Highlighting is a dyeing technique that involves changing the color of individual strands, which can be an excellent alternative to full dyeing to refresh the image. Such dyeing does not injure the hair, as full, and after drying, the curls mix and play with glare. Here the question arises: "How to fix failed highlighting?" However, painting with poor-quality products or incompetent specialists can severely injure hair and cause tremendous damage to hair. And here you have to put off tears for later and quickly look for a solution to the problem. The methods of salvation, the recovery period and hair coloring after highlighting hair depend on the scale of the tragedy.
Uneven staining
The most frequent and quickly resolved problem is the uneven coloring of the strands. This defect is expressed in different thicknesses of colored strands, as well as if some strands are painted from the very roots, and others are slightly lower. The problem is solved very simply, if the strands are different in thickness, then those curls that are colored less are dyed to the size of the widest lock. The main thing is to choose exactly the same or similar in color paint. If you find your hair unpainted to the roots, then this issue is resolved as quickly and simply. You should tint those strands that do not reach the roots. And most importantly - never again go to the specialist who ruined the hair. Dyeing hair is the safest thing for real professionals.
Fast color recovery
In the most critical situations, the problem is solved by full hair coloring. The scale of work depends on both the source and the resulting color. The main rule is not to dye your hair right away, wait at least two weeks for the hair to recover again and prepare for the new procedure. Do not forget about the masks that nourish and moisturize the hair. Hair should receive all the necessary elements, only in this case the restoration of color will take place in a positive way. If the color of highlighting is almost no different from natural, it is better not to harm the hair, and the color will wash off after a couple of weeks. If you need to get rid of unsuccessful staining urgently, you can contact the salon, where they do the paint wash procedure. Such washes can be done at home, but it’s better not to risk it, because all these products are chemistry that adversely affects the hair structure. Rinse off the paint only in the most extreme cases. If you are wondering: “How to paint over highlighting?”, Remember one thing: it is better to correct the situation locally and not to paint the entire hair.

How does the highlight color depend on the natural color of the hair?
If you are a happy owner of dark hair with unsuccessful light highlighting - do not run after black paint. If you are wondering: “How to dye black hair?”, Try to fix the situation with chocolate or dark brown. Choose a shade for your color type. It is better not to use black paint, in the end, not to get green locks.
Choose dyes based on the health, density and structure of the hair. If you have strong curls, then you can safely buy any paint, but do not forget about the quality.
Home procedure
If it was decided not to splurge on a trip to the hairdresser, then you can try to paint highlighting on medium hair at home. It is important only to carefully choose dyes and, if possible, consult with a specialist. It may even be a store consultant. The main thing is that the paint should not contain ammonia, otherwise the unpredictable green, gray or yellow colors may spring from where they did not wait.
The principle of operation is as follows:
- Take care of the necessary fixtures in advance. You should have: a brush, comb, foil, clips or hairpins, dyes and disposable gloves.
- First prepare the paint, strictly follow the instructions to avoid unpredictable results.
- Take a lock and comb it, put foil under the lock and spread the hair over it.
- Apply dye along the entire length of the hair, from the very roots to the ends.
- If you are a happy owner of long hair that does not fit on the foil, then fold the lock in half.
- Close the foil on both sides and double-fold.
- To save yourself from an undesirable result, first paint over one strand, see how the paint will behave on the hair.
The paint lasts on the hair from 25 to 50 minutes, it all depends on the desired result. During correction, it is advisable to check the hair every 10 minutes to monitor how the color changes. If you are thinking about how to make highlighting yourself at home, remember that the principle of the procedure is actually the same.
Using tinting
If the staining was not deep, the usual tint balm will help correct the situation. It does not harm the hair and can be used immediately without waiting for several weeks. In order not to make a mistake with the color, prepare for the trip to the store in advance. Look at the manufacturer’s website for examples of how paint looks. You can also read reviews. Hair tinting after unsuccessful highlighting will not only correct the situation, but also save bleached hair.
It is best to carry out the staining procedure in the cabin, since at home it is quite difficult to achieve the desired result. Full correction of failed highlighting is possible only with scissors.
Lamination
You can fix the unsuccessful work of the hairdresser by laminating the hair in the salon. The advantages of this technique are that it not only restores the natural shine to the hair, but also eliminates brittleness, makes them stronger, fights against split ends and, of course, smooths out sharp color transitions. It is not worthwhile to completely fill in the curls with a new color, because in the lightened areas the color will be different, it can become fatal in the effect on all hair.
In what cases can you get low-quality highlighting?
We are all human, and even an experienced colorist with many years of experience can make a mistake. However, most often unsuccessful highlighting is the trouble of beginners who have only theoretical and superficial knowledge about the staining procedure. Experimenting on your own is also not recommended. Why staining may not work?
- The paint is not mixed in accordance with the instructions, proportionality is violated or the wrong components are used.
- Long exposure to dye on curls.
- Aggressive oxidizing agent.
- The width of the colored strands is too wide or vice versa narrow.
- The paint is applied to the hair unevenly, in thick layers.
- Inaccurate wrapping of curls with foil.
- Lightening more than once dyed hair.
And remember that highlighting on dry, brittle, diseased hair is initially not a good idea. The expected result is unlikely to succeed. To get started, restore your hair using healing moisturizing and nourishing masks.
Unsuccessful highlighting can also be due to excessively aggressive discoloration, and the colored strands have different widths. Such a hairstyle looks untidy, and the hair grow dull.
Reverse highlighting
If hair coloring was very frequent, and the locks were narrow, then merging when combing, the curls acquire an ugly shade and look untidy. In this case, reverse highlighting on medium hair is perfect. The master selects the color that is most suitable for the natural one, and conducts full-fledged coloring. Only gentle products are used in this technique so as not to harm the hair. This method is one of the most effective and the question: "How to fix failed highlighting?" resolved without much harm.
Flushing
A wash can be purchased at the store or prepared independently. There are several fairly simple recipes that will help level the tone safely for hair.
- This recipe is suitable only for owners of light brown and light brown hair. Dilute two tablespoons of soda in two liters of water and rinse the hair with the resulting solution after washing the hair with shampoo.
- An oil mask that not only evens out tone, but also nourishes, restores and cares for hair. Suitable for any color. Mix a teaspoon of castor oil, the same amount of soda, salt, egg yolk, and a glass of kefir (200 grams). Apply the mixture to strands and hold for at least 25 minutes. After the procedure, the mask is washed off with an ordinary shampoo, and the result is fixed with an ordinary balm.
Such home methods will not work in critical situations, only with minor flaws.
How to care before and after the procedure?
Care for highlighted strands begins with a suitable mild shampoo, preferably for colored hair. Do not forget about balms, conditioners and masks. Have to buy oil and stock up on vitamins. Set aside the hairdryer and other stylers for hot styling. Throw away plastic combs, it is better to use brushes made of natural materials. The best option is wooden. Use products that do not mix hair and make combing easier. However, it is also not worth getting carried away with care products, because this can lead to rapid contamination of the hair.
To care for the ends of straight hair, products that include silicones are suitable, but for owners of curls it is better to purchase products with the most natural composition.
How to make highlighting at home?
Of course, professionals in their field do not recommend doing highlighting on their own, because this can end in disrepair. If the decision was made, then follow these rules:
- Choose the color of the paint for your color type.
- Stock up with foil, comb, clamps.
- Separate locks of equal width, not too narrow and not too big.
- Dye your hair from root to tip.
However, for the first time, it is still recommended to contact a professional.