How do you strip black hair dye at home?

Black hair dye is striking when first applied, but over time it can fade unevenly and leave hair looking brassy. Stripping the dye allows you to remove the black pigment and return to a blank canvas so you can redye hair evenly. While the safest method is going to a salon for a professional color removal service, you can strip black dye at home if you’re careful. Here’s what you need to know about removing black hair color yourself.

Can you strip black hair dye at home?

Yes, it’s possible to strip black dye from your hair at home using color remover chemicals. However, the process can be complicated and damaging if not done properly. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Only permanent black dye can be stripped – Demi-permanent and semi-permanent black dyes are designed to wash out over several weeks. They cannot be chemically removed.
Multiple treatments may be needed – One round of color remover likely won’t get your hair back to its natural tone. Be prepared for a lengthy process.
Avoid box kits – Store-bought color remover kits may not be strong enough to remove stubborn black dye.

Strands may not lift evenly – Some sections of hair will lighten quicker than others, potentially leaving an uneven brassiness.
Expect dryness and damage – Stripping color opens the cuticle and removes protein, making hair dry and brittle.

The dangers of stripping black dye at home

While it is possible to strip black hair color at home, the process comes with risks. Here are some of the key dangers to be aware of:

Skin irritation – Color strippers contain powerful chemicals like sodium hydrosulfite that can irritate your scalp.
Uneven lifting – Some parts of your hair may process faster than others, creating splotchiness.
Breakage – Frequent use of bleach and color strippers leaves hair extremely fragile and prone to snapping.

No guarantee – There’s no guarantee you’ll successfully remove all of the black pigment at home.
Allergic reaction – You may discover you’re allergic to an ingredient in the color remover.

To limit risks, always strand test color strippers before using them all over and discontinue use if your scalp feels irritated. Consider consulting a hair stylist if you want black removed from your entire head.

Preparing your hair to be stripped

Proper prep work helps create the optimum conditions for your hair to be stripped of black dye. Here are some tips:

Wash with a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup
Rough up cuticle with baking soda to open it for stripping

Dry hair completely – water dilutes chemical processing
Protect clothing and skin from stains
Section hair cleanly for even application

Have protein filler on hand to restore hair after stripping

It’s also smart to give your hair a break in between initial dyeing and color removal. Waiting a few weeks allows the cuticle to close partially so it won’t be as vulnerable to damage.

What you’ll need to strip black dye from hair

Gather these supplies before attempting to strip color at home:

Color remover solution – Look for one formulated for black hair dye.
Developer – This activates and boosts the remover. Use 20 Volume clear developer.
Mixing bowl and brush – To blend the remover and developer.

Gloves – Wear them when handling chemicals.
Shower cap – Covers hair during processing.
Comb – For evenly distributing products.

Deep conditioner – For restoring moisture after stripping.

Professional color removing products such as Color Oops or Loreal Effasol give better results than vitamin C or dishwashing detergent. Pick removal creams designed specifically for permanent black dye.

How to mix and apply a remover

Once you have the right supplies, follow these steps for usage:

Shake the color remover bottle well.
Measure out equal parts remover and developer in a mixing bowl.
Blend together thoroughly with the brush until creamy and smooth.

Section hair cleanly and pull top layers up and away.
Saturate the underneath layers first then work upwards.
Use the brush to distribute remover from roots to ends.

Cover hair with a shower cap and allow to process for the recommended time.
Rinse for at least 5 minutes until water runs clear.
Shampoo twice and apply a hydrating deep conditioner.

Expect to go through multiple rounds of stripping treatments to break down all of the black pigment. Reapply remover to stubborn areas as needed.

What to expect from the stripping process

Here’s an overview of what you can expect when using remover on black dyed hair:

Tingling or burning sensation on the scalp

Very strong chemical odor
Color first turning reddish then orange
1-2 applications to see significant lifting

3+ applications to get back to pale yellow tones
Overlapping with bleach to fully remove black
1-2 hours processing time per application

Gradual lightening over several days

Have realistic expectations before stripping black dye at home. Be patient and don’t expect to correct the color in one session. It takes time to safely draw out dark pigment.

Using vitamin C tablets to remove black dye

For a gentler color removal option, you can use vitamin C powder or tablets:

Crush up 20-30 tablets into a fine powder
Mix powder with hot water to form a paste
Apply paste thoroughly from roots to ends

Cover hair and allow to sit for 60-90 minutes
Rinse until water runs clear
Shampoo and deeply condition

While vitamin C works best on semi-permanent dyes, it can help lift and fade stubborn black permanent color when used over time. Just don’t expect dramatic results right away.

Can you strip black hair dye with bleach?

Bleach can be used to strip away permanent black hair dye, but it must be done carefully to avoid damage. Here are some tips:

Use a low volume developer like 10 or 20 – higher volumes will be too harsh.

Apply sparingly only to the most stubborn sections of color.
Mix bleach powder with conditioning cream developer if available.
Monitor hair closely and rinse when it feels stretchy.

Tone immediately after rinsing to counteract brassiness.
Deeply condition and do not overlap bleach applications.

Bleach baths are gentler alternatives to full on bleaching. Mix 1 part powder lightener with 2 parts shampoo for gradual lifting of black dye.

Can you remove black dye with dish soap or baking soda?

Household products like dish soap and baking soda may help strip some semi-permanent black dyes, but they are minimally effective at removing permanent color. Here is how you can try using them:

Dish Soap

Apply a quarter-size dollop directly to damp hair.

Lather into a thick foam, focusing on the most faded sections first.
Allow to soak for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Shampoo well afterwards.

Baking Soda

Mix 1 tbsp baking soda with 1 cup anti-dandruff shampoo.
Massage into hair and let sit for 5 minutes.

Rinse and follow with vinegar rinse to close cuticle.

Don’t expect either of these treatments to dramatically lighten jet black permanent color. But over time, they may help soften and strip some of the dye molecules.

How to care for hair after stripping black dye

Stripping black color from hair leaves it compromised and in need of TLC. Here are some post-removal care tips:

Use a deep conditioning hair mask to restore moisture.
Avoid heat styling until hair feels stronger.
Trim any split or broken ends.

Use bond repairing treatments like Olaplex to mend bonds.
Apply a protein mask like Aphogee 2 step to reinforce the hair.
Use a weekly strengthening gloss treatment.

Wear hair in low manipulation styles while rebuilding.

Focus on restoring the health of your hair after stripping before attempting to redye it. With some patience and TLC, your hair will recover.

How to redye hair after stripping black

Once your hair is strong enough, you can move on to applying a new color. Here are tips for redyeing after stripping black:

Choose a semi, demi or vegetable-based dye if hair is damaged.
Opt for lighter colors like medium blonde or brown.
Use a toner like Wella to neutralize brassiness.

Do a patch and strand test first to see color result.
Dye hair in sections for even application.
Process for shorter time than recommended.

Use a color depositing conditioner to refresh color.

Also be aware that stripped hair soaks up color quickly. So maintain realistic expectations when applying new dyes.

How to prevent dyed black hair from fading

If you love your black shade and want to prevent it from fading or oxidizing, here are some tips:

Use a sulfate-free shampoo and cold water washes.
Enhance shine with a glossing treatment.
Avoid chlorine and salt water which can strip color.

Use a UV protecting spray before going in the sun.
Top up color monthly with a semi-permanent black dye.
Rinse with cider vinegar to lock in color.

Avoid heated styling tools like blowdryers or straighteners.

Take care to wash, condition, and style black dyed hair gently. Avoid fading triggers and use depositing products to keep the color true.

When to see a professional for color removal

While it’s possible to strip black permanent dye at home, you may want to visit a salon if:

You have over 40% gray hair
Your hair is very damaged or fragile
You want to go more than 3-4 shades lighter

Your hair has been dyed black multiple times
You are experiencing scalp irritation or rashes
You want to avoid the hassle and damage of DIY removing

Salon professionals have access to high-quality removal products like Redken Flash Lift and Olapex bonding treatments. Their expertise can give you the safest color correction experience.

Conclusion

Stripping black dye from your hair is a lengthy and potentially damaging process. While it can be done at home, only permanent color will fully strip and you may need multiple treatments to see real lightening. Have patience, use nourishing products, and consider getting a professional consultation if your hair is compromised. With the right technique and aftercare, you can safely remove stubborn black hair dye.

Method	Effectiveness on Permanent Dye	Damage Level	Speed
Color Remover	High	Moderate	Gradual
Vitamin C	Low-Moderate	Minimal	Very gradual
Bleach	High	High	Fast
Dish Soap	Low	Minimal	Very gradual
Baking Soda	Low-Moderate	Low	Gradual

This table summarizes the effectiveness, potential damage, and speed of common black hair dye stripping methods.