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When permanent hair color is used to alter the color of your hair and ends up being too light or too dark, the experience can end up being a hair-coloring disaster. While it's possible to have undesirable hair color removed by a professional at a salon, the process can be costly and exposes your hair to further chemical treatment. Lifting hair color at home is effective and more gentle on the hair and scalp.

Wet the hair with water and lather with clarifying shampoo. Massage the shampoo into the hair from roots to ends to create a thick lather. Leave the clarifying shampoo on the hair for a few minutes, as it works to remove and lighten color.

Rinse your hair well with warm water. You will see some of the hair color in the bottom of the shower as it is lifted and rinsed off the hair.

Heat one tube of hot-oil treatment in a microwave-safe container. Set the tube in the container and add a few inches of water. Heat the oil treatment for one minute on the "High" setting.

Apply the heated oil treatment to the hair, coating the hair from the roots to the ends. Use all the oil in the treatment tube and cover all hair thoroughly.

Pile the hair on top of the head, if it's long- or medium-length, then wrap plastic wrap around the head. Wrap a large towel around the plastic wrap to keep the head and hair warm during the hot-oil treatment. Allow the oil to remain on the hair for 15 to 30 minutes.

Remove the hot-oil treatment and hair color from your hair by washing again with clarifying shampoo. Moisturize the hair with conditioner afterward.

Tip

Do a strand test, as recommended by hair-color kits, before applying color to your entire head.

Warning

Wait two weeks before coloring or processing your hair again, so hair doesn't become dry and break from over-processing.