Faded vivid before correction at Elevate Salon + Spa, Charlottesville VA

Reviewed by Anna, owner and educator at Elevate Salon + Spa, who trains every stylist through Elevation Training. Updated September 2026.

Every correction is different

No two color corrections look the same, because no two color histories are the same. Depending on what is in your hair, your stylist may use color or metal removal, bonding treatments, color fills, foiling, and blonding or blending techniques, often in combination. The aim is to bring your hair to an even, healthy starting point, then build the color you actually wanted.

Because the work is so personal, color correction is not something you book blind. You start with a consultation at the salon, where your stylist looks at your hair, asks about every past service and may recommend a test strand to see how your hair responds. Bigger corrections can take more than one session, and bonders are always included to keep your hair feeling healthy. If you simply want to go much lighter on natural or previously lightened hair, modern blonding may fit better.

Color correction is performed by Morgan and Demie, who both list color correction among their specialties, and by Justin.

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  • Consultation first

    Your stylist needs to see your hair and hear its history before planning anything. That conversation shapes the whole service, from which removal method makes sense to how many sessions it may take.

  • A test strand when it helps

    For some hair, your stylist may recommend a test strand. Seeing how a small section responds takes the surprises out of the full service and sets honest expectations about what one visit can do.

  • Bond care built in

    Removing and lifting color strains the hair. Bonding treatments are included in every correction, so strength and softness are protected throughout the process rather than handled as an afterthought at the end.

  • A finish you can wear home

    Each correction includes a refining gloss and a blowdry. Even when your plan has more than one session, you leave with hair that looks intentional and polished, not stuck between two colors.

  • Faded vivid before correction at Elevate Salon + Spa, Charlottesville VA
  • Vivid purple and teal at Elevate Salon + Spa, Charlottesville VA
  • Vivid purple and blue curls at Elevate Salon + Spa, Charlottesville VA

More about color Correction

What to expect at your appointment

Once your consultation is done and the plan is set, your correction is booked for the time your hair needs. Come comfortable and bring something to read, because this is a long service. Your stylist will explain each step as it happens, from removing old color to lifting, filling or foiling. The Guest Care Team keeps lattes, snacks and blankets close by. You finish with a refining gloss and blowdry, and a clear picture of what comes next for your hair.

Aftercare and maintenance

Corrected hair has been through a lot, so home care makes a real difference. Use a bond builder such as Olaplex to restore strength and shine, and trade regular conditioner for a moisturizing mask. Keep heat low and always use a protectant. A shower filter helps reduce brassiness and dullness. Plan on a gloss and bonding treatment between sessions, and your stylist will set the timing for any further correction.

How pricing works

Color correction is priced by the time your service takes plus product, rather than as a set service, because every correction is different. The length and density of your hair, how much color needs to come out, and the stylist you book all affect the total. Your consultation gives you a clear sense of the plan first. See the Service Menu for current pricing.

See the work

Current cuts, color and finished styles from the team are posted on Instagram @elevatesalonva. Elevate Salon + Spa holds a 4.9 rating from 900 Google reviews.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a color correction?

Start with a consultation. Your stylist needs to see your hair and hear its history before planning the service and reserving time. Text the salon or book a consultation online, and have photos of your current hair ready, along with anything you remember about past dye or lightening.

Can my color be fixed in one appointment?

Sometimes, but not always. Dark permanent dye, several layers of old color, or a big gap between where you are and where you want to be can mean more than one session. Your stylist will tell you at the consultation what is realistic in one visit.

What is a test strand?

A test strand is a small section of hair treated before the full service to see how it responds to removal or lightening. It shows your stylist how your hair lifts and holds up, so the plan for your correction is based on your actual hair.

Will color correction damage my hair?

Removing or lifting color is demanding on hair, which is why bonding treatments are included in every correction. Your stylist watches the condition of your hair throughout and may stop at a safe point and continue in a later session rather than push too far.

Should I book color correction or modern blonding?

If your hair has dye you want removed or lightened, book color correction. If your hair is natural or has only been lightened before and you want to go significantly blonder, modern blonding is the right service. Not sure? Text the salon a photo and the team will guide you.

Begin with a consultation

See the Service Menu for current pricing, and explore balayage and modern blonding or vivid color for where your hair can go next.

Serving Charlottesville: Color Correction in Charlottesville.