Why is my hair still dark brown after bleached red highlights?

Hello,

I have very dark brown hair and recently had bleached red highlights applied, which I wanted. I also wanted the rest of my hair to turn a different colour, specifically RV4. The stylist did not bleach the rest of my hair and so it still looks dark brown.

She said she will redo my hair in a week's time but I am not sure if this is healthy? Should she just bleach the hair that is not highlighted since I do like the highlights, or do I just dye my hair brown so I don't lose length or texture.

Anon, USA

Your stylist could redo the colour again, but if she used a permanent colour to try and get your base to the RV4 shade, she may need to cleanse (lightly lighten) the hair first before applying a brighter hue. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but if the hair has been heavily coloured in the past then it might lead to dryness. Keeping the hair in good condition is important, so invest in a great hair masque and conditioner.

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

Hi,

If your hair is really long and you feel the condition isn’t too good, I would advise you not to get the highlights. If your hair is shoulder length your stylist can try and dye your hair back to the colour you wanted in the first place.

Make sure your stylist puts a treatment on your hair after the colouring process, as your hair will definitely need an injection of moisture.

Joseph Koniak, Artistic Director at Eleven Hair and Joseph Koniak, London