When it comes to hair coloring, there are two main types: temporary and permanent. Permanent hair color is more difficult to remove than temporary hair color. Is permanent hair color really ‘permanent’, or what if you want to get rid of the color?
In this article, we will discuss how to remove permanent hair color from your hair using seven easy methods. We will also provide some tips on how to avoid damaging your hair when trying to remove hair color permanently.
How does permanent hair color work?
Permanent hair color is a chemical-based product that penetrates the cortex of your natural hair color, changing its molecular structure. The change in the molecular structure of the hair makes complete removal more difficult than semi-permanent hair colors.
7 easy methods to remove permanent hair color
Understanding how permanent hair color affects your hair and makes it harder to pull off is one thing. The next thing you want to know is how to remove permanent hair color from the hair color when needed.
Method 1: A mixture of shampoo and baking soda against dandruff
Anti-dandruff shampoo will help fade hair color due to being a Clarifying shampoo. If you mix clarifying shampoo with Baking soda powderYou can lighten your natural hair color significantly without as much damage as you might experience when using bleach.
Mix half a cup of anti-dandruff shampoo and baking soda in a bowl. Apply this mixture as a color stripper. Wash the hair starting from the scalp and work to the ends. Leave it on colored hair for 15 minutes before washing it off with water.
If you are dealing with difficult colors, such as gray hair, you can try again for several days until you remove all the color from your natural color.
It is recommended to use a conditioner after each application. The conditioner will help prevent brittle hair as you see the hair color gradually fade.
Method 2: A mixture of shampoo and dish soap
Using dish soap in combination with shampoo is another effective method for removing hair color permanently. The ingredients of the dish soap work to break down the molecules of the hair color and gradually lighten them.
The following ingredients in dish soap help remove hair color.
Cleaners: These help lift and remove color from your hair.
Denatured alcohol: It helps dissolve the hair color, although it can leave your hair dry.
Other beneficial ingredients include the following.
- sodium chloride
- dissolving
- sodium hydroxide
To make this mixture, mix equal parts shampoo and dish soap in a bowl. Work the mixture into damp hair. Pay close attention to the roots while you wash your hair. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Use warm water to rinse. Repeat the procedure as needed. You may need to use this color removal method once a week until you see the unwanted hair color disappear.
Method 3: Baking soda and Epsom salt mixture
Using this color remover, you can strip your natural color of its permanent color without harsh chemicals. Baking soda works with Epsom salt effectively. Combined, they can help reduce the intensity of color in your strands.
Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a bowl. Wet your hair and then apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Work it in with a brush or comb, then leave the product on for up to an hour.
wash with lukewarm water. You can try repeating this mixture for up to four days.
Method 4: A mixture of lemon juice and conditioner
lemon juice brings an acidic character. It can lighten existing hair color and help remove permanent hair color. Mix equal parts lemon juice and conditioner in a bowl. Apply the mixture on the scalp and work it. Wash it off with water after 60 minutes.
You might want to try exposing the mixture to the sun while it’s on your head. When lemon juice comes in contact with oxygen and sunlight, citric acid reacts. The process can significantly lighten the hair color. It may not work well on dark brown hair.
Lemon juice can also benefit your naturally colored hair in the following ways.
Not only does lemon lighten your hair, but it also removes the buildup caused by hair products. Lemon juice is an effective deep scalp cleanser. It is effective in reducing dandruff, negating the need for selenium sulfate shampoos.
Lemon has an acidic pH, which can help restore the pH balance of your scalp and hair. Maintaining a healthy scalp and hair pH keeps the nail closed and healthy. It not only prevents fungus and bacteria from growing, but also keeps your hair strong and healthy.
Method 5: Hot water and vitamin C mixture
Hair color can be permanently removed using hot water and Vitamin C. The combination of both will help lighten your natural color without causing too much damage.
Mix two tablespoons of vitamin C tablets into a bowl of warm water. Wear a shower cap while you apply the mixture to your hair using a brush or applicator bottle.
Wondering how long to keep the moisture on the scalp? Lighter or less permanent hair color removal shows results faster when using vitamin C, so you can start with a shorter time frame.
For dark brown hair or more stubborn hair colors, you will need to leave it in the hair for longer. In this case, try it for 30 to 60 minutes. If you use the mixture on your hair several times, it may cause scalp irritation.
Method 6: Mixture of water and vinegar
Vinegar is often used as a scalp cleanser, but because of its acidity, it has also been used to help remove hair color permanently. While this won’t strip the hair color completely, it will help fade it.
Make sure your hair is clean first and thoroughly shampooed. Then boil two cups of water in a small pot. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar and let it steep for about 15 minutes. After it cools down, wash the mixture completely through your hair.
You will need to wash your hair with this mixture at least 2-3 times a week. You may notice your hair smells a bit like vinegar, but the smell should fade as your hair dries.
Method 7: Hot oil treatment
if you have Olive oil In your pantry, you’re in luck because this is a natural method to remove hair color permanently.
Extra virgin olive oil works best because it has a higher acidity, but extra virgin olive oil or refined olive oil will do just as well. You will also need a shower cap or plastic wrap for this method.
First, wash your hair with lukewarm or warm water to open the hair cuticles. Pour half a cup of olive oil in a bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds – a minute.
If it’s really hot when you’re done, let it cool before moving on to the next step because you don’t want hot oil burning on your head.
When the olive oil is cool enough, drip it on the head starting from the scalp. Use your fingers to work the oil through your hair, especially at the bottom.
When your hair is coated, cover it with a shower cap or wrap the plastic wrap around your head to seal the oil in. If it drips out, you can wrap a towel around your head as well.
Leave the hair wrapped for at least 30 minutes before washing with lukewarm water or clarifying shampoo. Use this method once a week to start removing hair color.
Methods that may cause damage when removing permanent hair color
When learning how to remove permanent hair color from your hair, you should know that some color removers can damage your hair and scalp.
- whiten – Bleach, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide are all harsh chemicals yes bad for hair. They can lead to hair breakage, make it more susceptible to damage and dry it out. It’s also easy to overestimate how much you’re putting into your hair, so leave the bleach to the professionals.
- chlorine – Chlorine strips away all of your hair’s natural oils, which is why everyone in the hair industry will tell you not to get your hair wet in a swimming pool if you can avoid it. Chlorine will completely dry out your hair, cause split ends and adverse chemical reactions, and weaken your hair.
- Hand sanitizer – Since hand sanitizer contains alcohol, your hair will end up super dry and brittle just by trying to use it as a permanent hair color remover. It may also irritate the scalp and cause dandruff.
Professional treatment for permanent hair color removal
If you have no experience with permanent hair color removal or want to save time and peace of mind, visit a professional hair colorist to safely remove your permanent hair color.
Depending on the length of your hair, hair color removal can cost $70 – $200.
The colorful will want use bleach or a Ammonia-free process To remove the hair color. You’ll likely need a professional when you’re dealing with very long hair, gray hair, or recently dyed hair.
Permanently removing hair color can be a complicated process, so unless you feel completely comfortable doing the job yourself, knowing it will take longer and may not even turn out right, go see a professional.
Summary
- Permanent hair color changes the molecular structure of the hair, making it more difficult to remove than semi-permanent colors.
- Anti-dandruff shampoo and baking soda mixture can fade hair color significantly. Leave it on your hair for 15 minutes before rinsing.
- A combination of shampoo and dish soap can effectively remove hair dye. Leave it on your hair for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
- A mixture of baking soda and Epsom salt can remove color from hair without harsh chemicals. Apply and leave it for up to an hour, repeat the operation for up to four days.
- Lemon juice and conditioner can lighten hair color and remove color. Apply the mixture and leave it for 60 minutes before washing off.
- A mixture of warm water and vitamin C can lighten hair color without much damage. Apply and leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes.
- A mixture of water and vinegar can help fade hair color. Wash your hair with this mixture 2-3 times a week.
- Treating hair with hot oil, such as olive oil, can also remove hair color. Apply heated oil to the hair and leave it for 30 minutes before washing.
- Avoid using bleach, chlorine or hand sanitizer to remove color as they can damage the hair and scalp.
- A professional treatment can safely remove hair color, at costs ranging from $70 – $200, depending on the length and color of the hair.
There are many methods of permanent hair color removal, and it can be challenging to discern which is safe, affordable, and effective.
If you decide to do it yourself, avoid bleach and the other harsh methods listed above. Opt for natural methods using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen pantry. If you’re not seeing the results you were hoping for within a week or two, it might be time to call in the pros. Either way, you have options!