How to Go Back to Your Natural Hair Color Gracefully

According to Nick Stenson, Matrix artistic educator, the first and most important step is consulting with an expert. “To avoid going ‘cold turkey,’ it’s helpful to partner with your stylist and talk about ways to take subtle steps so that you don’t feel shocked with the change,” Stenson says. “Based on my experience, while some deal well with sudden or extreme color changes, some don’t, and the transition can be traumatic.”

Booking a thorough consultation sets the stage for success. And remember: this isn’t a one-way conversation. Here’s what to expect—and ask for—in that first appointment:

• A professional assessment of your hair and scalp health
• Sharing inspirational photos of your natural hue for reference
• Setting realistic goals and timelines for the transition
• Getting a clear estimate of costs upfront
• Receiving a personalized at-home care plan and product recommendations

So you have an idea of what to expect and don’t go into things completely blindsided, we did some research for you. Whether you’re a salon blonde transitioning back to brunette or growing out a fantasy hair color, Stenson breaks down his top tips and advice to consider before making the change. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways:

• Consult a professional colorist—they’ll assess your hair, discuss your goals, and craft a realistic plan that protects both your strands and your budget.
• Your path back to natural hair depends on your starting shade. Blondes going darker need lowlights for depth, while brunettes going lighter require strategic highlights. Each transition is unique.
• Patience and proper at-home care are non-negotiable for a successful transition. Using professional-quality, color-safe products is essential for keeping hair healthy and ensuring your new color lasts

For blonde transitioning to brunette

Good hair day by @hairyamybee

There’s no better time to go brunette. If you’re transitioning back to dark after a stint on the lighter side, Stenson recommends starting with a few subtle changes.

“The best way to start the process is to partner with your stylist and ask about adding lowlights to your hair or using a toner with more depth,” Stenson says. “This is also a great time to talk to your stylist about ways to soften the “line” and continue the grow-out a little more subtly.”

These steps can help you to find your comfortable level of darkness to transition back to without doing too much too soon—particularly if you’ve been blonde for a while. Stenson also emphasizes the importance of keeping your mane hydrated during the transition.

“Because you were blonde, your hair will be more likely to fade, especially if you’re not properly caring for it,” Stenson explains.

Add a weekly hair mask into your routine to nourish color-treated, dull, and damaged hair.

For brunettes going back to blonde

Good hair day by @omarekini8

If you’re considering going back to blonde, Stenson says it’s essential to be clear about your end goal.

“When your stylist understands your desired end result, they can make recommendations that help avoid unnecessary damage to your hair,” Stenson says.

Asking your colorist for a blonde balayage or highlights is a great way to ease back into blonde (without opting for a full head of bleach). These techniques will create a natural-looking color that will aid in a smoother grow-out process.

Since damage and overly brassy tones can happen when making these transitions, you’ll want to invest in a color-toning shampoo as well as a reparative hair mask. Read on for our top product picks.

For brunettes and blondes going back to red

Good hair day by @tabethacarns

“Brunettes who want to go back to red will require a slight strip out to lift the orange before they can apply the desired red tone,” says Stenson.” This is considered a major color correct job because you only need to lift the orange so it is not super damaging to the hair.

Now for blondes who want to go back to red, they will first need to fill the hair with a gold tone so that the desired red-tone warms evenly and adheres to the hair. “Previously bleached hair is very difficult,” says Stenson. “Initially there will be a lot of resistance, but with each subsequent layer of color, it will eventually adhere better to the hair.”

For redheads going back to blonde or brunette

Good hair day by @hair.by.jessv

Stenson stresses that it’s a very difficult process and can take several months for redheads who want to go back to blonde. “Initially you will be more of a strawberry blonde but gradually you can get back to pale blonde,” he explains.

As for redheads that want to go back to brunette, that’s usually a fairly easy process, especially if it’s darker. “They would just need to apply a demi permanent color,” he says.

For growing out a fantasy hair color

Good hair day by @coryhoffmanhair

Ah, fantasy hair—as much as we love shades of pastel and neon, they’re the opposite of subtle when it comes to transitioning back to virgin hair. That’s why when it comes to growing fantasy shades out gracefully, Stenson recommends asking your colorist for a rooted look like ombre or balayage to soften any harsh grow-out lines. Stenson also suggests keeping your mane healthy during the growth process with a leave-in treatment.

For growing out highlights or a balayage

Good hair day by @beeblondor

“Space out the highlights at the root area so that you get a softer demarcation line,” advises Stenson to those growing out highlights or balayage. “You can also add a base color and pull through the midsections for more depth.”

For growing out bleach blonde hair

Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta

Because hair is bleached out to its maximum, this process might be the most difficult and isn’t for the faint of heart. "Trying to highlight to blend it is very delicate because any overlap can cause breakage…lowlights can turn murky because of the limited underlying pigment,” Stenson says. “This transition requires patience and is also considered a major correction.” In other words, see a pro colorist and follow their lead on this one.

With Stenson’s tips in mind, you can make the most effortless transition back to your natural hair color. Remember, finding the right process to suit your color return is essential so always book a consultation first, and patience is key! These changes won't happen overnight, but with a pro colorist by your side you’ll find the recipe to getting natural hair color back (or at least close to) with the least amount of damage.

Our Top Picks for a Healthy Color Transition

Making the move back to your natural hair color isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s also a savvy, empowering choice for your wallet. Investing in a few high-quality, at-home care products can help you maintain gorgeous, healthy hair between salon visits, and is far more economical than shelling out for quarterly appointments. Here are our top product picks to support your healthiest, most beautiful transition yet.

• Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
How it works: This pre-shampoo rinse-off treatment has a concentrated bonding care complex that reinforces weakened bonds in your hair, resulting in 2x less breakage*. Formulated with Citric Acid, it helps fortify strands against the stressors of hair color and styling.
Why it's for you: If you are concerned about existing damage or future damage during your color transition, using this treatment could help your hair feel stronger and smoother. It is suitable for all hair types and colors.
How to Use: Apply to damp hair before shampooing, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and rinse. Follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

• Matrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask
How it works: This hair mask is designed to help repair damaged hair. With 20 beautifying benefits, it intensely nourishes and adds shine.
Why it's for you: If your transition to a darker color seems to be fading quickly, a weekly hair mask can help seal in moisture and maintain the vibrancy of your new tone.
How to Use: After shampooing, apply to wet hair. Wait 60 seconds and rinse thoroughly.

• Matrix Brass Off Shampoo
How it works: This shampoo deposits blue-violet pigments onto the hair with each wash. It is designed to neutralize the brassy, orange tones that can appear when dark hair is lightened or when blonde color starts to shift.
Why it's for you: If you are transitioning back to blonde or growing out highlights, this shampoo is essential for keeping your color cool and free of unwanted warmth between salon appointments.
How to Use: Wearing suitable gloves, apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse well. Leave on 3-5 minutes before rinsing for maximum deposit.

• Biolage All-In-One Multi-Benefit Spray
How it works: This multi-benefit spray is infused with coconut oil and is suitable for all hair types. It offers weightless nourishment, enhances shine, detangles, and provides heat protection, making it a versatile styling prep spray.
Why it's for you: As you grow out a fantasy color or any color, keeping your hair healthy is key. A leave-in treatment helps protect your strands from daily styling stress and breakage, supporting a smoother grow-out process.
How to Use: Spray on damp, towel dried hair as a leave-on for deep conditioning. Style as usual. For fine hair, rinse after 1-2 minutes for lightweight conditioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my natural hair color back in one appointment?
Sometimes, especially if you’re going darker. A skilled colorist can get you very close to your natural color in a single session with a “color correction.” But for lighter shades, restoring your natural color is usually a gradual process to protect the health of your hair.
How do I transition to my natural hair color without a harsh line?
Stylists blend regrowth using techniques like lowlights, root smudges, strategic highlights, or color melts to diffuse the contrast. In particular, a root smudge transforms regrowth into a high-fashion statement, creating an artfully blurred transition between your roots and the rest of your hair. Far from looking like you’ve missed an appointment, this technique gives your hair a deliberate, modern edge and delivers that coveted, seamless “lived-in” look as it grows out., creating an artfully blurred transition between your roots and the rest of your hair. Far from looking like you’ve missed an appointment, this technique gives your hair a deliberate, modern edge and delivers that coveted, seamless “lived-in” look as it grows out.
Will returning to my natural color damage my hair?
Any color process can impact your hair, but going back to your roots is typically gentler than repeated lightening. Professionals typically favor less aggressive techniques and recommend strengthening treatments at home to keep hair healthy. Using reparative treatments at home, like the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate system, is key to maintaining hair health during the transition.
How long does it take to get your virgin hair back?
Hair grows approximately half an inch per month. To grow out your colored hair completely depends on its length—it could take two years or more for long hair. However, the transition period to where your hair looks beautifully blended and natural can be achieved in just 2-3 salon visits spaced a few months apart.
Embracing your natural hair color can be its own journey—one that’s worth taking with patience, the right professional guidance, and a thoughtful at-home routine. By partnering with an expert colorist and prioritizing hair health every step of the way, you can enjoy a seamless transition back to your roots. Ready to make the change? Trust the process. You (and your hair) will thank you.

* with continued use

Ready to transition your hair back to its natural color? Hair.com has all the salon-quality products you need to get you there and maintain your color-treated strands.

*when used as a system of Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment, Shampoo, Conditioner vs. non-conditioning shampoo

Header Photo credit: @beeblondor and @themaneartistry