{"id":1771244,"date":"2026-02-09T14:47:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T11:47:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1771244"},"modified":"2026-02-09T14:47:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T11:47:10","slug":"how-to-embrace-your-natural-hair-color-without-going-cold-turkey-from-someone-whos-been-there","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1771244","title":{"rendered":"How to Embrace Your Natural Hair Color (Without Going Cold Turkey)\u2014From Someone Who&#8217;s Been There"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/-ZRYSiRDFbg1XnVHWhirqiO3ZRw=\/1500&#215;0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()\/bleached-hair-3-5d10d7d3a6174590a048349240e8c729.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><main id=\"main_1-0\" class=\"comp main layout-body--continuous-scroll mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--two-column-right-rail sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">How to Embrace Your Natural Hair Color (Without Going Cold Turkey)\u2014From Someone Who&#8217;s Been There<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">Give your hair a break.<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Laura is a contributing style writer at Byrdie. She has worked in the fashion industry for over ten years.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Laura Lajiness Kaupke<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/_o0hR6V_xgNkRRURqsBRHC0Nw3c=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/lauralajiness-b3833d640a3e48369d63ebe66392cd90.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/_o0hR6V_xgNkRRURqsBRHC0Nw3c=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/lauralajiness-b3833d640a3e48369d63ebe66392cd90.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nLaura Lajiness Kaupke\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--linkedin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nLaura is a contributing style writer at Byrdie. She has worked in the fashion industry for over ten years.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on February 09, 2026 09:47AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MNCeVrch1dA5d2P3Yh0ofXSCDQs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/natural-color-1-55496b068e6f486ab619d4dbb5c27811.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"2268\" alt=\"A person in casual attire is standing near a building entrance holding a handbag\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MNCeVrch1dA5d2P3Yh0ofXSCDQs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/natural-color-1-55496b068e6f486ab619d4dbb5c27811.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"2268\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A person in casual attire is standing near a building entrance holding a handbag\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Laura Lajiness<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Consult your colorist about the best gradual techniques to achieve a more natural hair color look.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid box dyes for transitioning to a natural hair color and instead opt for professional lowlights and toning. <\/li>\n<li>Maintaining hair health during color transitions involves using specialty shampoos and conditioners to preserve natural tones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If I summed up my coloring journey in a meme, it would be along the lines of this gem saying, &#8220;I love it,&#8221; to the hairdresser when I absolutely didn&#8217;t. Maybe not absolutely\u2014I&#8217;ve never quite <em>hated<\/em> my color (save for a tragic box dye situation in college), but a tinge of disappointment often subsists. With a thick head of hair and baby blonde goals worthy of a Finnish tot, I&#8217;ve hit the bleach bottle <em>pretty<\/em> hard over the years, whether with densely applied highlights or double-process sessions.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> But nearly every swivel in the salon chair has left me confounded as to why my hair isn&#8217;t the chilling arctic shade I&#8217;d wish it would be, though the blonde was plenty discernible. One reason? I&#8217;m fighting my natural hair color, as so many do. After 15+ years of coloring\u2014at certain times, to an extreme\u2014acquiesce, I might. I&#8217;ve always identified as a blonde, even if in a delusionally dramatic fashion \u00e0 la Amy Poehler&#8217;s character in <em>Baby Mama\u2014<\/em>&#8220;I was blonde when I was a kid!&#8221;\u2014but now that my once honey-colored hair has darkened to what I perceive to be an indefinable brownish hue (with rather warm undertones, I might add), I&#8217;m tired of the upkeep. Not to mention the damage that can come with being an unnatural blonde.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Months spent in quarantine certainly spurred my desire for a more natural hair color to an extent, but I&#8217;d already been kicking around the idea solely for better hair health. My color-treated stands? They are parched. My coarse and bouncy texture? It&#8217;s lost much volume. And breakage? Man-o-man, am I accustomed. Surprisingly, I <em>have<\/em> attempted a few natural grow-outs over the years, but to no avail. I think my attempts were feeble on account of going cold turkey, whereas now, I see the journey as one that first embraces a more natural-looking color treatment.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If this all sounds familiar and you&#8217;ve been mulling a lower-maintenance look, keep reading for tips I learned from my colorist, Lucille Javier of Mark Ryan Salon in New York City, and bicoastal colorist, stylist, and hair extension expert, Reece Walker. Each pro will explain common coloring concerns for all shades from blonde to brunette and black to red. Plus, they&#8217;re sharing tips for speaking about natural-looking hair color with your colorist, what a reasonable transition timeline looks like, and the importance of maintenance throughout the process.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A few encouraging words before we get into the nitty-gritty: &#8220;As a professional colorist, I am pro natural color; it&#8217;s great to give your hair a break,&#8221; Javier explains (also acknowledging how costly and time-consuming intense coloring can be). &#8220;The exciting thing about color is that there are so many more accessible options\u2014there are beautiful ways to transition to a more manageable color.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Let&#8217;s dive in, and explore them, shall we?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image theme-1 u-no-article-width-restriction figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">\u00a0Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Establish Your Natural Color Goals\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As with any hair coloring journey, it&#8217;s always best to have a clear idea of what you want. &#8220;You have to work out what kind of look you want to go for as a process,&#8221; Walker tells Byrdie. Some considerations: If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair, is your goal to lessen the amount of bleach applied to your strands to create a more natural, highlighted look? Or, do you want your natural color to be stretched down more into a balayage style? Walker also says to &#8220;look at photographs with similar natural hair colors to yours and decide what you feel comfortable with.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier stresses the importance of honestly with your colorist. &#8220;When asking a professional to help you segue into a more natural tone, I suggest being honest. I find that clients seem to be timid when asking to go natural.&#8221; Patience is also crucial, no matter your color. &#8220;It&#8217;s not always an easy process,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Box Dye, Begone!\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier&#8217;s number-one tip when aiming for more natural-looking hair color? Don&#8217;t use box dye and see a professional. &#8220;Going natural is not always easy when one has been their coloring hair for years,&#8221; she explains. &#8220;Don&#8217;t dump a boxed color on your head\u2014[they] typically carry a lot of pigment due to the &#8216;foolproof-ness&#8217; of sorts.&#8221; Even scarier? Javier says box dye can be irreversible in some cases. &#8220;When going natural, it typically means going darker,&#8221; she explains, noting that a semi-permanent color rather than the super-pigment color in a box dye is better for achieving a tone that matches your natural shade.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Blondes who have been regularly getting highlights or double processes should, in particular, should be wary of box color. &#8220;It&#8217;s a much easier process to tone,&#8221; she explains. I can attest to this as that college box dye mishap I mentioned resulted in a yellowy-orange mess that took several months to correct. For darker tones, Javier says a colorist can create a more natural look with semi-permanent color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" alt=\"blonde hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"blonde hair\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@reecewalkerhair<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Start Slow With Lowlights &amp; Toning\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker stresses the importance of going slow for any hair color from dark to light. &#8220;We start by adding your natural color back into your hair appointments,&#8221; he says, recommending lowlights in the tone of your natural hair color. &#8220;Doing this slowly is better as you don&#8217;t want to rush the process and freak out!&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker says those who have been light for a long time often experience regrowth that appears darker than it actually is when it has fully grown out. His advice: &#8220;I recommend starting off either toning it down to blend your regrowth [or] adding in lowlights to break up the blonde.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair for years but have naturally dark hair, Walker warns against dramatically darkening it on the first appointment. &#8220;I would go only two or three shades darker, to begin with. Porous hair can only absorb so much color in one appointment.&#8221; This goes across the board for brunettes, redheads, and blondes.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Frame That Face\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both Walker and Javier suggest face-framing highlights\u2014which create lightness around the face and hairline\u2014as another simple way to transition to a more natural-looking color. &#8220;I find it helps women not to lose brightness around their face to slowly pull them away from a blonde\/bleach obsession,&#8221; Walker explains. Javier says it&#8217;s an excellent step to &#8220;unify the ends and roots by trying to make sure the hair is moving in a natural direction.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During my first appointment on the road to natural color, Javier gave me a few face-framers and maintained my lightness on the bottom but altered the highlight pattern. &#8220;I reduced the amount of highlights and mimicked it to look sun-kissed,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">24 Highlight Ideas That Will Definitely Inspire You<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> It&#8217;s A Slow Burn, But Stick With It\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The transitional timeframe will vary based on your color goals, but a more natural color does take time to settle in. &#8220;I find that a lot of clients change their minds after sitting with their darker tone for a couple of months,&#8221; Javier says. The colorist recommends two to three visits before fully assessing the change. For more complicated cases, she says the timeline is longer, sometimes up to a year.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Maintenance Is Key <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The natural-looking color process will undoubtedly improve your hair&#8217;s health, but it&#8217;s crucial to prioritize maintenance as you would with more intense coloring. &#8220;I would advise taking care of your hair even more so while transitioning. I find people tend to slack off because they are going natural, but the color underneath dries out,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;Just because it looks darker and looks healthier doesn&#8217;t mean it is at the core.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The colorist recommends conditioners with pigments to fill the hair with a more natural tone while straying away from color and improving texture. &#8220;[A color shampoo or conditioner] adds luster to the hair and shine,&#8221; she explains. (Team Byrdie loves Leonor Greyl&#8217;s line of Color-Enhancing Conditioners.) Javier is also in favor of hair supplements and vitamins. &#8220;They are wonderful tools to use to strengthen.&#8221; A silk pillowcase will also reduce stress to your strands and without absorbing product while you sleep.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The 7 Best Silk Pillowcases That&#8217;ll Protect Your Hair and Skin, Tested and Approved<\/span><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Now, a few more tips based on hair color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_55-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Blondes <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As Javier mentioned, box color is a big no-no for a natural-looking mane. Instead, toning is usually the easiest step for transitioning. You can also ask for a gloss or lowlights, she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Brunettes\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_59-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Brunettes can easily transition to a more natural look with lowlights, according to Javier. &#8220;They act opposite to highlights, creating more depth and overall accentuating the natural root,&#8221; she explains. A gloss can also be helpful for brown hair in transition.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_61-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Black\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_62-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re starting with an unnaturally dark color on lighter hair, the journey to a more natural hue will definitely be a journey. &#8220;It all depends on the density of pigment on hair, texture, and condition of hair as well,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;If hair, in general, is compromised, it may take longer to achieve the desired look.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_64-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Red <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_65-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Tones will vary for natural redheads, especially for those that have unnaturally colored their hair. Javier says you can alter any shade with a correctional gloss. In some cases, she also suggests highlights or a color remover if the applied pigment is more extreme. Walker says the process of reverting to natural red (especially lighter shades) is slightly longer and could take a few appointments to achieve. &#8220;Patience and consultation are key,&#8221; he says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_67-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For natural redheads who have been dying their hair darker shades of brown or black, Walker says the journey usually starts by stripping the dark hair slowly and carefully to keep the hair&#8217;s integrity intact. A soft brown look with warmer highlights is often the next step, to introduce a lighter and brighter appearance and avoid a &#8220;ginger&#8221; or orangey outcome.\u00a0The next few appointments will typically require a root touch-up to tone down the natural red color, followed by stripping out light brown and playing with cooper tones to match the natural color more closely. Soft highlights help for variation, including strawberry blonde.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_69-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Shop my favorite products to help transition to your natural hair color: <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_70-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver<\/li>\n<li>Leonor Greyl Soin Repigmentant Icy Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Christophe Robin Shade Variation Hair Mask Baby Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Evo Platinum Blonde Colour Boosting Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color<\/li>\n<li>Virtue Color Revival Kit<\/li>\n<li>Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance\u2122 Conditioner<\/li>\n<li>Rahua Color Shampoo<\/li>\n<li>John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum<\/li>\n<li>Ceremonia Aceite de Moska<\/li>\n<li>Slept Satin Pillowcase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_72-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block upnext-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">13 Expert-Approved Tips to Fix Bleached, Damaged, and Over-Processed Hair <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair Color<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"recirc_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h2 id=\"recirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<ul id=\"card-list-1_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-1 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Sofia Richie Grainge with blonde blowout hairstyle in natural sunlight\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/mXYhVGCb_fKj1pGeog0SetYmJvg=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/imgi_47_369919491_251225220580349_7852033980971769051_n-798120b4883b4ef0846243efe1a715db.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/mXYhVGCb_fKj1pGeog0SetYmJvg=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/imgi_47_369919491_251225220580349_7852033980971769051_n-798120b4883b4ef0846243efe1a715db.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Sofia Richie Grainge with blonde blowout hairstyle in natural sunlight\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">44 Blonde Hair Colors That Beautifully Complement Cool Undertones<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_2-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person posing with styled hair and wearing a patterned top\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/A_MkK2uS6Fo3BNvnTTAZotvrTlA=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/loriharvey-41cd88f882a446e3a6455f8ac5ae5736.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/A_MkK2uS6Fo3BNvnTTAZotvrTlA=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/loriharvey-41cd88f882a446e3a6455f8ac5ae5736.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person posing with styled hair and wearing a patterned top\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">9 Types of Highlights to Inspire a Spring Hair Refresh<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_3-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Andie MacDowell showing off her gray hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MeDq9UhakRQ9R_DqXb5OKN51SCM=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/andielede-d9790e60b1f74a98873da521d4001e84.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MeDq9UhakRQ9R_DqXb5OKN51SCM=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/andielede-d9790e60b1f74a98873da521d4001e84.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Andie MacDowell showing off her gray hair.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Thinking of Going Gray? These 22 Silver-Haired Stars Will Convince You<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_4-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person with a thoughtful expression hair tied back posing indoors\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/di2mRZAMDC2ILQjluaJ3B1yht8k=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/addison-rae-2-ed766a6522194b618da4dedf4ebf3d25.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/di2mRZAMDC2ILQjluaJ3B1yht8k=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/addison-rae-2-ed766a6522194b618da4dedf4ebf3d25.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person with a thoughtful expression hair tied back posing indoors\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Lowlights or Highlights? Hairstylists Explain the Key Differences<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_5-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person's hair before and after using the Hally Fluffy G Totally Clean Foaming Hair Gloss\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/nXX_VYmjv_BFNJiQwbl_7qMp_z0=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/byr-best-hair-glosses-tout-recirc-ee08d1839d264daab62d7538c4f88449.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/nXX_VYmjv_BFNJiQwbl_7qMp_z0=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/byr-best-hair-glosses-tout-recirc-ee08d1839d264daab62d7538c4f88449.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person's hair before and after using the Hally Fluffy G Totally Clean Foaming Hair Gloss\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">10 Best Hair Glosses for Shiny, Healthier-Looking Hair, After 8 Weeks of Testing<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_6-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Lila Moss applying lipstick\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/hhz_gJdZBupiRVHh3AOaZKRZGC4=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/fawnblonde-481ea5d8eadb4453ba74f84fa29ffb90.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" 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src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/Mk-aVlLXH6MAueiUQPZgG62bHYA=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/irislede-84e592c741d2437e8b337fdacd4fcfbc.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/Mk-aVlLXH6MAueiUQPZgG62bHYA=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/irislede-84e592c741d2437e8b337fdacd4fcfbc.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Iris Apatow with her suede brunette hair.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The &#8220;Suede Brunette&#8221; Trend Is the Vintage Jacket of Hair Color<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_8-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Simone Ashley with espresso brunette curls\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/lFGg-YIsggd0XPHHf9L2cm65HUM=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/espressobrunette-3abaa053684146dfa25d2a91b9330acf.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/lFGg-YIsggd0XPHHf9L2cm65HUM=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/espressobrunette-3abaa053684146dfa25d2a91b9330acf.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Simone Ashley with espresso brunette curls\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">&#8220;Espresso Brunette&#8221; Will Wake Up Your Winter Look\u201421 Ways to Try the Shade<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul id=\"card-list-2_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-2 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_9-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Back view of two individuals with different hair textures wearing strappy and zipped tops\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/cKP2BcxSnud7aTbZpVofCFHD0s0=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/purple-shampoo-1-2960c733004b4a1ea296836f27aee8e9.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/cKP2BcxSnud7aTbZpVofCFHD0s0=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/purple-shampoo-1-2960c733004b4a1ea296836f27aee8e9.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Back view of two individuals with different hair textures wearing strappy and zipped tops\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Purple vs. Blue Shampoo: What&#8217;s the Difference (And Which One You Need)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_10-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Olandria Carthen with her auburn hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/NB8efktsDRIWaew-xKcLTJBfhdk=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/olandrialede-c3486f4db20645b8b83a7d6b93d35473.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/NB8efktsDRIWaew-xKcLTJBfhdk=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/olandrialede-c3486f4db20645b8b83a7d6b93d35473.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Olandria Carthen with her auburn hair.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Olandria Carthen Went Bama Barbie Blonde For Winter<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_11-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person with styled hair and makeup facing forward against a plain background\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/cKwLnRq_wBQeK0SX1IwLypPq_xI=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/2026haircolor6-524db488756345eda337841452b70322.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/cKwLnRq_wBQeK0SX1IwLypPq_xI=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/2026haircolor6-524db488756345eda337841452b70322.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person with styled hair and makeup facing forward against a plain background\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">2026&#8217;s Biggest Hair Color Trends Include &#8220;Ethereal Blonde&#8221; and &#8220;Candlelit Brunette&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_12-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/q_a_q1xdryt9ASNdH2-beG_x8-M=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/q_a_q1xdryt9ASNdH2-beG_x8-M=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Tints, Trends, and Transformation: The History of Hair Color Through the Ages<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_13-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Three Professional Hair Color Brands Featuring Wella Illumina Color, Matrix SoColor, L'Oreal Majirel On a Grey Gradient Background\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/irqiWEChMYzfwxtu7Fok6oPELfs=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/byr-professional-hair-color-brands-tout-a54b816d8bd14a419727ca5616aa468e.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/irqiWEChMYzfwxtu7Fok6oPELfs=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/byr-professional-hair-color-brands-tout-a54b816d8bd14a419727ca5616aa468e.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Three Professional Hair Color Brands Featuring Wella Illumina Color, Matrix SoColor, L'Oreal Majirel On a Grey Gradient Background\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 9 Best Professional Hair Color Brands, According to Hair Experts<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_14-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Ravyn Lenae sitting with one hand on her face looking contemplative\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/HBBJfRkt-nTpkGM48KJrGSwBAEQ=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/softauburn-987d2483591646a791fb54f2286e1935.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/HBBJfRkt-nTpkGM48KJrGSwBAEQ=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/softauburn-987d2483591646a791fb54f2286e1935.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Ravyn Lenae sitting with one hand on her face looking contemplative\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">14 Soft Auburn Hair Ideas That Will Make You Run To Your Colorist<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_15-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Addison Rae with her bronde hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/xf63KbyITFB3RnrsKnJ2C0QXYaQ=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/brondelede-7ebd83b6689e4b11ae40c54ff3afec8f.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/xf63KbyITFB3RnrsKnJ2C0QXYaQ=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/brondelede-7ebd83b6689e4b11ae40c54ff3afec8f.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Addison Rae with her bronde hair.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">19 Bronde Hair Ideas That Bring All the Dimension<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_16-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person using a dyson airwrap on their hair\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/7_MrLspJdMuQJLVuNAqPWFh5Jy8=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/byr-best-hair-dryer-brushes-recirc-532e31cb92b04c9a8b0e692866c351c0.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/7_MrLspJdMuQJLVuNAqPWFh5Jy8=\/300x240\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/byr-best-hair-dryer-brushes-recirc-532e31cb92b04c9a8b0e692866c351c0.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person using a dyson airwrap on their hair\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 8 Best Hair Dryer Brushes for a Salon-Quality Blowout at Home\u2014Tested for 1,000+ Hours<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--two-column-right-rail sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">How to Embrace Your Natural Hair Color (Without Going Cold Turkey)\u2014From Someone Who&#8217;s Been There<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">Give your hair a break.<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Laura is a contributing style writer at Byrdie. She has worked in the fashion industry for over ten years.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Laura Lajiness Kaupke<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/_o0hR6V_xgNkRRURqsBRHC0Nw3c=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/lauralajiness-b3833d640a3e48369d63ebe66392cd90.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/_o0hR6V_xgNkRRURqsBRHC0Nw3c=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/lauralajiness-b3833d640a3e48369d63ebe66392cd90.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nLaura Lajiness Kaupke\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--linkedin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nLaura is a contributing style writer at Byrdie. She has worked in the fashion industry for over ten years.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on February 09, 2026 09:47AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MNCeVrch1dA5d2P3Yh0ofXSCDQs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/natural-color-1-55496b068e6f486ab619d4dbb5c27811.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"2268\" alt=\"A person in casual attire is standing near a building entrance holding a handbag\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MNCeVrch1dA5d2P3Yh0ofXSCDQs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/natural-color-1-55496b068e6f486ab619d4dbb5c27811.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"2268\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A person in casual attire is standing near a building entrance holding a handbag\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Laura Lajiness<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Consult your colorist about the best gradual techniques to achieve a more natural hair color look.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid box dyes for transitioning to a natural hair color and instead opt for professional lowlights and toning. <\/li>\n<li>Maintaining hair health during color transitions involves using specialty shampoos and conditioners to preserve natural tones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If I summed up my coloring journey in a meme, it would be along the lines of this gem saying, &#8220;I love it,&#8221; to the hairdresser when I absolutely didn&#8217;t. Maybe not absolutely\u2014I&#8217;ve never quite <em>hated<\/em> my color (save for a tragic box dye situation in college), but a tinge of disappointment often subsists. With a thick head of hair and baby blonde goals worthy of a Finnish tot, I&#8217;ve hit the bleach bottle <em>pretty<\/em> hard over the years, whether with densely applied highlights or double-process sessions.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> But nearly every swivel in the salon chair has left me confounded as to why my hair isn&#8217;t the chilling arctic shade I&#8217;d wish it would be, though the blonde was plenty discernible. One reason? I&#8217;m fighting my natural hair color, as so many do. After 15+ years of coloring\u2014at certain times, to an extreme\u2014acquiesce, I might. I&#8217;ve always identified as a blonde, even if in a delusionally dramatic fashion \u00e0 la Amy Poehler&#8217;s character in <em>Baby Mama\u2014<\/em>&#8220;I was blonde when I was a kid!&#8221;\u2014but now that my once honey-colored hair has darkened to what I perceive to be an indefinable brownish hue (with rather warm undertones, I might add), I&#8217;m tired of the upkeep. Not to mention the damage that can come with being an unnatural blonde.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Months spent in quarantine certainly spurred my desire for a more natural hair color to an extent, but I&#8217;d already been kicking around the idea solely for better hair health. My color-treated stands? They are parched. My coarse and bouncy texture? It&#8217;s lost much volume. And breakage? Man-o-man, am I accustomed. Surprisingly, I <em>have<\/em> attempted a few natural grow-outs over the years, but to no avail. I think my attempts were feeble on account of going cold turkey, whereas now, I see the journey as one that first embraces a more natural-looking color treatment.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If this all sounds familiar and you&#8217;ve been mulling a lower-maintenance look, keep reading for tips I learned from my colorist, Lucille Javier of Mark Ryan Salon in New York City, and bicoastal colorist, stylist, and hair extension expert, Reece Walker. Each pro will explain common coloring concerns for all shades from blonde to brunette and black to red. Plus, they&#8217;re sharing tips for speaking about natural-looking hair color with your colorist, what a reasonable transition timeline looks like, and the importance of maintenance throughout the process.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A few encouraging words before we get into the nitty-gritty: &#8220;As a professional colorist, I am pro natural color; it&#8217;s great to give your hair a break,&#8221; Javier explains (also acknowledging how costly and time-consuming intense coloring can be). &#8220;The exciting thing about color is that there are so many more accessible options\u2014there are beautiful ways to transition to a more manageable color.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Let&#8217;s dive in, and explore them, shall we?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image theme-1 u-no-article-width-restriction figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">\u00a0Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Establish Your Natural Color Goals\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As with any hair coloring journey, it&#8217;s always best to have a clear idea of what you want. &#8220;You have to work out what kind of look you want to go for as a process,&#8221; Walker tells Byrdie. Some considerations: If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair, is your goal to lessen the amount of bleach applied to your strands to create a more natural, highlighted look? Or, do you want your natural color to be stretched down more into a balayage style? Walker also says to &#8220;look at photographs with similar natural hair colors to yours and decide what you feel comfortable with.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier stresses the importance of honestly with your colorist. &#8220;When asking a professional to help you segue into a more natural tone, I suggest being honest. I find that clients seem to be timid when asking to go natural.&#8221; Patience is also crucial, no matter your color. &#8220;It&#8217;s not always an easy process,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Box Dye, Begone!\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier&#8217;s number-one tip when aiming for more natural-looking hair color? Don&#8217;t use box dye and see a professional. &#8220;Going natural is not always easy when one has been their coloring hair for years,&#8221; she explains. &#8220;Don&#8217;t dump a boxed color on your head\u2014[they] typically carry a lot of pigment due to the &#8216;foolproof-ness&#8217; of sorts.&#8221; Even scarier? Javier says box dye can be irreversible in some cases. &#8220;When going natural, it typically means going darker,&#8221; she explains, noting that a semi-permanent color rather than the super-pigment color in a box dye is better for achieving a tone that matches your natural shade.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Blondes who have been regularly getting highlights or double processes should, in particular, should be wary of box color. &#8220;It&#8217;s a much easier process to tone,&#8221; she explains. I can attest to this as that college box dye mishap I mentioned resulted in a yellowy-orange mess that took several months to correct. For darker tones, Javier says a colorist can create a more natural look with semi-permanent color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" alt=\"blonde hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"blonde hair\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@reecewalkerhair<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Start Slow With Lowlights &amp; Toning\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker stresses the importance of going slow for any hair color from dark to light. &#8220;We start by adding your natural color back into your hair appointments,&#8221; he says, recommending lowlights in the tone of your natural hair color. &#8220;Doing this slowly is better as you don&#8217;t want to rush the process and freak out!&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker says those who have been light for a long time often experience regrowth that appears darker than it actually is when it has fully grown out. His advice: &#8220;I recommend starting off either toning it down to blend your regrowth [or] adding in lowlights to break up the blonde.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair for years but have naturally dark hair, Walker warns against dramatically darkening it on the first appointment. &#8220;I would go only two or three shades darker, to begin with. Porous hair can only absorb so much color in one appointment.&#8221; This goes across the board for brunettes, redheads, and blondes.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Frame That Face\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both Walker and Javier suggest face-framing highlights\u2014which create lightness around the face and hairline\u2014as another simple way to transition to a more natural-looking color. &#8220;I find it helps women not to lose brightness around their face to slowly pull them away from a blonde\/bleach obsession,&#8221; Walker explains. Javier says it&#8217;s an excellent step to &#8220;unify the ends and roots by trying to make sure the hair is moving in a natural direction.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During my first appointment on the road to natural color, Javier gave me a few face-framers and maintained my lightness on the bottom but altered the highlight pattern. &#8220;I reduced the amount of highlights and mimicked it to look sun-kissed,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">24 Highlight Ideas That Will Definitely Inspire You<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> It&#8217;s A Slow Burn, But Stick With It\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The transitional timeframe will vary based on your color goals, but a more natural color does take time to settle in. &#8220;I find that a lot of clients change their minds after sitting with their darker tone for a couple of months,&#8221; Javier says. The colorist recommends two to three visits before fully assessing the change. For more complicated cases, she says the timeline is longer, sometimes up to a year.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Maintenance Is Key <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The natural-looking color process will undoubtedly improve your hair&#8217;s health, but it&#8217;s crucial to prioritize maintenance as you would with more intense coloring. &#8220;I would advise taking care of your hair even more so while transitioning. I find people tend to slack off because they are going natural, but the color underneath dries out,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;Just because it looks darker and looks healthier doesn&#8217;t mean it is at the core.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The colorist recommends conditioners with pigments to fill the hair with a more natural tone while straying away from color and improving texture. &#8220;[A color shampoo or conditioner] adds luster to the hair and shine,&#8221; she explains. (Team Byrdie loves Leonor Greyl&#8217;s line of Color-Enhancing Conditioners.) Javier is also in favor of hair supplements and vitamins. &#8220;They are wonderful tools to use to strengthen.&#8221; A silk pillowcase will also reduce stress to your strands and without absorbing product while you sleep.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The 7 Best Silk Pillowcases That&#8217;ll Protect Your Hair and Skin, Tested and Approved<\/span><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Now, a few more tips based on hair color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_55-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Blondes <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As Javier mentioned, box color is a big no-no for a natural-looking mane. Instead, toning is usually the easiest step for transitioning. You can also ask for a gloss or lowlights, she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Brunettes\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_59-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Brunettes can easily transition to a more natural look with lowlights, according to Javier. &#8220;They act opposite to highlights, creating more depth and overall accentuating the natural root,&#8221; she explains. A gloss can also be helpful for brown hair in transition.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_61-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Black\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_62-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re starting with an unnaturally dark color on lighter hair, the journey to a more natural hue will definitely be a journey. &#8220;It all depends on the density of pigment on hair, texture, and condition of hair as well,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;If hair, in general, is compromised, it may take longer to achieve the desired look.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_64-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Red <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_65-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Tones will vary for natural redheads, especially for those that have unnaturally colored their hair. Javier says you can alter any shade with a correctional gloss. In some cases, she also suggests highlights or a color remover if the applied pigment is more extreme. Walker says the process of reverting to natural red (especially lighter shades) is slightly longer and could take a few appointments to achieve. &#8220;Patience and consultation are key,&#8221; he says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_67-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For natural redheads who have been dying their hair darker shades of brown or black, Walker says the journey usually starts by stripping the dark hair slowly and carefully to keep the hair&#8217;s integrity intact. A soft brown look with warmer highlights is often the next step, to introduce a lighter and brighter appearance and avoid a &#8220;ginger&#8221; or orangey outcome.\u00a0The next few appointments will typically require a root touch-up to tone down the natural red color, followed by stripping out light brown and playing with cooper tones to match the natural color more closely. Soft highlights help for variation, including strawberry blonde.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_69-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Shop my favorite products to help transition to your natural hair color: <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_70-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver<\/li>\n<li>Leonor Greyl Soin Repigmentant Icy Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Christophe Robin Shade Variation Hair Mask Baby Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Evo Platinum Blonde Colour Boosting Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color<\/li>\n<li>Virtue Color Revival Kit<\/li>\n<li>Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance\u2122 Conditioner<\/li>\n<li>Rahua Color Shampoo<\/li>\n<li>John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum<\/li>\n<li>Ceremonia Aceite de Moska<\/li>\n<li>Slept Satin Pillowcase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_72-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block upnext-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">13 Expert-Approved Tips to Fix Bleached, Damaged, and Over-Processed Hair <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair Color<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MNCeVrch1dA5d2P3Yh0ofXSCDQs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/natural-color-1-55496b068e6f486ab619d4dbb5c27811.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"2268\" alt=\"A person in casual attire is standing near a building entrance holding a handbag\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/MNCeVrch1dA5d2P3Yh0ofXSCDQs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/natural-color-1-55496b068e6f486ab619d4dbb5c27811.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"2268\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A person in casual attire is standing near a building entrance holding a handbag\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Laura Lajiness<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Consult your colorist about the best gradual techniques to achieve a more natural hair color look.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid box dyes for transitioning to a natural hair color and instead opt for professional lowlights and toning. <\/li>\n<li>Maintaining hair health during color transitions involves using specialty shampoos and conditioners to preserve natural tones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If I summed up my coloring journey in a meme, it would be along the lines of this gem saying, &#8220;I love it,&#8221; to the hairdresser when I absolutely didn&#8217;t. Maybe not absolutely\u2014I&#8217;ve never quite <em>hated<\/em> my color (save for a tragic box dye situation in college), but a tinge of disappointment often subsists. With a thick head of hair and baby blonde goals worthy of a Finnish tot, I&#8217;ve hit the bleach bottle <em>pretty<\/em> hard over the years, whether with densely applied highlights or double-process sessions.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> But nearly every swivel in the salon chair has left me confounded as to why my hair isn&#8217;t the chilling arctic shade I&#8217;d wish it would be, though the blonde was plenty discernible. One reason? I&#8217;m fighting my natural hair color, as so many do. After 15+ years of coloring\u2014at certain times, to an extreme\u2014acquiesce, I might. I&#8217;ve always identified as a blonde, even if in a delusionally dramatic fashion \u00e0 la Amy Poehler&#8217;s character in <em>Baby Mama\u2014<\/em>&#8220;I was blonde when I was a kid!&#8221;\u2014but now that my once honey-colored hair has darkened to what I perceive to be an indefinable brownish hue (with rather warm undertones, I might add), I&#8217;m tired of the upkeep. Not to mention the damage that can come with being an unnatural blonde.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Months spent in quarantine certainly spurred my desire for a more natural hair color to an extent, but I&#8217;d already been kicking around the idea solely for better hair health. My color-treated stands? They are parched. My coarse and bouncy texture? It&#8217;s lost much volume. And breakage? Man-o-man, am I accustomed. Surprisingly, I <em>have<\/em> attempted a few natural grow-outs over the years, but to no avail. I think my attempts were feeble on account of going cold turkey, whereas now, I see the journey as one that first embraces a more natural-looking color treatment.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If this all sounds familiar and you&#8217;ve been mulling a lower-maintenance look, keep reading for tips I learned from my colorist, Lucille Javier of Mark Ryan Salon in New York City, and bicoastal colorist, stylist, and hair extension expert, Reece Walker. Each pro will explain common coloring concerns for all shades from blonde to brunette and black to red. Plus, they&#8217;re sharing tips for speaking about natural-looking hair color with your colorist, what a reasonable transition timeline looks like, and the importance of maintenance throughout the process.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A few encouraging words before we get into the nitty-gritty: &#8220;As a professional colorist, I am pro natural color; it&#8217;s great to give your hair a break,&#8221; Javier explains (also acknowledging how costly and time-consuming intense coloring can be). &#8220;The exciting thing about color is that there are so many more accessible options\u2014there are beautiful ways to transition to a more manageable color.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Let&#8217;s dive in, and explore them, shall we?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image theme-1 u-no-article-width-restriction figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">\u00a0Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Establish Your Natural Color Goals\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As with any hair coloring journey, it&#8217;s always best to have a clear idea of what you want. &#8220;You have to work out what kind of look you want to go for as a process,&#8221; Walker tells Byrdie. Some considerations: If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair, is your goal to lessen the amount of bleach applied to your strands to create a more natural, highlighted look? Or, do you want your natural color to be stretched down more into a balayage style? Walker also says to &#8220;look at photographs with similar natural hair colors to yours and decide what you feel comfortable with.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier stresses the importance of honestly with your colorist. &#8220;When asking a professional to help you segue into a more natural tone, I suggest being honest. I find that clients seem to be timid when asking to go natural.&#8221; Patience is also crucial, no matter your color. &#8220;It&#8217;s not always an easy process,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Box Dye, Begone!\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier&#8217;s number-one tip when aiming for more natural-looking hair color? Don&#8217;t use box dye and see a professional. &#8220;Going natural is not always easy when one has been their coloring hair for years,&#8221; she explains. &#8220;Don&#8217;t dump a boxed color on your head\u2014[they] typically carry a lot of pigment due to the &#8216;foolproof-ness&#8217; of sorts.&#8221; Even scarier? Javier says box dye can be irreversible in some cases. &#8220;When going natural, it typically means going darker,&#8221; she explains, noting that a semi-permanent color rather than the super-pigment color in a box dye is better for achieving a tone that matches your natural shade.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Blondes who have been regularly getting highlights or double processes should, in particular, should be wary of box color. &#8220;It&#8217;s a much easier process to tone,&#8221; she explains. I can attest to this as that college box dye mishap I mentioned resulted in a yellowy-orange mess that took several months to correct. For darker tones, Javier says a colorist can create a more natural look with semi-permanent color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" alt=\"blonde hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"blonde hair\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@reecewalkerhair<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Start Slow With Lowlights &amp; Toning\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker stresses the importance of going slow for any hair color from dark to light. &#8220;We start by adding your natural color back into your hair appointments,&#8221; he says, recommending lowlights in the tone of your natural hair color. &#8220;Doing this slowly is better as you don&#8217;t want to rush the process and freak out!&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker says those who have been light for a long time often experience regrowth that appears darker than it actually is when it has fully grown out. His advice: &#8220;I recommend starting off either toning it down to blend your regrowth [or] adding in lowlights to break up the blonde.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair for years but have naturally dark hair, Walker warns against dramatically darkening it on the first appointment. &#8220;I would go only two or three shades darker, to begin with. Porous hair can only absorb so much color in one appointment.&#8221; This goes across the board for brunettes, redheads, and blondes.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Frame That Face\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both Walker and Javier suggest face-framing highlights\u2014which create lightness around the face and hairline\u2014as another simple way to transition to a more natural-looking color. &#8220;I find it helps women not to lose brightness around their face to slowly pull them away from a blonde\/bleach obsession,&#8221; Walker explains. Javier says it&#8217;s an excellent step to &#8220;unify the ends and roots by trying to make sure the hair is moving in a natural direction.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During my first appointment on the road to natural color, Javier gave me a few face-framers and maintained my lightness on the bottom but altered the highlight pattern. &#8220;I reduced the amount of highlights and mimicked it to look sun-kissed,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">24 Highlight Ideas That Will Definitely Inspire You<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> It&#8217;s A Slow Burn, But Stick With It\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The transitional timeframe will vary based on your color goals, but a more natural color does take time to settle in. &#8220;I find that a lot of clients change their minds after sitting with their darker tone for a couple of months,&#8221; Javier says. The colorist recommends two to three visits before fully assessing the change. For more complicated cases, she says the timeline is longer, sometimes up to a year.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Maintenance Is Key <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The natural-looking color process will undoubtedly improve your hair&#8217;s health, but it&#8217;s crucial to prioritize maintenance as you would with more intense coloring. &#8220;I would advise taking care of your hair even more so while transitioning. I find people tend to slack off because they are going natural, but the color underneath dries out,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;Just because it looks darker and looks healthier doesn&#8217;t mean it is at the core.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The colorist recommends conditioners with pigments to fill the hair with a more natural tone while straying away from color and improving texture. &#8220;[A color shampoo or conditioner] adds luster to the hair and shine,&#8221; she explains. (Team Byrdie loves Leonor Greyl&#8217;s line of Color-Enhancing Conditioners.) Javier is also in favor of hair supplements and vitamins. &#8220;They are wonderful tools to use to strengthen.&#8221; A silk pillowcase will also reduce stress to your strands and without absorbing product while you sleep.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The 7 Best Silk Pillowcases That&#8217;ll Protect Your Hair and Skin, Tested and Approved<\/span><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Now, a few more tips based on hair color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_55-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Blondes <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As Javier mentioned, box color is a big no-no for a natural-looking mane. Instead, toning is usually the easiest step for transitioning. You can also ask for a gloss or lowlights, she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Brunettes\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_59-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Brunettes can easily transition to a more natural look with lowlights, according to Javier. &#8220;They act opposite to highlights, creating more depth and overall accentuating the natural root,&#8221; she explains. A gloss can also be helpful for brown hair in transition.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_61-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Black\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_62-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re starting with an unnaturally dark color on lighter hair, the journey to a more natural hue will definitely be a journey. &#8220;It all depends on the density of pigment on hair, texture, and condition of hair as well,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;If hair, in general, is compromised, it may take longer to achieve the desired look.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_64-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Red <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_65-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Tones will vary for natural redheads, especially for those that have unnaturally colored their hair. Javier says you can alter any shade with a correctional gloss. In some cases, she also suggests highlights or a color remover if the applied pigment is more extreme. Walker says the process of reverting to natural red (especially lighter shades) is slightly longer and could take a few appointments to achieve. &#8220;Patience and consultation are key,&#8221; he says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_67-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For natural redheads who have been dying their hair darker shades of brown or black, Walker says the journey usually starts by stripping the dark hair slowly and carefully to keep the hair&#8217;s integrity intact. A soft brown look with warmer highlights is often the next step, to introduce a lighter and brighter appearance and avoid a &#8220;ginger&#8221; or orangey outcome.\u00a0The next few appointments will typically require a root touch-up to tone down the natural red color, followed by stripping out light brown and playing with cooper tones to match the natural color more closely. Soft highlights help for variation, including strawberry blonde.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_69-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Shop my favorite products to help transition to your natural hair color: <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_70-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver<\/li>\n<li>Leonor Greyl Soin Repigmentant Icy Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Christophe Robin Shade Variation Hair Mask Baby Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Evo Platinum Blonde Colour Boosting Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color<\/li>\n<li>Virtue Color Revival Kit<\/li>\n<li>Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance\u2122 Conditioner<\/li>\n<li>Rahua Color Shampoo<\/li>\n<li>John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum<\/li>\n<li>Ceremonia Aceite de Moska<\/li>\n<li>Slept Satin Pillowcase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_72-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block upnext-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">13 Expert-Approved Tips to Fix Bleached, Damaged, and Over-Processed Hair <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Consult your colorist about the best gradual techniques to achieve a more natural hair color look.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid box dyes for transitioning to a natural hair color and instead opt for professional lowlights and toning. <\/li>\n<li>Maintaining hair health during color transitions involves using specialty shampoos and conditioners to preserve natural tones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If I summed up my coloring journey in a meme, it would be along the lines of this gem saying, &#8220;I love it,&#8221; to the hairdresser when I absolutely didn&#8217;t. Maybe not absolutely\u2014I&#8217;ve never quite <em>hated<\/em> my color (save for a tragic box dye situation in college), but a tinge of disappointment often subsists. With a thick head of hair and baby blonde goals worthy of a Finnish tot, I&#8217;ve hit the bleach bottle <em>pretty<\/em> hard over the years, whether with densely applied highlights or double-process sessions.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> But nearly every swivel in the salon chair has left me confounded as to why my hair isn&#8217;t the chilling arctic shade I&#8217;d wish it would be, though the blonde was plenty discernible. One reason? I&#8217;m fighting my natural hair color, as so many do. After 15+ years of coloring\u2014at certain times, to an extreme\u2014acquiesce, I might. I&#8217;ve always identified as a blonde, even if in a delusionally dramatic fashion \u00e0 la Amy Poehler&#8217;s character in <em>Baby Mama\u2014<\/em>&#8220;I was blonde when I was a kid!&#8221;\u2014but now that my once honey-colored hair has darkened to what I perceive to be an indefinable brownish hue (with rather warm undertones, I might add), I&#8217;m tired of the upkeep. Not to mention the damage that can come with being an unnatural blonde.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Months spent in quarantine certainly spurred my desire for a more natural hair color to an extent, but I&#8217;d already been kicking around the idea solely for better hair health. My color-treated stands? They are parched. My coarse and bouncy texture? It&#8217;s lost much volume. And breakage? Man-o-man, am I accustomed. Surprisingly, I <em>have<\/em> attempted a few natural grow-outs over the years, but to no avail. I think my attempts were feeble on account of going cold turkey, whereas now, I see the journey as one that first embraces a more natural-looking color treatment.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If this all sounds familiar and you&#8217;ve been mulling a lower-maintenance look, keep reading for tips I learned from my colorist, Lucille Javier of Mark Ryan Salon in New York City, and bicoastal colorist, stylist, and hair extension expert, Reece Walker. Each pro will explain common coloring concerns for all shades from blonde to brunette and black to red. Plus, they&#8217;re sharing tips for speaking about natural-looking hair color with your colorist, what a reasonable transition timeline looks like, and the importance of maintenance throughout the process.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A few encouraging words before we get into the nitty-gritty: &#8220;As a professional colorist, I am pro natural color; it&#8217;s great to give your hair a break,&#8221; Javier explains (also acknowledging how costly and time-consuming intense coloring can be). &#8220;The exciting thing about color is that there are so many more accessible options\u2014there are beautiful ways to transition to a more manageable color.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Let&#8217;s dive in, and explore them, shall we?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image theme-1 u-no-article-width-restriction figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/neo7QueLcddHOWX4jlXrdWAKUlo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/IMG_9087-c8416981623c49708a4076c2a4a508cb.jpg\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">\u00a0Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Establish Your Natural Color Goals\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As with any hair coloring journey, it&#8217;s always best to have a clear idea of what you want. &#8220;You have to work out what kind of look you want to go for as a process,&#8221; Walker tells Byrdie. Some considerations: If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair, is your goal to lessen the amount of bleach applied to your strands to create a more natural, highlighted look? Or, do you want your natural color to be stretched down more into a balayage style? Walker also says to &#8220;look at photographs with similar natural hair colors to yours and decide what you feel comfortable with.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier stresses the importance of honestly with your colorist. &#8220;When asking a professional to help you segue into a more natural tone, I suggest being honest. I find that clients seem to be timid when asking to go natural.&#8221; Patience is also crucial, no matter your color. &#8220;It&#8217;s not always an easy process,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Box Dye, Begone!\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Javier&#8217;s number-one tip when aiming for more natural-looking hair color? Don&#8217;t use box dye and see a professional. &#8220;Going natural is not always easy when one has been their coloring hair for years,&#8221; she explains. &#8220;Don&#8217;t dump a boxed color on your head\u2014[they] typically carry a lot of pigment due to the &#8216;foolproof-ness&#8217; of sorts.&#8221; Even scarier? Javier says box dye can be irreversible in some cases. &#8220;When going natural, it typically means going darker,&#8221; she explains, noting that a semi-permanent color rather than the super-pigment color in a box dye is better for achieving a tone that matches your natural shade.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Blondes who have been regularly getting highlights or double processes should, in particular, should be wary of box color. &#8220;It&#8217;s a much easier process to tone,&#8221; she explains. I can attest to this as that college box dye mishap I mentioned resulted in a yellowy-orange mess that took several months to correct. For darker tones, Javier says a colorist can create a more natural look with semi-permanent color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" alt=\"blonde hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/5XwOY-_UR8QQwCjyu0lFOLmRy5w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/reece-8f84d22b92e9469fa0f7e888e92d269c.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1211\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"blonde hair\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>@reecewalkerhair<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Start Slow With Lowlights &amp; Toning\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker stresses the importance of going slow for any hair color from dark to light. &#8220;We start by adding your natural color back into your hair appointments,&#8221; he says, recommending lowlights in the tone of your natural hair color. &#8220;Doing this slowly is better as you don&#8217;t want to rush the process and freak out!&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walker says those who have been light for a long time often experience regrowth that appears darker than it actually is when it has fully grown out. His advice: &#8220;I recommend starting off either toning it down to blend your regrowth [or] adding in lowlights to break up the blonde.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;ve been bleaching your hair for years but have naturally dark hair, Walker warns against dramatically darkening it on the first appointment. &#8220;I would go only two or three shades darker, to begin with. Porous hair can only absorb so much color in one appointment.&#8221; This goes across the board for brunettes, redheads, and blondes.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Frame That Face\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both Walker and Javier suggest face-framing highlights\u2014which create lightness around the face and hairline\u2014as another simple way to transition to a more natural-looking color. &#8220;I find it helps women not to lose brightness around their face to slowly pull them away from a blonde\/bleach obsession,&#8221; Walker explains. Javier says it&#8217;s an excellent step to &#8220;unify the ends and roots by trying to make sure the hair is moving in a natural direction.&#8221;\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During my first appointment on the road to natural color, Javier gave me a few face-framers and maintained my lightness on the bottom but altered the highlight pattern. &#8220;I reduced the amount of highlights and mimicked it to look sun-kissed,&#8221; she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">24 Highlight Ideas That Will Definitely Inspire You<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-embed mntl-sc-block-embed\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> It&#8217;s A Slow Burn, But Stick With It\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The transitional timeframe will vary based on your color goals, but a more natural color does take time to settle in. &#8220;I find that a lot of clients change their minds after sitting with their darker tone for a couple of months,&#8221; Javier says. The colorist recommends two to three visits before fully assessing the change. For more complicated cases, she says the timeline is longer, sometimes up to a year.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Maintenance Is Key <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The natural-looking color process will undoubtedly improve your hair&#8217;s health, but it&#8217;s crucial to prioritize maintenance as you would with more intense coloring. &#8220;I would advise taking care of your hair even more so while transitioning. I find people tend to slack off because they are going natural, but the color underneath dries out,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;Just because it looks darker and looks healthier doesn&#8217;t mean it is at the core.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The colorist recommends conditioners with pigments to fill the hair with a more natural tone while straying away from color and improving texture. &#8220;[A color shampoo or conditioner] adds luster to the hair and shine,&#8221; she explains. (Team Byrdie loves Leonor Greyl&#8217;s line of Color-Enhancing Conditioners.) Javier is also in favor of hair supplements and vitamins. &#8220;They are wonderful tools to use to strengthen.&#8221; A silk pillowcase will also reduce stress to your strands and without absorbing product while you sleep.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block related-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The 7 Best Silk Pillowcases That&#8217;ll Protect Your Hair and Skin, Tested and Approved<\/span><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Now, a few more tips based on hair color.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/ctsaRaBQeU1BnmBKY2wXC84EdW8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/Youcanseemyrootthelighterblondeandthensomeoftheolderblondthatsgrownoutandshowingthewarmness-31c292e68c804d0aa95614d921229f53.jpg\" width=\"2320\" height=\"3088\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Laura Lajiness\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Laura Lajiness<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_55-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Blondes <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As Javier mentioned, box color is a big no-no for a natural-looking mane. Instead, toning is usually the easiest step for transitioning. You can also ask for a gloss or lowlights, she says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Brunettes\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_59-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Brunettes can easily transition to a more natural look with lowlights, according to Javier. &#8220;They act opposite to highlights, creating more depth and overall accentuating the natural root,&#8221; she explains. A gloss can also be helpful for brown hair in transition.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_61-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Black\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_62-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re starting with an unnaturally dark color on lighter hair, the journey to a more natural hue will definitely be a journey. &#8220;It all depends on the density of pigment on hair, texture, and condition of hair as well,&#8221; Javier says. &#8220;If hair, in general, is compromised, it may take longer to achieve the desired look.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_64-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> For Red <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_65-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Tones will vary for natural redheads, especially for those that have unnaturally colored their hair. Javier says you can alter any shade with a correctional gloss. In some cases, she also suggests highlights or a color remover if the applied pigment is more extreme. Walker says the process of reverting to natural red (especially lighter shades) is slightly longer and could take a few appointments to achieve. &#8220;Patience and consultation are key,&#8221; he says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_67-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For natural redheads who have been dying their hair darker shades of brown or black, Walker says the journey usually starts by stripping the dark hair slowly and carefully to keep the hair&#8217;s integrity intact. A soft brown look with warmer highlights is often the next step, to introduce a lighter and brighter appearance and avoid a &#8220;ginger&#8221; or orangey outcome.\u00a0The next few appointments will typically require a root touch-up to tone down the natural red color, followed by stripping out light brown and playing with cooper tones to match the natural color more closely. Soft highlights help for variation, including strawberry blonde.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_69-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Shop my favorite products to help transition to your natural hair color: <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_70-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver<\/li>\n<li>Leonor Greyl Soin Repigmentant Icy Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Christophe Robin Shade Variation Hair Mask Baby Blonde<\/li>\n<li>Evo Platinum Blonde Colour Boosting Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color<\/li>\n<li>Virtue Color Revival Kit<\/li>\n<li>Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance\u2122 Conditioner<\/li>\n<li>Rahua Color Shampoo<\/li>\n<li>John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Treatment<\/li>\n<li>Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum<\/li>\n<li>Ceremonia Aceite de Moska<\/li>\n<li>Slept Satin Pillowcase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_72-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-sc-block-featuredlink mntl-block upnext-link\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">13 Expert-Approved Tips to Fix Bleached, Damaged, and Over-Processed Hair <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/how-to-stop-bleaching-your-hair-11902510&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/thmb\/-ZRYSiRDFbg1XnVHWhirqiO3ZRw=\/1500&#215;0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()\/bleached-hair-3-5d10d7d3a6174590a048349240e8c729.jpg&#8221;] How to Embrace Your Natural Hair Color (Without Going Cold Turkey)\u2014From Someone Who&#8217;s Been There Give your hair a break. By Laura Lajiness Kaupke Laura Lajiness Kaupke Laura is a contributing style writer at Byrdie. She has worked in the fashion industry for over ten years. Byrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines Published on February [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1771244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1771244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1771244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1771244\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1771244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1771244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1771244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}