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If you've ever experimented with your hair, you know that mistakes are almost inevitable. Especially if you're dyeing it — so many things can go wrong. The color can turn out to be totally different than you expected, the hair dye bottle can spontaneously explode and cover all of your bathroom in pink or your head might turn into a watermelon because you're allergic to the product. It's pretty wild.

So in order to show you the possible side effects of going full Dennis Rodman, Bored Panda has compiled a list of the funniest (and saddest) hair dye fails ever. Continue scrolling, upvote your faves, and tell us if you've experienced something like this in the comments!

#1

Do You Think My Grandma Would Notice I Dyed My Hair?

Do You Think My Grandma Would Notice I Dyed My Hair?

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Jessica Cole
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be whooping some major blue ass if I was Grandma and that was my shower!

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Peter Regan, a hairdresser in Manchester city center, UK, who specializes in permanent hair straightening, precision cutting, and natural-looking color, thinks people can face different challenges if they're dyeing their hair for different reasons. "If the goal for coloring hair is to cover greys, then the main challenge is choosing the correct color," he told Bored Panda. "Most domestic tints turn out darker than expected. For example, mid-brown which is a common color used at home, when looked at on a color chart looks to the untrained viewer very nearly black."

"If the goal is to make a statement, then the appropriateness of color is the biggest challenge."

Hairstylist and colorist Jahlesa Taylor thinks "the biggest challenges when coloring your hair yourself is being able to see your whole head, and timing things properly, especially when you're doing touch-ups."

"When I have clients who need me to correct a color that they did themselves, the majority of the damage/unevenness is in the back and I know it's because we can't see back there properly, even with a mirror," the professional who works in Lauderhill, Florida, told Bored Panda. "Proper color application requires an understand of timing, as well as an understanding of tones and undertones, and many people think they can just spread the color or lightener all over their head and it will balance out in the end."

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    #2

    This Girl Used Walmart Plastic Bag To “Keep The Heat In” While She Bleached Her Hair. The Logo From The Bag Came Off And Is Now Dyed Into Her Hair

    This Girl Used Walmart Plastic Bag To “Keep The Heat In” While She Bleached Her Hair. The Logo From The Bag Came Off And Is Now Dyed Into Her Hair

    BoopBoop20 Report

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    Lunar Bicycle
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once it’s dried and brushed or mussed about, it might just look like some neat random blue spots in her hair. Also, isn’t this picture like ten years old?

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    #3

    Allergic To Hair Dye

    Allergic To Hair Dye

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    Jahlesa has noticed that color blocking is super popular again. "Personally, I’m a huge fan! Sometimes you want a little pop of color in the front or a little peek of color in the back and the color blocking method allows you to have fun without the commitment or responsibility that comes with a total hair makeover."

    Regan, the author of The Hair Colour Book: A Practical Guide To The Theory Of Colouring Hair, noted that during the pandemic, the trends haven't evolved like they usually do as salons have been closed in most places. The last thing that caught his attention was balayage which is a kind of freehand painting on the hair.

    However, if you want to infuse your hair with color but can't decide on the particulars, you might want to take it slow. "Whatever looks people are thinking about applying to their hair, they should understand a few things," Regan said. "Firstly, domestic hair color will only lift about 2 levels and if they have artificial color on their hair then it cannot be made lighter using a tint, only bleach can lighten existing dye."

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    #4

    The Time I Accidentally Dyed My Hair Orange And Then Accidentally Dressed Like A Bag Of Oranges

    The Time I Accidentally Dyed My Hair Orange And Then Accidentally Dressed Like A Bag Of Oranges

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    #5

    How’s College Going? Well My Roommate Is Now A Smurf

    How’s College Going? Well My Roommate Is Now A Smurf

    KennzieMack Report

    #6

    I Didn't Notice That My Glove Broke While Dyeing My Friend's Hair And Now My Hands Are Stained

    I Didn't Notice That My Glove Broke While Dyeing My Friend's Hair And Now My Hands Are Stained

    CriticalReality Report

    "If it says lightener or something similar on the box, then it is most likely a bleach of some description and must be handled very carefully," the hairdresser stressed. "If their hair is partially grown out then the dye will react differently on the virgin hair than it will on the previously colored hair."

    "Also, make sure that you do a skin compatibility test at least 2 days prior to applying hair dye – this is important as it is about safety." Judging from the pics, many people, unfortunately, skip this step altogether.

    #7

    My Friend's Child Got Into Her Hair Dye Before She Woke Up

    My Friend's Child Got Into Her Hair Dye Before She Woke Up

    ontour4eternity Report

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    #8

    Guess Who's Severely Allergic To Hair Dye? This Girl

    Guess Who's Severely Allergic To Hair Dye? This Girl

    a-liketheway Report

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    #9

    2021 Dad Of The Year: I Told Her To Shower Instead Of Rinsing Her Hair Out, Right After Dyeing It

    2021 Dad Of The Year: I Told Her To Shower Instead Of Rinsing Her Hair Out, Right After Dyeing It

    medicfourlife Report

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    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dad of the year indeed... What do you do after you get your daughter covered in purple stains? You humiliate her publicly online, of course!

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    When people want to use a semi-permanent color, Regan said they should check the following: are there two things to mix together? If the answer is yes then it is not a true semi-permanent color!

    "One of the ingredients will be a developer (hydrogen peroxide). This will either be a permanent color or a quasi-color which is supposed to fade off the hair but in my experience is almost permanent," the hairdresser said. "True semi-permanent hair color is pre-mixed in a single bottle and lasts about 6-8 washes."

    "There's little point in looking at photographs showing a color that is a long way away from the person's natural color as it would be too difficult for them to create at home."

    #10

    I’m Sharing This For Educational Purposes Only. She Bleached Her Box Colored Hair At Home And Then Put A Relaxer On It To Control Frizz. Her Hair Is Beyond Recovery

    I’m Sharing This For Educational Purposes Only. She Bleached Her Box Colored Hair At Home And Then Put A Relaxer On It To Control Frizz. Her Hair Is Beyond Recovery

    Kristen Rankin Report

    #11

    Today I Learned That Hair Dye Smudges

    Today I Learned That Hair Dye Smudges

    JayPines Report

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    Mihai Mara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet he didn't read the instructions that clearly say to put the mix on your hair and not to spread it on your forehead, on your neck or on your abdomen....

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    #12

    I Think My Mom Is Allergic To Hair Coloring

    I Think My Mom Is Allergic To Hair Coloring

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    Lastly, if you really like your bathroom, Regan believes you should think twice about coloring your hair in it. Some of the people on this list would definitely agree. The whole thing is very likely to get messy.

    "Always change your pillowcase for an old one for the first few days after coloring," Regan added. "It's likely that you haven't washed all of the residues off the hair. Red is the worst color for this."

    Just make sure you're comfortable (with unexpected results), have everything you need, and aren't pressed for time. Good luck!

    #13

    So, My Friend Had A Pretty Ridiculous Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye. Pic On The Left Is What She Normally Looks Like

    So, My Friend Had A Pretty Ridiculous Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye. Pic On The Left Is What She Normally Looks Like

    the_chosen_ginger Report

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The explanation in the caption solves the dilemma. Glad to hear that the pic on the right isn't what she normally looks like.

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    #14

    Purple Dye Disaster. I Was A Walking, Wide-Eyed Eggplant

    Purple Dye Disaster. I Was A Walking, Wide-Eyed Eggplant

    On the one hand, I was purple, we were going out later, and this was mortifying. On the other, it was absolutely hilarious

    edventuregirl.com Report

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    Mihai Mara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aren't there instructions on the boxes of these hair colouring products in order to avoid such results?

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    #15

    This Is Why Hair Dye Says To Test It On A Small Spot Before Applying Everywhere. Bad Allergic Reaction

    This Is Why Hair Dye Says To Test It On A Small Spot Before Applying Everywhere. Bad Allergic Reaction

    southwoodhunter Report

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    #17

    So My Wife Colored Her Hair Yesterday

    So My Wife Colored Her Hair Yesterday

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    Andy Acceber
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha! Yeah, no cuddling directly after dyeing. Hopefully it was cool enough for you to wear long sleeves for a couple days.

    Fluffy Griffin
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had my hair professionally dyed blue and it bled whenever it got even just slightly damp (like if this guys arm was just a little sweaty), for at least 2 weeks.

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    Let’s All Just Try And Be Decent
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't tell if this is the wife's arm, or the husbands arm, but judging by the rest of the photos so far, they got off pretty lightly and this actually looks pretty nice!!

    Karen Grace
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like the husband's arm after cuddling with her. She left a hair print.

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    Irish
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Life hack! Grab a black marker and outline the stain. It would look like a cool tattoo.

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    #18

    What My Hair Looked Like - What I Asked For - And How It Turned Out

    What My Hair Looked Like - What I Asked For - And How It Turned Out

    carli_snyder Report

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    Ivo H
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Luckily it looks easily fixable.. Just go to another (probably more experienced) hairdresser

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    #19

    My Friend's Little Brother Had An Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye

    My Friend's Little Brother Had An Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye

    JohnTheRevelatorJR Report

    #20

    We Had An Incident - I Think It Was A Faulty Bottle. But, Nora Is In Heaven That She’s Dyed Head To Toe In Pink. So We Will Call It A Lose-Win

    We Had An Incident - I Think It Was A Faulty Bottle. But, Nora Is In Heaven That She’s Dyed Head To Toe In Pink. So We Will Call It A Lose-Win

    jennanemelka Report

    #21

    Didn't Realize One Of My Glove Fingers Broke Until I Was Done Dyeing My Hair

    Didn't Realize One Of My Glove Fingers Broke Until I Was Done Dyeing My Hair

    fibbybritches Report

    #22

    My Friend Wants To Go To School To Be A Hairdresser, I Let Her Practice On My Hair

    My Friend Wants To Go To School To Be A Hairdresser, I Let Her Practice On My Hair

    KillTh3King Report

    #23

    Dyed Everything Except For My Hair. Including My Tongue, Nail Beds And Corneas

    Dyed Everything Except For My Hair. Including My Tongue, Nail Beds And Corneas

    thievesbrotherhood Report

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    Gin. No tonic
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It probably also dyed their hair, but since it's dark brown, it only got a tint of blue, and you can't really see it. To get really blue hair, dark hair has ti bleached first.

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    #24

    What Could Go Wrong If I Dye My Hair In Front Of My Laptop?

    What Could Go Wrong If I Dye My Hair In Front Of My Laptop?

    Rilalia Report

    #25

    I Will Be Suing The Company Who Marked This Box Of Hair Dye As Dark Brown

    I Will Be Suing The Company Who Marked This Box Of Hair Dye As Dark Brown

    freckledmexican Report

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    Otter
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to know how the hell that effect happened! I dye my hair with box dye, I just don't see how it's possible!

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    #26

    An Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye

    An Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye

    DoctorYogurtButler Report

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    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    1 : I want a coat made out of puppies. 2 : take me to your ruler. 3 : mmmbrphlibplrt...

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    #27

    When You Dye A New Wig And It Straight Up Looks Like Barbie Has Just Been Murdered In Your Sink

    When You Dye A New Wig And It Straight Up Looks Like Barbie Has Just Been Murdered In Your Sink

    magenta.girl.x Report

    #28

    When You Ask Your Husband To Dye Your Hair

    When You Ask Your Husband To Dye Your Hair

    rldiplock Report

    #29

    During... And After. Yep, Neil's Hair Doesn't Do Dyeing

    During... And After. Yep, Neil's Hair Doesn't Do Dyeing

    outofmytree Report

    #30

    Don't Dye Your Hair Blonde If You Have Black Hair

    Don't Dye Your Hair Blonde If You Have Black Hair

    Valenette Report

    #31

    So My Hair Dye Decided To Bleed Onto My Whole Body In The Shower

    So My Hair Dye Decided To Bleed Onto My Whole Body In The Shower

    adrienneirda Report

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    #32

    When You Practically Burn Off About Half Of Your Hair But You're Still Basically Orange. Oops Guess This Stuff Is Stronger Than The Stuff I Used To Use, I'll Know For Next Time

    When You Practically Burn Off About Half Of Your Hair But You're Still Basically Orange. Oops Guess This Stuff Is Stronger Than The Stuff I Used To Use, I'll Know For Next Time

    Well if I lose all the hair guess I can start fresh.

    evavangel Report

    #33

    Accidentally Put The Hair Dye Gloves On Backwards. My Stupidity Knows No Bounds

    Accidentally Put The Hair Dye Gloves On Backwards. My Stupidity Knows No Bounds

    tinyeehole Report

    #35

    When Your Roommate Decides To Dye Her Hair Purple

    When Your Roommate Decides To Dye Her Hair Purple

    peanutbuttersam Report

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    #36

    Accidentally Dyed My Feet Purple. Hair Dye Fail

    Accidentally Dyed My Feet Purple. Hair Dye Fail

    frenchwinterblues Report

    #37

    My Hair Dye Exploded And Dyed My Tile Floor Purple

    My Hair Dye Exploded And Dyed My Tile Floor Purple

    harold_the_cat Report

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    LottieH
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know you are not supposed to keep these right? Even if you have a bit left you need to throw it out. There is a reason why after mixing you have to remove lid straight away. It's to stop this from happening.

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    #38

    Don't Leave An ASDA Bag On When You're Dyeing Your Hair

    Don't Leave An ASDA Bag On When You're Dyeing Your Hair

    Rebecca___R Report

    #39

    I Told My Son To Tell Me When His Hair Dye Alarm Went Off. He Took A Shower Instead

    I Told My Son To Tell Me When His Hair Dye Alarm Went Off. He Took A Shower Instead

    Liz4984 Report

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    Mihai Mara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why dye the hair of children? Why expose them to such chemicals and behaviours at young age?? Pfffft

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    #40

    Helped Dye My Fiancé's Hair Last Night. Didn't Notice That The Gloves Had A Small Hole Until I Took Them Off

    Helped Dye My Fiancé's Hair Last Night. Didn't Notice That The Gloves Had A Small Hole Until I Took Them Off

    wildbeaver635 Report

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    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fill the glove with water and see if it leaks. Or you can blow it and put in under water and look for bubbles.

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    #41

    Tried Bleaching My Hair To Get Rid Of The Red So I Could Go Deep Blue. The Bleach Only Got Rid Of The Color On My Roots The Rest Went Pink. I Dyed It Anyway

    Tried Bleaching My Hair To Get Rid Of The Red So I Could Go Deep Blue. The Bleach Only Got Rid Of The Color On My Roots The Rest Went Pink. I Dyed It Anyway

    I thought it would go blue to purple instead but the dye didn't stick to my hair and only the roots went blue, the rest stayed red.

    chamore Report

    #42

    What Could Go Wrong When The Wife Wants To Try A New Hair Color

    What Could Go Wrong When The Wife Wants To Try A New Hair Color

    Th0r_0d1ns0n Report

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    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Laundry sink for rinsing! Always! (Edit: where I live, old washboard laundry tubs are only found in old state rental properties. I'm talking old as hell, for doing washing by hand. Here's a link for those who think me having a tub is "rich" https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_housing)

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    #43

    I Was So Excited For My Hair Dye To Get Here

    I Was So Excited For My Hair Dye To Get Here

    Emmam0408 Report

    #44

    My Boyfriend Helped Me Dye My Hair

    My Boyfriend Helped Me Dye My Hair

    emack2199 Report

    #45

    "Use Gloves" They Said. "No Need" I Said... I'm Not Always Right

    "Use Gloves" They Said. "No Need" I Said... I'm Not Always Right

    britthallowellart Report

    #46

    I’ve Been Indoors For A Couple Months Now And I’m Now Dyeing My Hair For The Second Time (And Yes It’s 1AM And I’m Home Alone And Covered In Hair Dye Right Now)

    I’ve Been Indoors For A Couple Months Now And I’m Now Dyeing My Hair For The Second Time (And Yes It’s 1AM And I’m Home Alone And Covered In Hair Dye Right Now)

    gruffaloe Report

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    Airis Malfoy
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    More like Thanos posting on his snapchat - "Guys, my gauntlet is missing!"

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    #47

    My Hair Dye Exploded In My Garbage

    My Hair Dye Exploded In My Garbage

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    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never screw the cap back on even if you're finished, and don't keep old hair dye it starts to get hot as soon as you mix it

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    #49

    Call Me Carrie

    Call Me Carrie

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    Mihai Mara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So instead of washing it out she just grabs her phone and takes several selfies. Oh wow, poor her *eye roll*

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