Introduction
Both Rit Color Remover and bleach can be used to remove hair dye, but they work in different ways. Rit Color Remover is a chemical process that reverses the oxidative process of permanent hair color. It shrinks the color molecules so they can be rinsed away. Bleach removes color by stripping away artificial pigments and lightening the natural melanin in hair.
Rit Color Remover is gentler and less damaging than bleach. However, bleach is more effective at dramatically lightening hair or removing stubborn color. The best choice depends on your specific goals.
How does Rit Color Remover work?
Rit Color Remover works by shrinking artificial dye molecules so they can be rinsed out of the hair shaft. It contains sulfurous reducing agents that target and break down permanent oxidative hair color. When the large dye molecules are reduced to a smaller size, they are no longer trapped in the hair and can be removed.
Some key points about Rit Color Remover:
– Mainly removes permanent/oxidative color, not semi-permanent or direct dyes
– Does not lighten natural pigment, only removes artificial color
– Less damaging to hair than bleach since it does not strip melanin
– Results can be unpredictable based on type of dye and other factors
– Works best on hair that is not freshly dyed
The effects of Rit Color Remover are temporary. It does not prevent new color from being deposited or permanently strip dye from the hair. For permanent color removal, bleaching is more effective.
How does bleach remove hair color?
Bleach contains alkaline agents that break open the hair cuticle and oxidizing agents that penetrate into the hair shaft to dissolve melanin. It lightens hair by:
– Stripping out artificial pigments from hair dye
– Oxidizing and decolorizing natural melanin in the cortex
When the melanin granules are destroyed, they cannot produce color. This reveals a lighter base shade. Bleach removes color more thoroughly than color remover alone.
The main effects of bleaching:
– Dramatically lightens and lifts artificial dye pigment
– Decolorizes natural melanin and produces extreme lifting
– Damage is permanent unlike with color remover
– Can achieve platinum blonde shades not possible with remover alone
– Works on permanent, semi-permanent, and direct dyes
Repeated or improper bleaching can lead to severe dryness, breakage, and other damage. Bleach should always be used with care by a professional colorist.
Is it better to use Rit Color Remover or bleach?
Whether it’s better to use Rit Color Remover or bleach depends on your specific hair and the results you want to achieve.
| Rit Color Remover | Bleach |
|---|---|
| Less damaging to hair | More damaging to hair |
| Mainly removes permanent/oxidative dye | Removes all types of dye |
| Does not lighten natural pigment | Lightens and decolorizes natural pigment |
| Color removal is temporary | Color removal is permanent |
| Better for minor color correction | Better for dramatic color removal |
Here are some guidelines for choosing between the two:
– For removing semi-permanent or direct dyes, bleaching is required
– To remove permanent color and avoid major lightening, use color remover
– If hair is already damaged, opt for remover over bleaching
– For significant lifting or to reach platinum shades, bleaching is necessary
– Using both together can maximize color removal while minimizing damage
Consult a professional to determine the right process for your hair goals and condition. In some cases, doing a remover treatment first then bleaching may yield the best results.
Step-by-step guide to using Rit Color Remover
If you decide Rit Color Remover is the best option for removing your current dye, follow these steps:
1. Wash hair with a clarifying shampoo and towel dry. Do not condition.
2. Prepare the color remover according to the instructions. Shake activator bottle then mix with remover liquid.
3. Apply the mixture evenly throughout clean, dry hair. Make sure all strands are saturated.
4. Cover hair with a plastic cap and wrap head in a warm towel. Processing time is about 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, working through hair with fingers. Continue rinsing until water runs clear.
6. Shampoo again and condition well. Comb through hair to remove any remaining dye molecules.
7. Dry and style as usual. Color will appear removed from hair.
8. Repeat if needed for maximum color removal. Limit to 1-2 applications to prevent damage.
The hair should not have any chemical smell after rinsing. If any color remains, a second application may be helpful. Maintenance will depend on the new color.
What are the side effects of using Rit Color Remover?
Rit Color Remover is formulated to gently remove dye with minimal damage. However, some side effects can still occur:
– Dryness – rinse thoroughly and use moisturizing products after.
– Irritation – discontinue use if scalp becomes itchy or inflamed.
– Hair loss – a small amount of shedding is normal but excessive loss means stopping use.
– Uneven results – overlaps in application can lead to splotchy areas.
– Color stain – in rare cases, remover residue can cause discoloration.
– Lack of results – on some types of dye, remover has little effect.
Always do a strand test first to check your hair’s reaction. Limit use to 1-2 times max to prevent chemical overprocessing. Deep condition after each use to replenish moisture. See a dermatologist for scalp irritation or extreme reactions.
What are the side effects of using bleach?
Bleach is more harsh than color remover and can cause the following issues:
– Severe dryness and brittleness
– Increased porosity along shafts
– Breakage especially on overprocessed areas
– Scalp burns if bleach touches skin
– Skin and eye irritation from fumes
– Hair loss and thinning if overused
– Undesired blonde tones or excessive lightening on some areas
– Cuticle damage, split ends, and frayed strands
Bleach should always be applied by a trained colorist. Use the lowest volume developer possible to limit damage. Deep condition after and avoid additional chemical services until hair recovers. See a doctor for chemical burns or extreme irritation.
How to care for hair after using color remover or bleach
It’s crucial to properly care for hair after stripping processes:
– Deep condition with a hydrating hair mask and leave on for up to an hour
– Use bonding treatments containing Olaplex, keratin, collagen, etc. to rebuild bonds
– Avoid heat styling tools until hair is in better condition
– Get regular trims to remove damaged ends and prevent splitting
– Use bond-strengthening and repairing shampoos, conditioners, oils
– Avoid chemical services including dyeing for 4-6 weeks after
– Use a leave-in conditioner and serum/oil for extra moisture
– Protect hair from sun exposure which can cause damage
– Consider getting hot oil, protein, or keratin treatments done professionally
With the proper aftercare, hair can fully recover from the stress of color removal or bleaching over time. Be very gentle and focus on rebuilding strength and elasticity.
Conclusion
Rit Color Remover is gentler compared to bleach and better for removing permanent dye without major lightening. However, bleach provides more dramatic color removal for semi-permanent or direct dyes. Consider your hair goals and condition to decide which option is best. Always do a test strand first. Proper aftercare is vital following either process to restore moisture and help repair damage. When in doubt, consult a professional hair stylist for the safest recommendation. With some time and TLC, your hair can bounce back from the rigors of dye removal.
