If your hair doesn’t take color anymore, it could be due to various reasons, such as damaged hair, pre-existing color, use of hot tools, or overexposure to the sun. It’s also possible that your hair has become resistant to the chemicals used in hair dye over time.
Here, I will share each of the reasons and tricks to hold the color in detail. Sounds Good, Right?
Let’s get started.
Reasons for Why Won’t My Hair Take Color Anymore?
Symptoms of fragile hair speak louder, dull appearance, hair fall, and retained moisture indicate that your hair can’t adapt to the color. Here I have mentioned some of the hair reasons causing hair color problems.
Damage Hair
Your damaged hair won’t hold color due to brittle and split ends. Also, it will look rough and even fade out the color faster. The highly chemicalized dye will penetrate your hair cuticles forcefully and make your hair patchy or wilted. Below you will find some tricks and tweaks that you must apply to your hair care routine to resolve hair take-in color issues.
- Apple hair mask the day before dyeing your hair.
- Take a week to deep condition your hair prior to color treatment
- Avoid chemical-based hair shampoos and instead use natural or organic hair cleaners.
Porous Hair
Hair porosity depends on genetics; heat and multiple chemicals can snatch the hair’s ability to absorb water. There are three stages of hair porosity that you must know:
- Low Porosity: It seems extremely rough and tangled easily, challenging dyeing hair.
- Medium Porosity: Looks healthy, easy to style, and you can color them effortlessly.
- High Porosity: This type of hair absorbs products, appears dull, frizzy, and tangles easily.
The low and high hair porosity prevents absorption of the color because it can’t hold moisture. If your hair feels drier after washing, you must deep condition it twice a week, as per Wikipedia, or you need to consult an expert.
Natural Dark Hair
The third reason for dye failure might be a really dark or black hair tone. If you are dyeing your hair at home, you must use bleaching as colors like pink and blonde won’t lock on your dark strands. But I suggest going to the hairdresser as extensive bleaching can harm your hair.
Some Colors that you must avoid for darker color hair
- Yellow
- Orange
- Pink
Tricks to Hold Color
Suffering from hair-dying problems could be a major reason for expired dye or your hair is damaged and weak. It couldn’t absorb the stain and won’t stay or execute a similar color as the picture when you wash it. Here are some tips to fix the hair color problem.
Washing with Shampoo
If the hair color doesn’t suit you, washing it off gently is the only hope, but the first wash doesn’t remove all the dye. So you might often wash for faster color reduction, yet another catch is that too much shampooing can damage your hair. That’s why it’s better to wash your hair on alternative days.
Moreover, if you are satisfied with the execution, pushing washing hair day is a great idea as it strips the natural oils from your scalp. And you must use cold water to rinse your shampoo as hot water can damage the hair cuticles, and your color starts to fade.
Switch Hair Products
Shampoo, which contains sulfate and alcohol, are two major causes of hair damage, mostly found in color. That’s why it won’t stay on your hair, as it carries harmful or unsuitable hair products. I suggest; it is better to ask an expert what products are beneficial and won’t harm your hair.
After hair dye, you must use the appropriate color-supportive shampoos to help the color stay longer without drying out. Products with natural compounds and minimal ingredients are highly recommended for colored hair as they will nourish and keep the color intact.
Deep Conditioning
It’s better to start with nourishing and caring for damaged hair so the color stays longer without any problem. Using oils or a hair mask for a month or two to moisturize your hair deeply. It will make your hair healthy and able to withstand the dryness of dye and developer harshness.
According to research by Vogue, it’s vital to have a deep condition after and before coloring your hair as it helps to lock the color and moisture.
It’s a great hack for dull hair, as deep conditioning can bring life and volume to your hair. Also, choose a color with rich nutrients for home usage, as it can repair hair while you dye it.
Hair Dying Wrong Technique
Disappointing hair color means you haven’t read the instructions correctly, or it could be some hidden mistakes or techniques that you have made. So, below, I have pointed out the most relatable errors you can avoid next time.
Inappropriate Application
Focusing on time can save you from disappointing hair color results, yet the trick depends on your hair type. Some products require longer to settle down, and it’s essential to leave the dye as chemicals need more time to activate on your hair.
In fact, it’s best to set the timer as per instructions so the chemicals can penetrate your hair cuticles without harming them. Or, it’s better to test on long strands to accurately know how long you need to leave it on your hair.
Around thirty to thirty-five minutes maximum is the standard time for most hair color products.
But virgin hair requires forty to forty-five minutes because bleaching your hair complicates it, and sometimes it can ruin the hair.
Not Enough Dye
You must apply an appropriate quantity of solution for flawless hair color, as it can spread evenly on each strand. Mostly, uneven mixtures or inappropriate amounts can lead to repeating the process.
That’s why it is best to use a brush to spread the dye evenly, and if you are bleaching your hair, then keep the layer thin. You must follow the instructions while mixing and applying on hair ends can save your hair roots from damage.
Choose the Wrong Developer
The hair color packet comes with a separate developer, which helps the color latch on your hair. It’s combined with hydrogen peroxide for mixing with dye to create a solution. Your hair cuticles are open because of these keratinocytes for better results.
Here are some facts that help you select the correct color dye.
- A lower-volume developer is best for fine hair types.
- Normal hair type doesn’t require any specific hair color; follow the instruction accordingly.
- If you have thick hair, use a higher-volume developer for better results.
Wrap Up
Hair color can significantly impact our look and confidence, but it can be frustrating when the color fades away after a few washes. Various factors can explain why your hair won’t take color anymore, from overprocessing to hard water.
However, I already mentioned above all of the reasons from A to Z and share some tricks to maintain the color. In addition, using the right products and changing our hair color routine can help us achieve those long-lasting vibrant locks.
