Hair Color Correction Case Study

Hair Color Correction – Case Study Overview
(A step‑by‑step guide for stylists, educators, and students)

1. Client Profile & Consultation

Key consultation take‑aways

• Assess damage: elasticity test, strand breakage, porosity.
• Set realistic expectations: fully reversing platinum to a warm brown in one session is risky; a two‑step approach (neutralize, then tone) yields the best result.
• Discuss after‑care: protein treatments, sulfate‑free shampoo, weekly deep conditioning.

2. Diagnostic Analysis

1. Visual inspection – uneven lift, residual yellow/orange, some brassy zones near the scalp.
2. Strand test (4 cm) – mixed porosity: high at ends, moderate at mid‑length.
3. pH test (optional) – slightly alkaline (pH ≈ 9) indicating over‑processing.

Conclusion:

• Primary issue: Over‑bleached hair with uneven pigment and high porosity.
• Secondary issue: Need to neutralize warm tones before depositing the desired brown shade.

3. Correction Strategy

Why a two‑step approach?

• Directly applying a brown shade over platinum would result in uneven undertones and excessive lift.
• Neutralizing warm tones first creates a “clean canvas” for the brown pigment to show true depth.

4. Step‑by‑Step Procedure

1. Prep

   • Shampoo with a mild, clarifying cleanser (no sulfates).
   • Towel‑dry to 80 % dryness.

2. Pre‑treatment

   • Mix Olaplex No. 3 with water (1:1).
   • Apply