How to Grow Out Your Hair Color?

If you've ever colored your hair, you've likely faced the dilemma of wanting to return to your natural color. The good news is that with patience, strategy, and a little creativity, you can grow out your hair color gracefully, without the dreaded harsh regrowth line or awkward in-between phase. So, how to grow out your hair color while staying confident through the process?

Before diving into the how-tos, you should note that growing out hair color is essentially a journey from your color-treated shade back to your natural color. This can be more complex if you're transitioning from a drastically different shade than your natural one. For example, if you’ve been bleaching your hair blonde but your natural color is a deep brunette or if you have been coloring with a black shade and your natural color is a lighter brunette, the difference can be stark and may require some extra steps to blend the two shades.

How to Grow Out Colored Hair and Look Fabulous

The key to growing out color-treated hair is minimizing the contrast between the colored and natural hair as it grows. Here’s how to do it:

Start with a clear vision and plan

Before you begin, have a clear idea of your end goal. Are you aiming to grow out color-treated gray hair to embrace your natural silver strands? Or perhaps you're tired of frequent touch-ups and want to return to your natural brunette? Determine your objective and make decisions that align with your desired outcome.

Consult a stylist

A licensed hair colorist can provide valuable advice tailored to your specific hair type and color. They can assess the condition of your hair, suggest transitional colors to ease the contrast between your colored and natural hair, and recommend haircuts or styling that can make the growing-out process smoother.

Go for a gradual transition

Highlights and lowlights: One of the best ways to grow out colored hair gracefully is by adding some dimension to your color. Think about introducing highlights, lowlights, or a balayage effect. This technique can soften the line between your natural hair color and color-treated hair, making the transition less noticeable. It’s a great method if you're transitioning from a darker color to a lighter one, or vice versa.

Color removal: There are some color-removal treatments you can explore that will speed up the fading process of your current color. Prime for Perfection is a great way to gradually lighten and fade colored hair without using bleach.

Add layers and don’t forget about regular trims

Layering your hair can help you diffuse the contrast between your natural and colored hair. Layers add texture and dimension, making the regrowth less obvious. 

Also, remember that regular trims are essential when growing out colored hair. They help gradually remove the colored lengths, ensuring your hair stays healthy-looking and free of split ends. If you want to speed up the process, consider going for a shorter style to see the results more quickly. Alternatively, you can trim the ends every few months to gradually phase out the old color.

Use root concealers

If the contrast between your roots and colored hair becomes too stark, especially in the early stages, a root concealer can be your best friend. Available in sprays, powders, and sticks, these products temporarily mask the roots, allowing you to extend the time between salon visits for a day-of quick fix. They’re especially useful if you’re growing out colored gray hair or making the switch to embracing your natural gray.

Looking for a fast-fix, root touch-up?Try The Great Cover Up – our award-winning rain, sweat, and pillow-proof brush-on powder compact that instantly covers roots and grays, and defines brows!

Ready to move beyond root coverage and embrace your natural gray hair? Explore 5 Shades of Gray Hair Care.

Consider demi-permanent hair color

Using demi-permanent hair color can help seamlessly blend your natural roots with the remaining colored hair as it grows out. Unlike permanent color, demi-permanent color gradually fades over time, making it less noticeable as your natural color comes in. It blends grays as opposed to fully covering them like permanent color does, so it’s particularly useful if you want to soften the regrowth line between your roots and the colored hair. Just keep in mind that demi-permanent cannot lighten your hair. Want to learn more? Check our demi-permanent hair color guide.

Stay patient

The biggest challenge when growing out your natural hair coloris patience. Depending on the length of your hair, it could take a year, two, or even longer for your color-treated hair to fully grow out. Remember, time will pass anyway, so keep your eyes on the prize and resist the temptation to recolor your hair.

The Takeaway - Growing Out Hair Color Is a Journey

Whether you're moving from a vibrant color back to your natural shade, or you're ready to celebrate your gray hair, this transition is all about patience and consistency. With thoughtful planning, regular maintenance, and a positive attitude, you can grow out your hair color and rediscover the beauty of your natural locks. Remember, the process may take time, but the results – a more natural, authentic-looking version of yourself – are well worth the wait.