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I always have red/orange undertones showing through once I dye my hair. How do I get rid of these?

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Hi there,

I had my hair bleach shampooed in order to achieve red hair. I am naturally a level 2, maybe 3, brown so I was told it was necessary. The red hair dye that was applied was a semi-permanent so after awhile the red started to fade and the brassy orange my hair was bleached too showed through, so I box dyed it red again.

The brassy orange has returned and now I just want to get back to my normal hair colour. How would I do this? I have tried dying it ash brown but the red and orange always comes back.

I am so tired of having four different colours in my hair, please help!

Thank you,

Merehuka, Portland

After having hair bleach shampooed the hair is permanently lightened to reveal the warm undercoat, which in your case as your hair is naturally very dark is orange and red. The best plan of action to return the hair to its natural colour (as close as possible) is to use a semi-permanent shade. Once this fades have it reapplied, over time the colour should build up and not return as dramatically to its orange state.

Remember that lightened hair is porous so colours will always fade from the hair like this. Regular trims and moisturising treatments should help you.

John Clark, Head of Colour at Brooks+Brooks, London 

Hi Merehuka,

I suggest stripping the colour with L'Oreal's effasor mixed with 6% oxydant so it's gentler on the hair, then we could go for an oil-based colour which will help improve the condition. A shade like INOA 5.18 (an ashy brown) would be good and help restore the shine which must have suffered from the home colouring. Always use a sulfate-free shampoo afterwards to help maintain the colour for longer.

Alice Gazagnes, Senior Stylist & Colourist, Simon Webster Hair, Brighton