.
Step 2. Adjust the dye to your natural color
With the roots as a guide, choose a dye that is as close to the natural color as possible. If you can, visit a hairdresser who specializes in coloring, as they can match hair color more accurately than home products. If your budget is tight, visit a beauty store and ask the salesperson to pick the right color. Then, color your own hair at home.
- First of all, read the specific instructions on the packaging.
- Mix developer with hair dye. If you are using squared dye, the mixture is already measured. If you purchased developer and paint separately, read and follow the instructions.
- Separate hair into 4–8 sections, and apply the product to the roots.
- Spread the dye all over the hair.
- Set an alarm and wait.
- Wash hair with water.
Step 3. Use highlights or lowlights
If the staining results are slightly different from the natural color, you usually can't (or aren't advised) to immediately repeat with another color that is more suitable. Instead, use highlights (if natural colors are lighter) or lowlights (if natural colors are darker). You can add highlights or lowlights every 3-4 weeks until the root color is covered. Then, let the hair grow long.
- Highlights and lowlights should be done by a professional hair stylist.
- Explain that you want to restore your natural hair color.
Step 4. Use bold colors
If your hair has already been bleached, one fun option while waiting is to use a bright color to cover the growing roots. The first time you use a bright color (like purple, red, or green), the roots and hair will be completely covered. After the color fades from shampooing, the roots will be more visible. However, since you've opted for this fun look, it's certainly not a problem if dark roots appear.
- Try Manic Panic hair dye.
- Apply a mixture of 2–3 different colors to create a dynamic look that is better able to hide the root color.
- With Manic Panic (and most other semi-permanent dyes), you don't use developer. Apply the dye directly to the hair and wait 20-30 minutes. After that, wash it clean.
Method 3 of 3: Hair Care
Step 1. Buy the right product for your hair type
Shampoo and conditioner are the two main products in your hair care routine. A good quality shampoo and conditioner will keep your hair healthy and allow you to grow it back to its natural color.
- If you color your hair, look for products labeled "Safe for colored hair" or "Only colored hair." This special product is formulated in such a way that it is gentler for colored hair so that the color lasts longer.
- Baby shampoo is a great inexpensive option for all hair types, including permed ones. Since it's gentle enough for baby's hair, it should be gentle for you too.
- You can skip the conditioner if your hair is oily. Conditioner can also be used as an instant detangler when mixed with water in a spray bottle.
Step 2. Don't wash your hair too often
Shampoo can dry out, even damage your hair. Contrary to popular belief, hair is neither necessary nor good if it is washed every day, especially if it has been chemically treated. Frequent shampooing will dry out the scalp so that hair growth is hindered. Wash your hair once every two days (or even every three days) to promote growth.
- Try not to shampoo for up to four days. If your hair feels a little greasy before day four, try using a dry shampoo.
- If you don't have dry shampoo, mix cornstarch with baking soda, sprinkle it over the roots and tops of your hair, then comb through until it's evenly distributed.
Step 3. Exercise regularly
Exercise provides many benefits to the human body, such as maintaining weight and improving health. However, did you know that exercise also accelerates hair growth? Exercise makes the heart pump faster to circulate blood throughout the body, including the scalp. After a few weeks or months of regular exercise, you will notice a change in the rate at which your hair grows.
- Put on sports shoes, then go for a jog or walk in the park.
- Learn a new dance, try yoga, or jump on a trampoline.
- You can also opt for strength training.
Step 4. Avoid styling your hair with heat
Don't go against the natural texture of your hair. Styling with a heating device will damage and break hair. So no matter what happens, avoid straightening, curling, and drying hair tools. Thus, the natural hair color will grow back effectively.
Step 5. Trim the ends of the hair regularly
Hair specialists recommend trimming the ends of the hair every 4–6 weeks. If you are going to lengthen, prune every 6–8 weeks, but don't stop. If the hair is trimmed, split ends are avoided and the hair is kept healthy, which also helps in its growth. So, a pruning routine every 8 weeks is an important step to restore the natural color.
Tips
- Eating healthy, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly, and taking multivitamins are also very beneficial for hair growth. A healthy body will produce healthy hair.
- Avoid stress as much as possible, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Be patient because everyone's hair growth rate is different. So, don't expect drastic results because you can only see the changes after a few months to a year, depending on the speed of hair growth.
- Wash hair with a mixture of 1 tbsp. white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water after shampooing and conditioning. The mixture can clean hair, remove scale on the scalp, untangle tangles, maintain shine, give volume, relieve itching on head warts, reduce dandruff, and make curls more beautiful.
- Wear a swim cap when swimming to protect your hair from sea salt or chlorine in the pool.
- Resist the temptation to dye your hair again. Remember, you are trying to break the habit of coloring.
