If you’ve grown sick of your current hair colour and are keen to either go back to your natural shade or try a brand new one, you’ll have two options to consider.
The first is to simply wait until the dyed hair has grown out and then snip it off.
The second, much faster option, is to remove the hair dye yourself.
Can I remove any hair dye?
Whether you can remove your hair dye at all will largely depend on the type of dye you originally used:
- Permanent dyes – Permanent hair dye does what it says on the tin and can be almost impossible to remove without bleaching it. All you’ll be able to do is dye over the top of it, a process which doesn’t always achieve the desired shade and could also damage your hair
- Semi-permanent dyes – If you’ve opted for semi-permanent hair colour, it’s possible to remove it safely and easily if you have the right know how.
- Wash in, wash out dyes – For wash in, wash out dyes, all you’ll need to do is simply have a shower!
How to strip hair dye
If you’ve currently got a semi-permanent hair dye on your locks and are keen to switch it up, there’s a few easy methods you can use to remove it safely and quickly.
1. The vitamin C method
What you’ll need:
- Vitamin C tablets
- A gentle shampoo, preferably one that’s anti-dandruff
What to do:
- Start by grinding up six to ten vitamin C tablets (dependent on hair length) using a pestle and mortar. You can also crush them using the back of a spoon.
- Combine these in a bowl with around a tablespoon of shampoo and mix until it forms a paste.
- Apple the paste to your dyed hair evenly with your fingers.
- Leave the paste on for around 30 minutes and then wash it out thoroughly.
- If you haven’t quite got all the dye out, repeat the process a few days later.
2. The vinegar method
What you’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Warm water
What to do:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water together (the amount you need will depend on the length of your hair).
- Apply the mix all over your hair and the wring out any excess. You might want to put a shower cap on to keep your hair contained and prevent the vinegar mix from dripping.
- Leave for around 15 minutes and then wash your hair.
- Repeat again if needed.
3. The shampoo method
If you don’t like the sound of putting vinegar or vitamin c on your hair, you might see some results simply by washing your hair a few times. While shampoos containing sulphates are not usually recommended as they can dry the hair out, they can be very effective at easing the colour out of dyed hair.
For the best results, leave some on your hair for around 20 minutes.
After you’ve attempted one of these hair dye removal methods, make sure you condition your hair to replenish its moisture levels and help keep it soft. It’s also a good idea to test out any homemade mixtures on a small section of hair first to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
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Last updated: 25 March 2020
Sources
https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/how-to-remove-hair-dye-best-hair-dye-removers/252397
https://bellatory.com/hair/How-to-Remove-Hair-Dye-with-Baking-Soda-Vitamin-C-and-Vinegar
http://www.yourbeautyadvisor.com/2014/12/4-natural-methods-for-fading-dye-from-hair/
