Understanding the Situation:
* Black Dye is Difficult: Black dye is notoriously stubborn. It often contains a high concentration of blue and green pigments, which are hard to lift.
* Red/Warm Roots: The warmth in your roots likely means your natural hair color has warm undertones (red, orange, yellow). When you dyed, the dye lifted your natural color *slightly* but couldn't fully deposit the black pigment in that area, so you're seeing the warmth come through.
* Hair Damage: Repeated processing (especially lifting color) can dry out and weaken your hair. Be prepared to baby your hair with deep conditioning treatments.
Options (Ordered from Least to Most Damaging):
1. Do Nothing (Wait and See):
* *Pros:* Least damaging. The dye *will* fade over time, especially with frequent washing (see below).
* *Cons:* You have to live with the color for longer. Might not fade enough to your liking.
* *How to help fading:*
* Wash Frequently: Use a clarifying shampoo (like Neutrogena Anti-Residue or similar) a few times a week. Clarifying shampoos are designed to strip away buildup, including some dye molecules.
* Use Hot Water (Carefully): Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing dye to escape. Be careful, as hot water can also dry out your hair.
* Use Anti Dandruff Shampoo Many people use anti dandruff shampoo, due to the harsh chemicals that can strip your hair.
* Sun Exposure: Gentle sun exposure can help fade the color, but be sure to protect your hair with a UV protectant spray to avoid damage.
2. Color Remover (Not Bleach):
* *Pros:* Designed to remove artificial color molecules without lifting your natural pigment as much as bleach. Less damaging than bleach.
* *Cons:* May not completely remove the black, especially after 3 weeks. Can still be drying. May pull warm tones. Usually a little stinky.
* *How to use:*
* Follow the instructions *exactly* on the box. This is crucial.
* Strand Test: Do a strand test on a hidden section of your hair *first* to see how it reacts and if you like the result.
* Choose Wisely: Look for a color remover specifically designed for dark colors. Popular brands include Color Oops, L'Oreal Effasol Color Remover, and One 'n Only Colorfix.
* Be Prepared for Warmth: Color removers often reveal the underlying warm tones in your hair. Don't be surprised if you see orange or red.
* Deep Condition: Immediately after using the color remover, use a deep conditioning treatment.
3. Vitamin C Treatment:
* *Pros:* A very gentle method that can help lift a little bit of dye. Best for freshly dyed hair (within a week or so), but may still provide some benefit.
* *Cons:* Won't make a drastic difference, especially after 3 weeks. Can be messy.
* *How to do it:*
* Crush several Vitamin C tablets (ascorbic acid) into a powder.
* Mix the powder with a clarifying shampoo to form a paste.
* Apply the paste to your damp hair, focusing on the areas that are too dark.
* Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 30-60 minutes.
* Rinse thoroughly and deep condition.
4. Dish Soap:
* *Pros:* Accessible and cheap.
* *Cons:* Very drying and harsh. Use only as a last resort before bleach.
* *How to do it:*
* Mix a small amount of dish soap with your regular shampoo.
* Wash your hair as usual, focusing on the roots.
* Rinse thoroughly and deep condition.
5. Bleach Wash (Extremely Cautious):
* *Pros:* Most effective for lightening the hair, but also the most damaging.
* *Cons:* High risk of damage, breakage, and uneven color. Should *only* be attempted if you understand the risks and are very comfortable with hair dye. Can make the reddish color more pronounced.
* *Important Considerations:*
* If you are unsure, see a professional. This is where going to a salon is your best bet.
* Strand Test is Mandatory! Do a strand test *multiple times* to assess how your hair reacts.
* Use a Low Volume Developer: Opt for a 10 or 20 volume developer. Higher volumes lift faster but are much more damaging.
* Watch Closely: Don't leave the bleach wash on for too long. Check the strand test frequently.
* Toner: You will likely need a toner after bleaching to neutralize any unwanted warm tones (orange, yellow).
* Deep Condition: Deep condition immediately and for the next several washes.
Important Considerations Before Proceeding:
* Hair Condition: Assess the overall health of your hair. Is it dry, brittle, or already damaged? If so, proceed with extreme caution, and consider waiting longer before attempting any further processing.
* Hair Porosity: Porosity affects how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture and dye. Highly porous hair absorbs color quickly but can also become damaged more easily. (You can do a porosity test online).
* Strand Test: *Always, always, always* do a strand test before applying any product to your entire head. This will help you determine how your hair will react and prevent unexpected results.
* Professional Help: If you're unsure or uncomfortable, consult a professional stylist. They can assess your hair's condition, recommend the best course of action, and minimize the risk of damage.
* Toning: After lightening your hair, you'll likely need to tone it to neutralize any unwanted warm tones (orange, yellow). A toner will help you achieve a more balanced and natural-looking color.
What I Recommend You Do (In Order):
1. Wait and Wash: Start by washing your hair frequently with a clarifying shampoo. See how much the color fades over the next week or two.
2. Color Remover: If fading isn't enough, try a color remover. Follow the instructions carefully and do a strand test first.
3. Deep Condition: Deep condition after any chemical process.
4. Professional Consultation: If you're still unhappy with the color or your hair is showing signs of damage, seek professional help.
Deep Conditioning Treatments:
* Coconut oil
* Argan oil
* Shea butter masks
* Commercial deep conditioners (look for products with protein and moisturizing ingredients)
Key Takeaway: Be patient, prioritize the health of your hair, and proceed with caution. It's better to gradually lighten your hair over time than to risk severe damage with a single aggressive treatment. Good luck!