Yes, You Can Get Your Natural Hair Color Back: Here’s How

3 Tried-and-True Methods for Getting Your Natural Hair Color Back

Before restoring your natural hair color, it’s important to evaluate where you’re starting from and where you’re trying to go. If you’re going from bleach blonde to brunette, your options may look a little different than someone who’s transitioning between a dark brown and a natural red. No matter your scenario, we’ve got you covered with expert guidance from Jewell Hingorani, a professional hairstylist and founder of Jewell Clip Luxury Hair Extensions, and Jennifer Korab, a celebrity hairstylist, colorist, and the founder of Renaissance Salon and Spa. With the right approach (and advice), getting your color back is totally doable. 

1. Grow Your Hair Out

“The most straightforward way to return to your natural shade is by letting it grow out and getting regular trims to gradually remove the colored ends,” says Korab. Growing your hair out might be easier said than done, however, as it could leave you with a significant color difference between your ends and your roots (especially if you’re going from a way lighter color to a way darker one, and vice-versa). That said, growing your hair out is the healthiest way to get back to your OG color, and may be good to consider if your hair is already damaged from coloring (or if you’re on a budget). You can speed up the process by cutting your hair, since the shorter you’re willing to cut, the sooner you'll reach your color goal.

2. Color Correction

If your hair is dyed a drastically different color than your natural one, try heading to a professional for color correction. “A good stylist can help match your natural shade and blend it in, so the grow-out looks seamless,” says Hingorani. Even if your roots have already started to grow out, it’s a good idea to bring some photos to your appointment that really showcase your natural hair color. That way, it’ll be easier for your stylist to accurately bring back your natural color. 

For those shifting from blonde to brunette locks, Korab recommends starting with a warm filler before applying brown dye to avoid cool or muddy tones. As for brunettes going blonde, she recommends taking a gradual approach like lightening your hair slowly with highlights or balayage, which will help protect your hair’s health (as opposed to a full dye job). 

3. Use a Toner or Gloss

“A color-refreshing gloss is a great option to revive your natural shine without making a permanent  change,” says Korab. “If you want a softer transition, a toner or gloss can help blend the roots with the previously dyed sections,” she adds. “A professional colorist can also work with you to tone down any remaining artificial color and bring your hair closer to its natural hue.”

Toners can be particularly helpful for natural blondes, since lighter locks tend to get brassy during color transitions. Meanwhile, natural redheads should consider using a copper gloss, since the color matches their original tone well. “If you’re shifting from red to brown, a pre-toning step can neutralize any lingering red,” says Korab. “Rich, warm brown shades tend to work best for a smooth result.” 

Toners and glosses are both “great for canceling out any unwanted tones during the transition,” adds Hingorani. You can also use them for shine and tone enhancement without any lift or permanent color change—just go for a clear or lightly tinted gloss. 

Best Treatments for Hair Color Recovery

Restoring your natural hair color often goes hand-in-hand with restoring your hair’s health. The good news is, there are plenty of treatments and products that can help ease the transition. “Strengthening treatments that rebuild protein or repair bonds are especially helpful if your hair has been chemically processed,” says Korab. “Clarifying shampoos can also be useful because they remove buildup and residual dye, helping your natural tone look cleaner and more vibrant,” she adds. This Olaplex N4 Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is top-rated, or you can find the full guide to our favorite clarifying shampoos here. 

You might also want to check out some deep conditioning treatments, which Korab says are “always a yes.” According to her, deep conditioners replenish moisture and help restore softness to color-treated or  transitioning hair. Look for masks rich in protein (like keratin or silk amino acids) if your hair feels weak, or hydrating formulas with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera for dry strands. Whatever your preference, leave your chosen deep conditioner on for at least 20 minutes, and use heat—like a shower cap or warm towel—to maximize penetration. “Deep conditioning regularly can enhance your natural glow and keep your hair looking its healthiest,” says Hingorani. 

Another treatment to consider is keratin, though that’s best recommended for thicker hair. “Keratin treatments are great for reducing frizz and smoothing strands, but they might not be necessary if you’re embracing your natural texture or if your hair is already on the finer side,” Korab says. And if you’re hoping to subtly grow out dyed hair, that might be a simpler process with the help of hair growth oils, says Hingorani. Castor or rosemary oils aid scalp health and encourage regrowth, leaving you with longer and thicker hair. 

Some Natural Methods to Enhance Your Hair’s Natural Color

If you’re looking for a gentle, non-chemical way to enhance your hair color, there are a few natural  options. “Chamomile tea rinses can subtly brighten blonde tones when paired with sun exposure,” says Korab. Meanwhile, henna and cassia offer plant-based color boosts with added shine—though Korab mentions you should keep in mind that these dyes are more permanent and should be patch tested first. More slow-burning alternatives, she suggests, are coffee and black tea rinses, which can help enrich brown tones naturally over time.  

You can also ditch dye entirely with sun-activated sprays, especially those with citrus ingredients. These help lighten strands when used consistently, but Korab warns not to forget sun protection (yes, even for your hair). And if you’re up for some experimenting, Hingorani recommends whipping up DIY masks with honey or cinnamon, which offer a gentle brightening effect with repeated use. “A honey and cinnamon mask can add warmth and shine, while apple cider vinegar rinses help bring out natural highlights and boost clarity,” says Hingorani. 

At the end of the day, even the simplest of things can help your hair journey. Hingorani recommends using a premium boar bristle brush to distribute natural oils, and eating a nutrient-rich diet. A healthy routine = healthy hair.