Are you looking to remove or strip out a hair color you no longer want? Getting color out of hair can be tricky, but there are a few methods you can try at home to fade or remove dye from your hair. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common household ingredients and techniques used for hair color removal.
Using Vitamin C
One of the most popular ways to strip hair color at home is with vitamin C. Crushing up vitamin C tablets into a fine powder and mixing them with shampoo can help fade color from your hair. Vitamin C is an acidic ingredient that works to oxidize the hair color molecules. This makes them water-soluble so they can be washed away. Here’s how to do a vitamin C hair color remover treatment:
- Crush up about 20 vitamin C tablets into a fine powder.
- Mix the vitamin C powder with about 1/4 cup of shampoo.
- Wet your hair and work the vitamin C shampoo mixture thoroughly into your hair. Massage your scalp to boost circulation.
- Allow the mixture to process for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse out the vitamin C shampoo and then shampoo your hair as normal.
- Repeat this process as needed until you’ve removed as much of the color as possible.
Vitamin C works best on semi-permanent or direct dyes. It may take several treatments to see noticeable fading or removal of permanent hair color. Use caution if you have color-treated hair, as vitamin C can dry out your strands. Consider using a deep conditioner after to combat any dryness or damage.
Bleaching to Strip Hair Color
Bleaching is an intensive way to remove artificial color from your hair. Bleach works by forcibly oxidizing the hair’s melanin and artificial pigment molecules. This strips the color and brings your hair back to a lighter base shade. Here’s how to bleach your hair to get color out:
- Purchase a hair bleach kit from a beauty supply store. Choose one formulated for your hair type.
- Prepare the bleaching mixture as directed on the package.
- Section your dry hair and use petroleum jelly on the hairline to protect your skin.
- Apply the bleaching mixture evenly throughout your hair, saturating all the strands.
- Allow the bleach to process for 30-45 minutes, checking often to avoid damage.
- Rinse the bleach out until the water runs clear.
- Shampoo and deeply condition your hair to restore moisture.
Bleaching is damaging, so limit use to every 4-6 weeks. Always follow up with a reparative hair mask. Bleaching works well to remove semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent hair dyes. Be aware that bleaching will not remove direct dyes, which can still cause your new color to appear muddy.
Removing Direct Dye with Clarifying Shampoo
For direct dyes that saturate the hair’s outer cuticle, a clarifying shampoo can help strip away the color. Clarifying shampoos contain surfactants that deeply cleanse and remove buildup from the hair. Here’s how to use clarifying shampoo to remove direct dye:
- Wet your hair thoroughly and apply a palmful of clarifying shampoo all over.
- Massage the shampoo vigorously into your roots and lengths, focusing on the most vibrant areas of color.
- Let it process for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
- Follow up with a hydrating conditioner or hair mask.
- Repeat this cleansing routine 2-3 times per week until you have removed as much direct dye as possible.
Clarifying shampoos work by cleansing away the direct dye molecules sitting on the surface of your hair. It will fade the color over several washes. Do not use clarifying shampoo more than 1-2 times per week, as this can dry out your hair. Use conditioner every time to avoid damage.
DIY Baking Soda Hair Color Remover
For a cheap at-home method, try making your own baking soda hair color remover. Baking soda is alkaline, which counteracts and fades dye from hair. Create a baking soda hair color removal treatment by:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1-2 tablespoons of anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Wet your hair and work the mixture all over your head, massaging into roots and lengths.
- Allow it to process for 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and follow up with conditioner.
- Repeat 1-2 times per week until you’ve removed the maximum amount of color.
This baking soda method works similarly to vitamin C powder by opening and oxidizing the hair cuticles so dye molecules are released. Be careful using baking soda, as overuse can make hair dry and brittle. Always deep condition after to prevent damage.
Dish Soap to Remove Hair Dye
Believe it or not, standard dish soap contains surfactants and detergents that can work to strip out hair color when used properly. Here’s how to safely utilize dish soap for removing hair dye at home:
- Mix equal parts dish soap and warm water. Add more water if you have long or thick hair.
- Shampoo your hair first using a clarifying shampoo. Rinse out.
- Apply the dish soap mixture all over your hair. Work into your roots and lengths.
- Massage your scalp gently with your fingertips to enhance circulation.
- Allow the dish soap to penetrate the hair for 2-3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
The key with dish soap is not leaving it on too long, as this can really dry out your hair. Limit use to 1-2 times per week. Make sure to always condition after using any stripping agents on your hair.
Removing Color with Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos designed to treat scalp fungus and seborrheic dermatitis can also help remove hair dye. These shampoos contain anti-fungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole. These ingredients help open cuticles and fade color by:
- Removing buildup
- Increasing hair porosity
- Stripping away oils and deposits
To use anti-dandruff shampoo to remove hair color:
- Shampoo your hair with the anti-dandruff shampoo, massaging it into your scalp and hair.
- Allow it to remain on your hair for 2-5 minutes.
- Rinse out and follow up with a hydrating conditioner.
- Use this shampoo routine 2-3 times per week to help remove color deposits.
This method works best on temporary, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent hair dyes. The active ingredients will help lift direct deposit dye from the hair cuticle. It may take several washes to see results. Make sure to always condition after shampooing.
Other Things to Consider
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when using home remedies to remove hair color:
- Always strand test first to check for reactions or damage.
- Don’t over-process or leave treatments on too long to prevent dryness.
- Avoid over-washing, as this can cause more color to fade.
- Deep condition weekly to restore moisture and shine.
- See a professional if you experience scalp irritation or burning.
Removing hair dye from your hair can take patience and several treatments over weeks. For best results, combine a few methods like vitamin C and clarifying shampoo. With some trial and error, you can find the right recipe to help strip or fade your current hair color.
Conclusion
Unwanted hair color doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right combination of ingredients and techniques, you can remove and strip dye from your hair safely at home. Start gradually and always follow up with nourishing conditioners. Removing too much color too fast can damage the hair. While stripping and fading color are doable DIY projects, for best results or dramatic color changes, see the experts. Talk to your hairstylist about the most effective and gentlest way to remove your current color before achieving your new look.
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