Box Dye Gone Wrong? What to Do Next

A color that didn't turn out is annoying, but it's rarely an emergency for your hair. The urge to fix it right away is usually what makes it worse, so slow down first.

Is your scalp okay?

Check this before you think about the color. The American Academy of Dermatology says a rash, redness, swelling, burning or itching means an allergic reaction, and that you should stop dyeing and see a dermatologist for allergy testing. The FDA adds that some hair dyes can cause reactions that lead to skin irritation and hair loss, and it says to ask your healthcare provider about treatment.

That's a question for a doctor, not a stylist. If you have swelling around your face or trouble breathing, get emergency help right away.

Should you dye over it?

No. More box color rarely solves the problem and can make it harder to correct. Layering product on hair that's already been processed also gives whoever fixes it more to work through.

If you do plan to color at home again, follow the FDA's advice to do a patch test every time, skip dye if your scalp is irritated, and wait at least 14 days after bleaching, relaxing or perming.

What went wrong, and what should you avoid?

These are common patterns, not a diagnosis. Your hair's history decides what's really going on. If you're curious why a cool tone can turn green, the same thing happens with blue hair fading to green.

If your hair is shedding or breaking at the root, or you're worried about thinning, the American Academy of Dermatology says seeing a dermatologist is especially important. Treat that as a medical question before you treat it as a color one.

What should you do in the meantime?

• Keep the box or take a photo of the shade name and ingredients
• Write down when you used it, and anything else that's on your hair
• Take photos in daylight
• Condition after you shampoo and go easy on heat
• Leave your hair alone until you've talked to someone

What will Karen need to know?

Be honest about everything on your hair: box dye, henna, lightener and treatments. Your hair's history decides what's safe and what it will take. It's better to tell her about it up front, because surprises cost more than a good plan.

What does color correction cost?

Corrective color with Karen Shardlow in Georgetown, TX is $160+ per hour. That's a starting price. The final cost depends on your hair's history and how much work it needs, and bigger changes can take more than one visit. For how that compares with other services, see what hair color costs in Georgetown.

Bring a photo of your hair to your consultation so Karen can tell you what it will take.