Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
If you want answers on how to darken highlights without using dye, check out my article below. Also learn how to tone down highlights or remove them easily.
Are you looking to darken your highlights without using any dye? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
While regular salon treatments are the usual method of choice for darkening highlights, it’s not always necessary. You can save some time and money by caring for your hair at home. With the right techniques, you can easily darken highlights without using any dye.
This article will help you navigate the process and get the results you’re looking for.
At A Glance:
- If you find that your highlights look too “bright” you can tone them down (without using dye) by using a color depositing conditioner like Overtone, Keracare Klenditioner and more. There are several health risks associated with dyeing your hair too often so these are better alternatives.
- You can also opt for a red shampoo to remove the cool undertones underneath to make your highlights seem warmer and darker.
- A purple shampoo can also turn a bright brassy balayage into a more subdued champagne color look.
- Some also prefer to use natural methods like soaking hair in coffee, cocoa bean water, berry juice among others to get a darker hue. However, these methods give uneven results and wash away easily.
- If you want to remove hair highlights altogether it isn’t possible without either dyeing it over or using a chemical hair color remover.
How to darken highlights without using dye
How to darken highlights using coffee
If you’re looking for an interesting and natural way to darken your highlights, using coffee is an excellent option that can give you some subtle, evening-appropriate results.
Not only is this technique easy and cost-effective, but it will also leave your hair feeling soft and healthy. Here’s how to darken your highlights using coffee:
Start by brewing some strong, dark coffee. Thicker, pre-ground blend tends to work better than thin, more delicate grounds. Pour the stewed coffee into a bowl and set aside.
Now divide your hair into sections, starting with the highlighted areas. With a wide-tooth comb, work the mixture into the roots, being sure to evenly distribute the product all over using even, consistent strokes.
Once all of your highlighted sections are covered, cover them with a shower cap and let the product sit for about an hour, then remove the shower cap and rinse all of the coffee out of your hair with cool water, being sure to get all of the residue out.
This will help keep your hair color true and prevent any side effects.
Follow up with a generous amount of conditioner to keep your hair soft, then let it air dry. Once it’s completely dry, you’ll have gorgeous, naturally darkened highlights that are perfect for a night out!
How to darken highlights using color depositing conditioner
If you’re looking for a way to darken your highlights without using dye, try using a color depositing conditioner.
This method works especially well for blondes wanting to add a bit more variance and variation to their look without having to opt for darker colors or drastic cuts.
To begin, you’ll want to choose a color depositing conditioner that’s close to your desired shade. It’s important to note that these conditioners will darken your highlights, but they won’t completely change your hair color.
Depending on the shade of blonde you are, you may want to start with a subtle color and experiment with a few more intense shades.
Once you’ve selected your product, the application process couldn’t be simpler. Shampoo your hair and then add the color depositing conditioner.
Massage the product into your hair, focusing especially on the lightest areas, making sure to apply evenly and rarely. After that, simply let it sit for up to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and apply your regular conditioner.
It’s important to monitor your highlights with this process as it may take a few tries to get to the desired hue.
Additionally, using a color depositing conditioner won’t be permanent and will wash out eventually, so you don’t have to worry about having to live with the result if it’s not what you wanted.
How to darken highlights with shampoo
There are plenty of shampoo options available to help you get the color you’re looking for.
To start, figure out what type of color you’re aiming for and what shade of highlights you have. Once you have this information, it’ll be easier to choose a shampoo that will get the job done.
When shopping for a shampoo, look for a formula specifically labeled to darken or enhance highlights.
These products are designed to deposit color onto lighter-toned strands, giving them a darker and richer hue.
Apply a small amount to your hair and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing, repeating the process if needed. Pro tip: use a blow dryer on the lowest setting to give the color an extra boost.
For a more gradual approach, try a warming shampoo or conditioner. This kind of product works to warm up your blonde highlights and make them look slightly darker in color.
The good news is that this type of shampoo won’t damage your hair, as it won’t penetrate the cuticles.
One thing to note is that the color won’t last forever – use this approach sparingly and consider alternating it with other darkening options.
Related: How To Tone Brown Hair To Ash
How to darken highlights naturally in the sun
If you’re looking for a natural way to darken your highlights without using any dye, there’s one method you can try: lying out in the sun. Sun exposure is a great way to darken your highlighted locks without resorting to store-bought chemicals or hair dye.
It’s important to remember that sun exposure alone won’t darken highlights as easily as a store-bought dye. This method requires patience and repeated long-term sun exposure.
When going out into the sun, keep in mind that the UV rays will also dry out and damage your hair, so it’s vital to keep your locks hydrated throughout the process.
The best way to start darkening your highlights in the sun is to stay out for about an hour and a half, doing something like basking in the sun, swimming in the pool, or playing in the pool.
Make sure to wear a hat to protect your scalp and use a leave-in conditioner in your hair. This will help to keep your hair hydrated and healthy while also increasing the chances of your highlights darkening.
It’s also a good idea to apply a hair protector spray or serum to your hair before heading outside. This will help to prevent sun damage and keep your highlights from overdeveloping or frying in the sun.
Darkening highlights in the sun is not an immediate process, so you’ll need to repeat these steps multiple times over the course of a few weeks.
Can I use purple shampoo to darken highlights
Yes, you can use purple shampoo to darken highlights without using dye. Oftentimes, when highlights become too bright, it can look unnatural and unflattering.
Purple shampoo acts as a corrective color, neutralizing brassy tones and subtly diminishing the brightness of lightened hair.
It’s worth noting that purple shampoo is not a permanent solution – it simply works to tone down the color while also cleansing and conditioning your highlights. It’s also important to remember that to get the desired results, you may need to use purple shampoo multiple times.
When using purple shampoo to darken highlights, start with just one use. Afterward, assess the color of your highlights to decide if more toning is required. If the color is still too bright, give it a second or even third treatment.
Also, remember to use the purple shampoo very sparingly – it should only be applied for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Too much can darken highlights beyond the desired result and leave you with an undesired purple hue.
Related: How Long Does It Take To Lighten Hair With Honey
Natural home remedies to darken highlights on hair without using dye
1. Chamomile Tea – Steep chamomile tea and use it as a rinse on your hair to help darken your highlights.
2. Henna – Mix henna with a liquid like coffee or tea and apply it to your hair to help re-darken your highlighted hair.
3. Black Tea – Heat black tea and use it as a rinse on your hair to help darken your highlights.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar – Rinse your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, as this helps to clarify the hair and darken any highlights.
5. Cocoa Powder – Mix cocoa powder with some conditioner and apply it to your highlighted hair to find some darker color.
6. Blackberry Leaves – Boil blackberry leaves for 15 minutes and make a rinsed with it, as this also helps darken highlights.
Is there a way to remove highlights from hair or tone them down?
Yes, there is a way to remove highlights from hair or tone them down. One way is to use a hair dye remover, which targets the hair color molecules and strips them away.
This will lighten and remove the highlights, though one has to be careful not to choose a hair dye remover that is too strong as this can lead to damage.
Another way is to use a toning shampoo, which works by neutralizing unwanted undertones in the hair and helping to soften the brightly colored highlights, resulting in a more natural shade overall.
Regular use of a toning shampoo can help reduce the intensity of highlights without the need for any chemical treatments, making it a relatively safe and easy way to adjust the tone of highlighted hair.
Throughout this article, I have explored a variety of methods to help darken highlights without using dye.
Whether it be utilizing deep conditioning treatments to cover the color, styling with dark shampoos, or using product buildup, there are a plethora of techniques to help you reach your desired shade.
With a little practice and dedication, you can restore your hair’s tone without needing to use harsher dyes.
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