Here’s How To Go Back To Your Natural Hair Color

Published Dec 5, 2025

It’s fun to experiment with hair color, but sometimes, the call to return to your roots is strong. Maybe the upkeep has become too much, or you’re simply ready to embrace your natural shade again. Whatever the reason, deciding to go back to your natural hair color is the first step in a new hair journey.

Regretting a hair choice is completely normal. Finding the perfect color often involves some trial and error. The process of returning to your natural shade, however, requires patience and a solid plan. Chemicals from dyes and especially bleach can damage hair. Bleaching products, for instance, cause an irreversible chemical reaction by oxidizing the melanin in your hair, stripping it of its color.

Don’t worry, though. Getting your hair back to its beautiful, natural state is entirely possible. Here are some expert-approved methods for a smooth hair color transition.

1. Let It Grow Out

The simplest and most budget-friendly method is to let your hair grow out. This approach requires zero chemical intervention, making it a great option for promoting healthy hair regrowth. The key here is patience. You’ll have to be comfortable with your roots showing for a few months.

To make the process more manageable, you can try different hairstyles that help blend the line of demarcation. Think braids, updos, or using stylish headbands and scarves. Using a shampoo and conditioner designed to promote hair growth can also support the process. Regular trims are essential—visiting your stylist to snip away the colored ends every 6-8 weeks will gradually bring you closer to your goal.

2. Go for a Bold Chop

If you’re not attached to long hair and a significant amount of your natural color has already grown in, a big chop might be the perfect solution. Cutting off the dyed portions is the quickest way to reset your hair. This is an excellent opportunity for a fresh start and a new look.

Short hairstyles like pixie cuts or chic bobs are consistently in style. This could be your chance to try a daring cut you’ve always considered. A professional stylist can help you find a short style that complements your face shape and lifestyle, making your hair color transition instantly complete.

3. Dye It Back to Your Natural Color

For those who want immediate results, dyeing your hair back to a shade that matches your natural color is the fastest route. While it sounds straightforward, this process can be complex, which is why we always recommend seeing a professional.

Matching a new dye to your natural color, especially over previously colored hair, is a science. A stylist can account for your hair’s current state, porosity, and underlying tones to avoid an unfortunate outcome, like muddy tones or a color that’s completely off. This is a key step in professional natural hair restoration. They will use fillers if necessary and choose the right developer to ensure the color is rich, even, and long-lasting, all while minimizing further damage.

4. Blend with an Ombre or Balayage

As your roots grow in, a distinct line can appear between your natural and dyed hair. An ombre or balayage is a fantastic way to soften this transition. These techniques create a seamless blend, making the grow-out phase look intentional and stylish.

A stylist can use balayage to hand-paint highlights that bridge the gap between your root color and your ends. An ombre creates a gradual fade from your darker roots to the lighter, colored sections. These hair color transition tips not only disguise the grow-out process but can also give you a beautiful, low-maintenance look you might decide to keep.

5. Use Temporary Root Concealers

If you’re not ready for a salon visit but want to hide your roots, root concealers are your best friend. These products offer a temporary fix and come in various forms, including sprays, powders, and pens.

They are available in a wide range of shades to match your hair color precisely. A quick application can effectively cover root regrowth, helping you feel more confident as you navigate the grow-out period. It’s a simple, non-permanent solution to use between salon appointments or while you decide on your next move.

6. Embrace the Shadow Root Trend

Instead of fighting your roots, why not embrace them? The “shadow root” look, where darker roots are intentionally contrasted with lighter ends, remains a popular and chic trend. Celebrities have shown time and again that grown-out roots can look fashionable and edgy.

This low-maintenance style adds depth and dimension to your hair. By owning the look, you can turn your hair color transition into a style statement, saving you time and money on frequent touch-ups.

7. Consider a Color Remover

Hair color removers can be an effective option, but it’s important to understand how they work. These products shrink the artificial color molecules within the hair shaft, allowing them to be washed away.

However, they have their limits. Color removers are most effective at removing permanent dye that is darker than your natural hair color. They cannot restore the natural pigment to bleached hair. If your hair has been colored multiple times over many years, you may need more than one application. For the best and safest results, we recommend having this service performed by a professional who can assess if it’s the right choice for your hair’s condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to go back to natural hair color?

The timeline varies greatly depending on the length of your hair and how fast it grows. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month. If you’re growing it out completely, it could take a couple of years for long hair. Methods like dyeing it back or cutting it short provide much faster results.

Will my hair be damaged after returning to its natural color?

If you let your hair grow out and trim the ends, you are promoting healthy hair regrowth. If you choose to dye it back, there is a risk of further damage. However, a professional stylist will take steps to protect your hair’s integrity. Natural hair restoration often involves deep conditioning treatments to improve hair health.

Can I go back to my natural color after bleaching?

You cannot restore your natural pigment to bleached hair, as the bleaching process permanently removes it. To go back to your natural color, you will need to either let the bleached hair grow out and cut it off, or have a stylist dye it to match your natural shade.

What is the healthiest way to transition back to my natural color?

The healthiest method is to let your hair grow out and get regular trims. This avoids any further chemical processing. Supporting this process with good nutrition and a gentle hair care routine will ensure your new growth is strong and healthy.

Can I dye my hair back to its natural color at home?

While it’s possible, it’s very risky. Matching color is difficult, and you could end up with an uneven or incorrect shade. Professionals have access to better products and the expertise to color-correct and achieve a seamless, natural-looking result without compromising your hair’s health.