Hair Color Correction

What It Is and Why It’s Not Just a Quick Fix

Ever left the salon (or your bathroom) with hair color that made you say, "Oops" instead of "OMG, I love it!"? You’re not alone. Color correction is a lifesaver, but it’s also a bit of a journey. So, what exactly is a color correction, and why does it sometimes take hours (and a chunk of your paycheck) to fix? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly Is a Color Correction?
Simply put, a color correction is any process that fixes, changes, or alters the artificial color of your hair. Once you’ve colored your hair—whether you went darker, lighter, or tried to DIY a trendy pastel shade—any major shift from that is considered a correction.

And here’s the kicker: color correction almost always involves multiple steps. Hair stylists joke that just about every client needs a color correction because, let’s be real, we’re all constantly changing our minds about our hair. New season? New breakup? New job? Boom—new color!

When Do You Need a Color Correction?

There are a lot of reasons you might need one. Here are the most common:

• Fixing a botched dye job – Whether it was a box dye disaster or an unfortunate salon experience, sometimes color just doesn’t turn out as planned.
• Going darker after being artificially lightened – Blonde was fun, but now you want to go rich brunette? That takes more than just slapping on brown dye.
• Going lighter after being artificially dark – If you’ve ever tried to go from black to blonde in one session, you know why color correction exists.
• Removing chlorine or mineral buildup – Swimmers and well-water users, you know the struggle.
• Blending excessive grow-out – If your roots are longer than 2 inches and your ends are still colored, you might need a little blending magic.
• Correcting excessive sun fading – That sun-kissed look can sometimes turn brassy and uneven.

Who Should You See for a Color Correction?

Let’s get this out of the way—this is not a DIY project unless you love living on the edge (and possibly wearing a hat for the next six months). A professional stylist is the way to go, preferably someone with a solid couple of years of experience.

That said, not every experienced stylist is comfortable with color correction. The industry is moving toward specialization, and some stylists prefer to focus on cuts or balayage rather than full-on color rescues. That’s why an in-person consultation is crucial before booking your appointment. A stylist needs to see your hair, assess the situation, and make a game plan before they dive in.

Expect to Be in the Chair for a While

Color correction isn’t a quick “one and done” deal. Your stylist will have to overthink every single step to ensure they achieve your desired look without damaging your hair. And since every head of hair is different, there’s no universal formula for fixing a color mishap.

This is another reason why consultations matter—your stylist can estimate the time required and possibly prep your hair in advance. Sometimes, just getting your hair ready for the color process (with treatments or color removers) can take one to two hours before the real work even begins.

Expect It to Cost More

Let’s be honest—color corrections aren’t cheap. Here’s why:

• They take time, and stylists charge for that time.
• They require specialized products, which can be expensive.
• They take experience, and expertise is worth paying for.

While it’s tempting to look for a bargain, remember: you get what you pay for. A solid color correction from a pro will leave you with beautiful, healthy hair instead of another disaster that needs fixing.

The Bottom Line

Color correction is an art and a science. It takes patience, skill, and sometimes multiple sessions to get your hair where you want it to be. The key to a successful correction? Trust your stylist, be realistic about the process, and know that good hair takes time.

So, if you find yourself staring in the mirror wondering, “What have I done?”—don’t panic. Just find a great stylist, schedule that consultation, and let the magic happen!

*Mickey*