How to Fix an Overly Dark Red-violet Color?

Apr 20, 2012

Beth B.

Recently my stylist dyed my hair with Paul Mitchell's 6RV color. Looked fine under her shop lights, but once I got home and could actually look at it in detail, came to the conclusion that it didn't really look red-violet at all.

Anything I can do to brighten it? Or would I be better off re-dying everything the shade that I'm looking for?

Thanks so much!

Apr 20, 2012

Jasmine P.

You might need to let it fade a bit and get lighter. I wouldn't re-dye it because you'll just be damaging it that much more. If you really want it to be more of a vibrant red I'd say just wash your hair a bit until it lightens and then go over it with a brand like Manic Panic, Special Effects, etc of a red hue that doesn't damage your hair, but deposits color. That's what I'd do personally.

Apr 21, 2012

Beth B.

When she mixed the color she told me that it was amonia free and something else free. My hair was already damaged by a previous bleaching mishap from several months ago and she didn't want to cause further damage so I'm guessing she mixed it differently? I'm unsure.

I've washed it several times since; it's stopped bleeding when put under water and my color is still the same. But I will look into Manic Panic (something I've always wanted to try anyway!) for the time being! Thanks! :)

Apr 22, 2012

jazzica Q.

i think that because your hair is porous, it soaked up a lot of the colour...and appeared darker. wash it a bunch to lighten the colour...or go back and have her do a "bleach wash" to lighten it up, if you are willing to compromise your hair a tiny bit (but it's not as bad as actual bleaching). if you use manic panic and special effects, it may cause your hair to react weirdly to future chemical services at a salon, because of the use of plant dyes and metallics...think about it!

Apr 24, 2012

Beth B.

I have horrible experience with anything involving bleach. And considering what state my last bleaching left my hair; I'm afraid to risk it. I've also washed it daily since she dyed it and it's more or less faded to a medium brown with little hints of red in the light.

I have some extensions ordered & when those come in I'm going to see if my color is even close to the same shade as the extensions. If not I'll make a trip to Sally's and just re-dye the whole nine-yards. :/

Apr 24, 2012

Sabrina B.

use loreal hicolor hi-lights from sallys. it lifted my dark brown almost black hair to a noticeable red,and my lighter roots to a pretty red/magenta color! check out this girl's blog, i went off by what she did and it turned out really nicely :) http://www.saraashouri.net/2011/08/17/how-to-dye-your-hair-red/

Apr 24, 2012

Beth B.

I've used that line before and LOVE it (swear by it as well! Lol) I was going to go back to that or try the amonia free/peroxide free Ion Brights line; also from Sally's, plus an intensifier just to make sure it comes out good & red! :)

Apr 24, 2012

Beth B.

Also, thanks for the link. Her end color is EXACTLY what I'd wanted to achieve in the first place! :))

Apr 25, 2012

Sabrina B.

samme! i was about to give up on dying my hair red then i tried that and it finally showed and lifted my dark color i was so happy! i hope you have luck with your hair!

Apr 25, 2012

Sabrina B.

samme! i was about to give up on dying my hair red then i tried that and it finally showed and lifted my dark color i was so happy! i hope you have luck with your hair!

Apr 26, 2012

Beth B.

Thank you! I head to Sally's in a bit for the supplies! :) My extensions arrived today too and they're the "end result" color (maybe a little more pinkish in tint but I can live with that!). This worked out perfectly! Lol.