Color Oops is a popular hair color remover designed to reverse the effects of permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes. But what happens when you apply it to highlighted hair? The answer is complex and depends on a variety of factors, ranging from the type of dye used, the health of your hair, and the desired outcome. This article delves into the intricacies of using Color Oops on highlighted hair, providing a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Color Oops and How It Works
Color Oops is not a bleach. Instead, it works by shrinking the dye molecules within the hair shaft, allowing them to be washed away. This process is significantly less damaging than bleaching, which physically lifts the hair’s cuticle and strips away its natural pigment. The active ingredient in Color Oops is typically a reducing agent, such as sodium hydrosulfite, which breaks the chemical bonds of artificial dye molecules.
The effectiveness of Color Oops depends on several factors. Firstly, it works best on artificial hair dyes that are darker than the natural hair color. Secondly, it’s more effective on freshly dyed hair than on hair that has been colored repeatedly over a long period. Lastly, the type of dye matters. Color Oops generally works best on permanent and semi-permanent dyes, while it may not be as effective on direct dyes or vegetable-based dyes.
The Science Behind Color Oops: Reduction vs. Oxidation
Understanding the difference between reduction and oxidation is crucial to understanding how Color Oops functions. Hair dyes typically work through oxidation, where dye molecules react with the hair shaft and create permanent color changes. Color Oops, on the other hand, uses reduction, which reverses this process by breaking down those oxidized dye molecules.
This reduction process essentially “shrinks” the artificial color molecules, allowing them to be rinsed out of the hair. It’s important to note that Color Oops doesn’t actually remove the dye from your hair; it just makes the dye molecules small enough to be washed away with water and shampoo. Thorough rinsing is critical for this process to be successful.
Highlights and Hair Dye: A Complex Interaction
Highlights, unlike all-over color, involve lightening specific strands of hair. This is usually achieved through bleaching or using a high-lift dye, both of which remove the natural pigment from the hair. The highlighted strands are then often toned to achieve the desired shade, such as blonde, caramel, or ash.
When you apply dye over highlighted hair, the color interacts differently with the previously lightened strands compared to the rest of your hair. The highlighted strands, being more porous due to the bleaching process, tend to absorb more color. This can result in uneven color distribution and unpredictable results when trying to remove the dye.
Why Highlights React Differently to Color Removers
The key reason for this varied reaction lies in the porosity of the highlighted hair. The bleaching process damages the hair’s cuticle, making it more open and absorbent. As a result, when you dye over highlights, those sections of hair grab onto the color more intensely.
When Color Oops is applied, the already damaged and color-saturated highlights can become even more unpredictable. The color remover might lift more color from the highlights than from the rest of the hair, leading to a patchy or uneven appearance. Alternatively, the highlights might resist the color remover altogether, retaining a stubborn tint.
Using Color Oops on Highlighted Hair: Potential Outcomes
The outcome of using Color Oops on highlighted hair can vary significantly, depending on several factors. Understanding these potential outcomes is essential for setting realistic expectations and minimizing the risk of damage.
Uneven Color Removal: A Common Risk
One of the most common outcomes is uneven color removal. Since highlights are more porous and absorb more dye, they might respond differently to Color Oops than the rest of your hair. This can result in some sections of hair becoming lighter than others, leading to a patchy and inconsistent appearance.
To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to perform a strand test before applying Color Oops to your entire head. This will allow you to assess how your highlights react to the product and adjust the application time accordingly.
The Re-emergence of Underlying Tones
Another possible outcome is the re-emergence of underlying tones that were previously masked by the dye. For example, if your highlights were toned with a cool-toned ash blonde dye, removing the dye might reveal underlying brassy or yellow tones.
This is because bleaching often leaves behind residual yellow pigments in the hair. The toner neutralizes these pigments, creating the desired cool blonde shade. When you remove the toner, the underlying yellow tones can become visible again.
Potential for Damage and Dryness
While Color Oops is generally less damaging than bleach, it can still cause dryness and damage, especially to already compromised highlighted hair. The chemical process involved in breaking down dye molecules can weaken the hair shaft and strip away its natural moisture.
To minimize damage, it’s essential to follow the product instructions carefully and avoid over-processing. Deep conditioning treatments are also crucial for restoring moisture and strengthening the hair after using Color Oops.
Preparing Your Hair Before Using Color Oops
Proper preparation is key to achieving the best possible results and minimizing damage when using Color Oops on highlighted hair. Taking the time to prepare your hair will significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
The Importance of a Strand Test
As mentioned earlier, a strand test is absolutely essential before applying Color Oops to your entire head. This will allow you to assess how your hair, particularly the highlighted sections, reacts to the product.
To perform a strand test, select a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, ideally near the nape of your neck. Apply Color Oops to this section, following the product instructions carefully. Monitor the results closely, checking for any signs of damage or uneven color removal.
Deep Conditioning and Hydration
Highlighted hair is often dry and damaged due to the bleaching process. Before using Color Oops, it’s crucial to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair with a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to protect your hair from further damage during the color removal process.
Look for deep conditioners that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. Apply the deep conditioner to your hair and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, for maximum hydration.
Avoiding Washing Your Hair
It’s generally recommended to avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours before using Color Oops. This allows your natural oils to build up and protect your scalp and hair from the chemical process.
Washing your hair too soon before using Color Oops can strip away these natural oils, making your hair more vulnerable to damage and dryness.
Applying Color Oops to Highlighted Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying Color Oops correctly is crucial for achieving the desired results and minimizing damage. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful application.
Read and Understand the Instructions
Before you even open the Color Oops box, take the time to read and understand the product instructions thoroughly. Pay close attention to the recommended application time, rinsing instructions, and any warnings or precautions.
Different Color Oops formulas may have slightly different instructions, so it’s essential to follow the specific instructions for the product you are using.
Protect Your Skin and Clothing
Color Oops can stain your skin and clothing, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. Wear an old t-shirt that you don’t mind getting stained, and apply a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly, to your hairline and ears.
Also, wear gloves to protect your hands from the chemical solution. The gloves are usually included in the Color Oops box, but it’s always a good idea to have an extra pair on hand.
Apply Color Oops Evenly
Apply Color Oops to your hair evenly, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure to saturate all of your hair, particularly the areas that have been dyed.
If you have long or thick hair, you may need to work in sections to ensure even coverage. Use a comb or brush to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair.
Rinse Thoroughly
Thorough rinsing is absolutely crucial for removing the shrunken dye molecules from your hair. Rinse your hair with warm water for at least 20-30 minutes, ensuring that all traces of the product are gone.
The instructions typically recommend rinsing for much longer than you might expect, so don’t skimp on this step. Insufficient rinsing can lead to re-oxidation of the dye molecules, causing the color to return.
Shampoo and Condition
After rinsing, shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any remaining residue. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair.
Choose a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. And look for a deep conditioner that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
Post-Color Oops Care: Restoring Your Hair’s Health
After using Color Oops, it’s essential to provide your hair with extra care to restore its health and prevent further damage. Implementing a consistent post-care routine will help to keep your hair strong, healthy, and vibrant.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Continue using deep conditioning treatments regularly to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. Aim to deep condition your hair at least once a week, or even more frequently if your hair is particularly dry or damaged.
Leave the deep conditioner on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, for maximum hydration. You can also use a heat cap or towel to help the conditioner penetrate deeper into your hair shaft.
Protein Treatments
In addition to deep conditioning, protein treatments can also be beneficial for restoring the strength and elasticity of your hair. Protein treatments help to repair damage and prevent breakage.
Use protein treatments sparingly, as overuse can lead to dryness and brittleness. Aim to use a protein treatment every 2-4 weeks, depending on the condition of your hair.
Avoiding Heat Styling
Heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, can further damage already compromised hair. Avoid using these tools as much as possible after using Color Oops.
If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from the heat. And use the lowest heat setting possible to minimize damage.
Trimming Split Ends
Regularly trimming split ends is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing further damage and breakage.
Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and keep your hair looking its best.
Alternatives to Color Oops for Highlighted Hair
If you’re concerned about the potential risks of using Color Oops on your highlighted hair, there are several alternative options to consider.
Color Correction at a Salon
The safest and most predictable option is to seek professional color correction at a salon. A skilled colorist can assess your hair’s condition and create a customized plan to remove the unwanted color without causing further damage.
Color correction can be more expensive than using Color Oops at home, but it’s often worth the investment to avoid potential disasters.
Gentle Color Fading Techniques
There are several gentle color fading techniques that you can try at home before resorting to Color Oops. These techniques can help to gradually fade the color over time, reducing the risk of damage.
Some popular color fading techniques include using clarifying shampoo, baking soda paste, or a mixture of vitamin C tablets and shampoo. However, these methods are not always effective and may only work on semi-permanent dyes.
Accepting and Working with the Color
Sometimes, the best option is to simply accept the current color and work with it. You can use toners or glazes to adjust the color to a more desirable shade, or you can add highlights or lowlights to blend the color more seamlessly.
This approach avoids the risks associated with color removal and allows you to experiment with different styles and colors.
Final Thoughts on Using Color Oops on Highlighted Hair
Using Color Oops on highlighted hair can be a risky endeavor. While it can be effective at removing unwanted color, it can also lead to uneven results, damage, and the re-emergence of underlying tones.
If you decide to use Color Oops on your highlighted hair, it’s essential to proceed with caution. Perform a strand test, prepare your hair properly, follow the instructions carefully, and provide your hair with extra care afterward.
However, if you’re concerned about the potential risks, consider alternative options such as professional color correction or gentle color fading techniques. Ultimately, the best approach depends on your hair’s condition, your desired outcome, and your comfort level with potential risks. Always prioritize the health and integrity of your hair.
Does Color Oops remove highlights entirely, or just the added color?
Color Oops is designed to remove artificial dye molecules from your hair. It primarily targets the dye itself, whether it’s from an all-over color or highlights. It aims to return your hair to the state it was in before the dye was applied, so it won’t remove your natural hair pigment.
However, the results can vary depending on the type and intensity of the highlights, the number of times they’ve been processed, and your hair’s overall condition. If your highlights involved bleaching, the underlying bleached sections may remain lighter than your natural hair color even after using Color Oops. The product might also affect the overall tone, potentially revealing underlying warm or brassy tones if they were masked by the dye in the highlights.
Can Color Oops damage my highlighted hair?
Color Oops is generally considered less damaging than bleach, as it doesn’t lift the natural pigment of your hair. It works by shrinking the artificial dye molecules, allowing them to be washed away. However, it’s still a chemical process that can be drying and potentially cause some stress to the hair, especially if your hair is already damaged from highlighting.
It’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying it to your entire head. Deep conditioning treatments after using Color Oops are essential to restore moisture and minimize any potential damage. Avoid using heat styling tools immediately afterwards to give your hair time to recover.
Will Color Oops work if my highlights were done with bleach?
Color Oops can remove any toner or dye applied after the bleaching process used for your highlights. It won’t reverse the bleaching itself. Therefore, if your highlights were achieved by bleaching and then toned with a colored toner, Color Oops will primarily remove the toner.
The bleached portions of your hair will remain lighter than your natural color. You’ll likely see the underlying blonde or pre-lightened base that the toner was originally applied to. If you’re looking to return your hair to its original color, you may need to consider using a color depositing product to even out the tone.
How soon after getting highlights can I use Color Oops?
It’s generally safe to use Color Oops soon after getting highlights, but waiting a few days is advisable to allow your scalp and hair to recover from the initial chemical processing. This minimizes the risk of irritation or excessive dryness.
Ideally, wait at least 48-72 hours after the highlighting process before using Color Oops. This waiting period allows your hair’s natural oils to replenish slightly and reduces the likelihood of over-processing or causing unnecessary stress. If your scalp feels particularly sensitive after the highlights, waiting even longer might be beneficial.
What should I do to prepare my hair before using Color Oops on highlighted hair?
Before using Color Oops on highlighted hair, ensure your hair is in the best possible condition to minimize potential damage. Avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours before application to allow your natural oils to provide a protective barrier.
Also, perform a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of your highlighted hair to assess how your hair reacts to the product and to determine the processing time required. This will help you avoid any unwanted surprises or over-processing when applying it to your entire head.
How many times can I use Color Oops on my highlighted hair?
While Color Oops is generally less damaging than bleach, repeated applications can still stress your hair, especially if it’s already compromised from highlighting. It’s best to avoid using it excessively in a short period.
Ideally, allow at least a couple of weeks between applications of Color Oops. If you need to use it more than twice, consider consulting a professional stylist to assess your hair’s condition and explore alternative options to achieve your desired color. Over-processing can lead to breakage and dryness.
What kind of aftercare is needed after using Color Oops on highlighted hair?
After using Color Oops on highlighted hair, restoring moisture and protein balance is essential. Deep conditioning treatments are a must to replenish the hydration lost during the chemical process. Look for products specifically designed for color-treated or damaged hair.
In addition to deep conditioning, avoid heat styling for a few days to allow your hair to recover. Use leave-in conditioners and hair oils to further nourish and protect your hair from environmental damage. Consider using a protein treatment to strengthen your hair if it feels particularly weak or brittle.