Growing Out Damaged, Dyed Hair: Tips & Tricks For A Fresh Start!

Are you staring at the mirror, a stark line dividing your roots from the inky depths of black box dye, and wondering if you'll ever see your natural hair again? Letting your natural color shine through after years of black dye is entirely achievable, even if it feels like an insurmountable feat right now.

The journey of growing out dyed black hair is often paved with patience, strategic styling, and a healthy dose of self-acceptance. It's a commitment that requires understanding your hair's natural growth cycle, exploring various blending techniques, and most importantly, managing your expectations. The good news? Countless individuals have successfully navigated this transition, and their experiences offer invaluable insights for anyone contemplating a similar change. Take, for instance, the numerous women who opt to trim their hair little by little, month by month, as their natural color reclaims its territory, often finding that shoulder length serves as a sweet spot for managing the process. The key is to find methods that work best with your hair type, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic.

One woman, Amanda, embarked on her journey in June 2015 and didn't fully transition until February 2017. She candidly admitted that while the change wasn't dramatically obvious, others noticed and their comments weren't always encouraging. This highlights a crucial aspect of the process: preparing for potentially mixed reactions from friends, family, and even strangers. It's a personal decision, and staying true to your vision is paramount. Consider the experiences of those who have gone before you. For example, a black journalist, shared her own experience of growing out black box dye, creating a time-lapse video to document her transformation over a year. Her journey resonated with many, demonstrating the shared challenges and triumphs of embracing natural hair after years of coloring. She humorously recounted buzzing her hair in 2021, only to get bored and re-dye it, a cycle familiar to many who struggle with the commitment of growing out their hair. Then, she tried to grow it out from the roots, but boredom struck again, leading her back to black dye. Finally, another buzz cut in March marked her renewed commitment to keeping her hair undyed. These personal stories serve as both inspiration and a reminder that setbacks are normal, and persistence is key.

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One of the most common concerns is the harsh line of demarcation between the dyed hair and the natural roots. Fortunately, there are several techniques to soften this contrast. Embracing natural gray hair, if it's part of your natural color, can be beautifully integrated using a gloss or semi-permanent dye to blend in the new growth. Glosses, in general, are a fantastic tool for managing the transition. As IGK Hair Care founder Chase Kusero suggests, the best approach, especially when coming from highlights or balayage, is to have your colorist gloss your hair back to the natural level of your roots. This allows the natural root to blend seamlessly as it grows.

Alternatively, you can slowly transition your hair by glossing it to replicate the color of your roots. This gradual shift minimizes the shock of a drastic change and allows your hair to adjust more naturally. For those with light roots and dark dyed hair, hair colorist Hunter recommends using root vanish to camouflage gray or light roots. Root vanish, especially beneficial for Asian hair or individuals with rapidly emerging white hairs, is applied with a mascara-like brush for precise coverage. Streaks of strategic color, such as highlights or lowlights, can also help meld your existing shade with the growing-in natural color, creating a more cohesive and blended look. Kim Gueldner, a celebrity hairstylist known for her work with Amy Schumer, Katy Perry, and Gwen Stefani, emphasizes that this technique helps blend the outgrowth, preventing a harsh line.

The health of your hair is another critical factor in the growing-out process. Years of bleaching, dyeing, and color stripping can leave hair damaged and weakened. One individual shared her experience of severely damaged hair, attributing it to years of at-home chemical treatments. After dyeing her hair black and leaving it alone for six months, she stopped dyeing the roots three months prior, hoping to grow out her natural color. She noticed significant improvement in her hair's thickness and overall condition after ceasing the dye treatments. While she still relies on leave-in conditioners and bond treatments to address the residual damage, the major thinning she once experienced has subsided. This underscores the importance of nourishing and protecting your hair as it grows.

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Getting regular trims is essential for maintaining healthy hair and preventing breakage. Even though it might seem counterintuitive, trimming your hair actually promotes longer growth by preventing split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. Aim to get your hair trimmed at least every eight weeks. If you're hesitant to cut your hair short, even small, regular trims can make a significant difference. For those who are feeling bold, cutting your hair short can provide a "kick start" to the project, removing a significant portion of the dyed hair and accelerating the transition. Another important aspect to consider is the potential risks associated with black hair dye, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. Black dye may be more likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to lighter colors. However, the decision to dye your hair black ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

If you're contemplating growing out your dyed hair to embrace your natural gray, there are several approaches to consider. Three main methods exist for transitioning to gray hair from dyed hair, one of which is the "dye strip method." This technique involves parting your hair slightly off-center and dyeing only a strip of hair that hangs down over the gray hair that's growing out. The roots of this strip are dyed as needed, allowing the gray hair underneath to grow undisturbed. Once the gray hair has grown out sufficiently, you can flip your part to reveal the gray side and let the dyed strip grow out underneath. If you have a fringe, you can use root spray to conceal any visible roots until it's long enough to blend in.

Several factors will influence the timeline for growing out your dyed hair, including your hair's growth rate and the length of the dyed hair. On average, hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month, resulting in approximately 6 inches of growth per year. Therefore, growing out a short bob (around eight inches) could take about 16 months. If you're unsure about the best approach for your hair, consulting a licensed hair colorist is highly recommended. A professional can assess your hair type, color, and overall condition to provide personalized advice and guidance. Remember, transitioning to your natural hair color is a personal journey, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Be patient with yourself, embrace the process, and celebrate each milestone along the way.

Perhaps you might consider dyeing your hair first, aiming for a color as close to your natural shade as possible, as one strategy for blending the transition. Consider the words of someone who, tired of the upkeep and color inconsistency, dyed their hair blonde to make the grow-out more subtle. And let's not forget the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies this journey. It's easy to fall into the trap of "one more dye job," as inner doubts creep in. If your inner voice is still hesitant about going gray, take your time and explore all your options. The best advice is often the simplest: be patient and trim frequently. One person, after years of raven black hair and darkest brown to cover the natural reds and blues, decided to go gray for reasons of animal testing and environmental concerns. She transitioned in stages, avoiding permanent dyes.

Growing out dyed black hair can be a long and challenging process, but there are ways to make the transition smoother. One option is to gradually transition to a lighter colour through bleaching or using hair lightening products such as honey, dish soap, or colour B4. Remember to be kind to your hair. As one person shared, letting their hair grow out after years of dyeing resulted in thicker, healthier hair. While they still use leave-in conditioner and bond treatments due to past damage, the major thinning had stopped.

Last updated 25 september 2020, 0:17, it's important to remember that growing out dyed hair, especially growing out dyed black hair, is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about embracing the journey, learning to love your natural hair, and finding confidence in your authentic self. The best advise is just give it time, and trim frequently. One person went shorter, around shoulder length until most of the dye was closer to the ends and then let it grow long.