How to Fix Hair That No Longer Holds Color

Last Updated: October 8, 2021

Sometimes after bleaching and/or dyeing your hair multiple times, hair can seem to no longer hold even supposedly permanent colors. This can be frustrating and upsetting, but don't worry, with some patience and willing for experimentation, your hair can be restored and colorable again, using affordable methods.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
At-Home Hair Stripping

1
Note that this sounds scarier than it really is. You can buy hair strippers for usually under US$8 from places such as drugstores and department stores in the beauty/hair section.
2
Choose either washed or dirty hair. Your hair can either be clean or in need of a wash to use this. (Preferably wait until you're due for a shower to do it, that will save on washing time.) Open and read included instructions-–it's easy to use and safe for even damaged hair.
3
Apply the hair stripper product thoroughly to your hair. Let it sit in a plastic cap for 20 minutes. After doing so, get in the shower and spend at least 10 minutes washing your hair out.
- Hair strippers smell bad. Make sure that all surfaces it can potentially get on (sink, counter, etc.) are covered with paper or plastic and that anything it comes in contact with gets washed well.
4
Check your hair. After your 20 minutes is up, it may not appear like all your hair has been changed. Don't worry! Whatever dyes you ever used will completely wash out of your hair in the shower.
- If you have ever bleached your hair before and it has never completely been cut and regrown, the parts of your hair that have been previously bleached will not return to your original color; they will go back to being blonde.
5
Expect that your hair returns to its original color (or blonde if ever bleached.) What has happened is the hair stripper removed all the dyes left in the pores of your hair, which has clogged up and made it difficult to impossible for new dye to be added and remain in the pores of your hair. You should now be able to dye your hair (even on the same day as stripping it) your new color. If your hair is light blonde and you want to make it darker apply a warmer tone such as yellow, orange, or red.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.} Avoid bleaching it again anytime soon.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Get a New Haircut

1
Consider getting most of your hair cut off. If your hair no longer holds color, it means that you have over-processed your hair, and there is nothing left in the hair strand to which the hair color can hold on. It may be a good idea to cut your hair.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.} For example, if you are a female and have about 2 feet of hair, you should probably get it cut to shoulder length or just above your shoulders. This may sound scary and not be what you want, but you'd be surprised how wonderful a "short" haircut could actually look on you!
2
Avoid dyeing your hair for a while (probably at least a couple months...yikes!). This lets new fresh hair grow in, during which time you can get a couple of trims.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
At-Home Cheap Protein Treatment

1
Add egg protein to your hair. This trick might sound a little funny and ridiculous, but it's been proven to work.^{[citation needed]} Eggs are rich in protein, which is what your hair is made out of. Giving your hair some new fresh protein can help rebuild your hair strands.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.}
2
Get a medium-sized bowl. Crack 2 eggs into the bowl and stir them well.
3
Rub the blended egg goop into your hair. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
4
Wash out in the shower. Shampoo and condition as normal.
5
Repeat 2 to 3 times a week for a month.

Community Q&A

Question

How do you fix damaged hair that won't hold color?

Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments.

Sarah Kosakowski

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

I would recommend getting a keratin treatment and giving your hair a rest. Keratin is a protein that exists in hair and a few other places in your body, so it's great to help your back get healthy again.