3 Methods to Get Back to Natural Red Hair After Dyeing It Blonde

Once you begin dyeing your natural red hair, returning to your original color can feel like a daunting task. Rest assured, you’re not alone—many redheads experience the temptation to change their hair color at some point, and most of us who’ve gone down that path have navigated the process of rediscovering our red roots. Whether it takes time or investment, regaining your natural hair color is entirely possible. We’re here to guide you through the steps and help you feel like yourself again.

Method 1: Grow it out

The most straightforward way to return to your natural red hair is to let it grow out. While this process can be time-consuming and frustrating, and your hair may not look its best during the transition, it remains one of the most effective options. You can trim your hair short and let the red roots emerge or wait through the grow-out period as your blonde color fades. However, it’s important to note that if you’ve gone blonde, your hair has likely been bleached, which means the color cannot be easily stripped out as it might be with brown hair.

Growing your natural red hair after dyeing it blonde can be a journey, but it will work with patience and care! Here are some tips:

Be patient: Hair typically grows about half an inch per month. It will take time for the blonde to grow out and reveal your natural color.
Regular trims: Get regular trims to remove damaged ends and keep your hair healthy. This will help blend your natural color with the blonde as it grows out.
Avoid heat styling: Minimize heat exposure to prevent further damage. If you do use heat, make sure to use a heat protectant.
Deep conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments can keep hair hydrated and healthy, smoothing the transition.
Protect your hair: Wear hats or scarves in the sun to protect your hair from UV damage, which can fade the color.
Stay healthy: A balanced diet and continual hydration can promote healthy hair growth.
Embrace the journey: Allow yourself to enjoy the process and experiment with different hairstyles while you grow out your natural color.

With some care and creativity, you’ll return to your beautiful red locks quickly!

Method 2: Dye it all red

If you want to return to red quickly, your best option is to visit your hairstylist and request a color transformation. While they may not be able to match your previous shade, bringing in reference photos can help them achieve the closest result. Choosing an all-over red color allows your natural red roots to grow gradually without creating an awkward contrast. While you may end up with a subtle ombré effect, this approach is often preferable to cutting your hair short.

It’s essential to remember that if you’ve been dying your hair for an extended period, your natural red color may be different from what it was in the past. Our hair naturally changes as we age, and the red you remember may not be the shade that grows out now. The best way to determine your current natural red color is by allowing some of your roots to grow, giving you a clearer sense of what you’re working with.

Method 3: Get a balayage

Suppose you need more time to be ready to return to red but plan to eventually; a red and blonde balayage can be an excellent option. This technique allows your hair to grow out more naturally and evenly. While your hair may be lighter than your original red shade, you can gradually trim away the blonde over time as your natural color grows in.

Transitioning from blonde back to red can be a beautiful process, and opting for a balayage is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, balayage creates a soft, sun-kissed effect that facilitates a gradual transition between blonde and red tones, helping to make the grow-out phase less noticeable. Additionally, this technique often requires fewer touch-ups than traditional coloring methods, as the color grows more naturally and seamlessly.

A skilled stylist can customize the balayage technique to match your specific shade of red, seamlessly blending it with your blonde for a harmonious and natural look. This method adds dimension and depth to your hair, enhancing the richness of your natural red as it grows. Since balayage involves painting the color onto the hair rather than saturating it, it tends to be less damaging than all-over dyeing—an important consideration when transitioning back to your natural color.

Returning to red is a big decision, but we’re confident you won’t regret it. Your natural hair color is always the most flattering!

Rock it like a Redhead!

READ: Dyed Your Hair Blonde? Here’s How to Get Back to Your Red Roots

READ: Why Dyeing My Red Hair Bleach Blonde Didn’t Help My Self-Confidence