Hair Colour Correction Melbourne: Fixing Asian Hair Colour Disasters

If you've ever walked out of a Melbourne salon with greenish-grey hair, patchy bleach, or "hot roots" (orange at the scalp and dark everywhere else), you need a colour correction. Asian hair is particularly prone to correction cases because of its high resistance and the popularity of at‑home box dyes.

LUXM Salons sees colour correction clients every week. Their team, led by award-winning stylists, has fixed everything from black box dye gone wrong to botched perms and uneven highlights.

Most common colour disasters on Asian hair

Black box dye over previous colour – Results in a stubborn black that refuses to lift evenly.

DIY bleach gone wrong – Banding (uneven lift), orange spots, or melted ends.

Wrong toner – Grey or purple toner on under‑lifted yellow hair creates a muddy greenish cast.

Colour build‑up from semi‑permanents – Dark, murky ends that won't lighten.

The colour correction process (step by step)

Consultation & strand test – The most important step. At LUXM, this is a paid consultation (redeemable against service) because it requires 30-45 minutes of analysis.

Colour remover (for box dye) – Products like Malibu C CPR or Pulp Riot Blank Canvas break down artificial pigment without bleach. This can take 1‑3 applications.

Strand mapping – The stylist applies different strengths of lightener to different sections based on porosity.

Bleach wash – A gentle mix of bleach, shampoo, and low volume developer to lift 1‑2 levels without harsh bands.

Toning in stages – You may leave with a neutral brown first, then return for a second session to achieve your goal colour.

Why corrections take multiple appointments

Asian hair cannot be forced. If a stylist tries to fix everything in one 8‑hour session, you risk chemical haircut (hair breaking off at the root). LUXM always schedules corrections as 2‑4 visits spread over 4‑8 weeks, with deep conditioning treatments (Kerastase Fusio-Dose) in between.

Cost of colour correction at LUXM

$400 to $1,200+ depending on severity. Cheap corrections are a red flag — you'll likely end up worse than before.

How to prepare for a correction appointment

Stop using any box dye or colour‑depositing products for at least 4 weeks.

Do not wash your hair for 48 hours before (natural oils protect scalp).

Bring photos of your hair in natural light, plus photos of your goal colour.

Aftercare

Your hair will be fragile. Use a protein treatment once a week, but not more (over‑proteinising causes brittleness). LUXM sells Kerastase and Aveda home care for this.

Avoid heat styling for two weeks.

Use a deep conditioner with ceramides (e.g., Shu Uemura or Milbon).

FAQ

Can colour correction fix green hair from chlorine?

Yes, that's a simple fix with a detox shampoo or a mild colour remover. True colour correction is for artificial dye disasters.

How long should I wait between correction sessions?

At least two weeks to allow the cuticle to settle and to assess any damage.

Will I lose length during a colour correction?

Possibly. If the ends are over‑processed, the stylist may recommend cutting 2‑5 cm to prevent splitting further up.