No matter whether it’s a post-salon result that you’re not excited about or a DIY situation gone horribly wrong, hair color snafus can and do happen. That’s where hair color removers come in, essentially acting as magic erasers to strip out the unwanted dye. The big caveat here? In an ideal world, it’s always best to have a professional do any kind of color removing and/or correction, cautions colorist Kristen Fleming, color director of 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago, who notes that it’s a complicated process even for the pros. That being said, if you are going to take matters into your own hands, here’s what you need to know. “Every time color is removed from your hair you run the risk of damage, so I recommend looking for one that’s gentle, moisturizing, and free of bleach and ammonia,” advises Fleming. Los Angeles-based colorist and owner of Highbrow Hippie salon Kadi Lee agrees: “If these two ingredients are present, you’re just asking for more trouble.” Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo, which will help remove some of the dyes and enhance the results of the remover, says Fleming. It’s also imperative to follow the directions of the particular product you’re using to a T—now is not the time for creative license. Keep in mind that it’s always best to apply the remover to your ends first. “The ends of your hair tend to be more porous, so they’ll usually hold onto artificial color more stubbornly,” explains Lee. Also important: Make sure the product is evenly saturated throughout your hair to avoid ending up with a splotchy result, notes Fleming. And finally, once you’re done, both experts suggest following up with a reparative mask ASAP to add back much-needed hydration. Read on for the best hair color removers and collectors. In This Article Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look For Why Trust Byrdie? What We Like Contains hydrating ingredients Effective for both types of color Has a gentle effect What We Don't Like The smell Both experts recommend this particular product. “It’s affordable and gentle, and even though your hair may feel dry after, it won’t be damaged,” notes Fleming. (Credit the addition of moisturizing soy proteins and aloe in the formula.) It works in just 20 minutes and is effective for removing both semi-permanent and permanent color. Active Ingredients: Hydrosulfite | Size: 60 milliliters | Application Method: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like Customized experience Provides helpful instructions Creates fast results What We Don't Like Only works on permanent color The smell This three-step system is customizable, allowing you to mix as much as needed based on the density and length of your hair. (There are also instructions for mixing it with shampoo if you need only slight color correction, rather than a complete one.) Just keep in mind that it’s specially formulated to remove unwanted permanent color, so if you’re trying to get rid of semi- or demi-permanent dye, it may not be as effective. Active Ingredients: Sulfinic acid | Size: 118 milliliters | Application Method: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like Good for removing stains from skin Gentle Provides hydration What We Don't Like The smell Might take more wiping than desired While these wipes don’t exactly fit the mold of all the other color removers here—they’re made for skin and not hair—let’s not forget that you may very well need to remove hair color from your skin. These wipes effectively take off stains from areas where you can end up with unwanted dye stains, think around your hairline or the nape of your neck, without you having to scrub and scrub. They’re also very gentle, boosting gently exfoliating lactic acid and hydrating aloe, and smell good too. Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, sea salt | Size: 100 wipes | Application Method: Wipes | Cruelty-Free: Unknown | Byrdie Clean: No The 13 Best Professional Hair Color Brands of 2022 What We Like Affordable Works quickly Has a gentle effect What We Don't Like The smell This pick is best reserved to tone down semi-permanent color—i.e. if that pastel pink you were going for came out way too bubble gum-esque. Start by mixing one packet of the powder with water and shaking until it transforms into a gel, then working that through hair. True to its name, it is heat-activated, so pop on a shower cap and hit your hair with a blow-dryer for around 15 minutes to get it to do its thing. FYI, while reviewers do say it works, they do note that it doesn’t smell the best. Active Ingredients: Ascorbic acid | Size: 0.7 ounces | Application Method: Powder to gel | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No The 15 Best Ammonia-Free Hair Dyes of 2022 What We Like Effective for skin, clothes, and hair Easy on the skin during application Brings quick results What We Don't Like Can’t be used all over the hair Multi-tasking for the win: You can use this formula to remove extra color build-up from ends (remember what Lee said about them being the most porous and soaking up the most color?), as well as to clean up dye stains on your skin, and remove the color from clothes, too. FYI, this particular pick does contain ammonia, so it’s not a great pick to use all over your hair; save it for just small spots or to even out the ends. Active Ingredients: Ammonia| Size: 11.8 ounces | Application Method: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like Affordable Works with all types of hair color Removes product build-up What We Don't Like Requires multiple mixing steps This can be a good option for anyone wanting to get rid of more bold colors, such as blues, pinks, and purples, says Fleming. The bleach- and ammonia-free formula removes not only color but also product build-up and pollution and also nourishes the hair while it lifts the color, she adds, thanks to hydrating baobab oil. It works on permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary colors, not to mention it is super affordable, too. Active Ingredients: Sodium oxymethylene sulfoxylate | Size: Unknown | Application Method: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Here Are the Best Dyes for Bright Hair Color What We Like Clean and cruelty-free formula Works very quickly Hydrates What We Don't Like Might not work for every hair type “This product is a staple in many colorist’s arsenals,” says Lee. Fleming is also a fan of the vegan formula, though notes that, like any other remover, while it removes color, the result may not necessarily be your desired hue. It’s fast-acting, too, getting the job done in just five minutes. Plus, the single-use packs are super easy to use. Active Ingredients: Ascorbic acid | Size: 0.17 ounces | Application Method: Dissolvable crystals | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes What We Like Contains hydrating and strengthening ingredients Very effective Minimizes breakage during application What We Don't Like Need to purchase a developer Lee calls this a heavy-duty hair color remover; use it for hard-to-remove permanent shades. (Though you can either mix it with water to remove fewer amounts of color and with a developer, purchased separately, for more complete removal.) Still, despite its strength, it also boasts avocado oil, bamboo oil, and a protective complex to minimize damage and breakage, always a good thing. Active Ingredients: Bleach alternative | Size: 4 ounces | Application Method: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like Affordable Easy to use Comes with included hair mask What We Don't Like Has to be left on overnight Only works on semi-permanent color This very affordable, single-use option is ammonia- and bleach-free, instead of relying on ascorbic acid to help lift color. It’s easy-to-use (just mix the packet of crystals with water to create a gel), though it does have to be left on overnight or for at least eight hours. FYI, it’s only formulated to lift semi-permanent color. Active Ingredients: Ascorbic acid | Size: 0.54 ounces | Application Method: Jelly-like cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What We Like Affordable Easy to use Provides much conditioning to the hair What We Don't Like Won’t remove color on its own True to its name, this won’t remove color completely, but it will help fade it.It can’t be used on its own. Instead, it’s meant to act as a mixing medium that you add to one of the brand’s dyes to create a softer, more subdued effect. We also appreciate that the cream formula is also super conditioning and extremely easy to use. Active Ingredients: Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate | Size: 0.54 ounces | Application Method: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Removing hair color is a tricky process that’s best left for the pros, but if you do want to go the DIY route, the experts we spoke with agree that the Color Oops Extra Conditioning Hair Color Remover (view at Ulta) is gentle yet effective.Many colorists also use the Malibu C Color Correction (view at SleekShop), which works in just five minutes and has the added benefit of coming in easy-to-use, single-use packets.The Roux Beauty Clean Touch Stain Remover (view at Sally Beauty) is a choice multi-tasking pick, effective for both removing excess color from porous ends, as well as dye stains on clothing and skin. Hair color remover in and of itself is stripping and has the potential to damage your hair. The experts we spoke with warned that formulas that contain these additional ingredients are only going to be even more drying and increase the likelihood that the process really takes a toll on your hair. In related news, if you can find a formula that touts hydrating or conditioning ingredients (butter, oils, silicones) and/or strengtheners such as keratin or proteins, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of damaging your hair during the process. Not all types of hair color are created equal, so you want to ensure the remover you’re choosing is intended for use with the type of color you’re trying to eliminate. The box will usually specify whether the product is best for temporary, demi- or semi-permanent, or permanent color. FAQ How do you remove hair color? To remove temporary color, a wash or two with a clarifying shampoo and hot water should do the trick, says Fleming. For demi-/semi-permanent color (the two are the same thing) or permanent color, apply a hair color remover that is effective for these types of formulas on the mid-shaft, and work toward the ends, only applying the remover closer to the scalp and roots since the hair here will lighten much more quickly. Does hair color remover damage hair? The short answer: Yes, it can, especially if it’s not used properly. “Color remover is just as harsh as bleach, so you have to be careful and follow the directions explicitly,” warns Fleming, who also underscores the importance of always following up with a reparative mask afterward. Can you bleach your hair after using color remover? Because the removal process is harsh enough as it is, you’ll want to give your hair a little bit of a break and some extra TLC before continuing to bleach it, says Fleming. This means waiting anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the condition of your hair. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Since she has her hair professionally colored, she relied on the input of experts and plenty of consumer reviews to compile this list. Meet the Expert According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any hair color removers from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP. The 12 Best At-home Hair Color Brands of 2022Framar Kolor Killer Wipes
Final Verdict
What to Look for in a Hair Color Remover
Ammonia- and Bleach-Free Formulas
Hydrating and/or Reparative Ingredients
Indications as to What Kind of Hair Color It Can Remove
Why Trust Byrdie?
FAQs
What hair color remover works the best? ›
- Best Overall: Color Oops Hair Color Remover. ...
- Best for Dark Hair: Colour B4 Hair Colour Remover. ...
- Best for Semi-Permanent Dye: Color X-Change Phase Out Gentle Dye Decolorizer. ...
- Best Value: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo. ...
- Best for All Hair Types: Framar Kolor Killer Wipes.
Daily washes with hot water and a clarifying shampoo (not a color-safe shampoo) will go a long way toward washing out your color. Until your hair is ready for another attempt at dyeing, you can use a cool-toned gloss to tide you over with short-term hair color correction while also adding gorgeous shine.
Does color remover take out permanent dye? ›1. Colour Remover only removes Permanent Hair Colour. It's like the box says — Permanent Hair Colour Remover, not Semi Permanent Hair Colour Remover or Henna Remover. Colour Remover has been designed to target Permanent Colour, it can't clear out any other artificial Colours in the Hair.
Does Colorfix remove permanent hair color? ›What is it? One N Only Colorfix removes unwanted permanent hair color regardless of how long it has been in the hair. Controlled usage allows color correction to specific areas. One N Only Colorfix is designed for full or slight color corrections.
How do you get permanent hair dye out of your hair fast? ›Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda can be an effective way to remove permanent hair dye naturally because of its lightening properties. Try mixing baking soda with lemon juice, which is acidic, to create a paste. Then, work the paste through your hair, allow it to sit for five minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Akin to a leave-in conditioner, Color X-Change's decolorizer and hair mask is ideal for those looking to remove one color before recoloring with another. Simply mix the decolorizer crystals with water to form a gel, and then apply it to freshly-washed, towel-dried hair, and leave on overnight (or at least eight hours).
How do you lighten hair that was dyed too dark? ›A lightening or clarifying shampoo can lift the color and help you get the desired result. You can request that your stylist use a shampoo that is designed to lighten your hair. You can also wash your hair with clarifying shampoo in between salon visits safely to lift the color even more.
Will Dawn lighten dyed hair? ›Dawn dish soap also acts as a mild bleach and can, therefore, be used to remove or lighten hair dye on your hair.
Will lemon juice lighten dyed hair? ›When you think about lightening your hair color, using fruit might be the last thing on your mind. But lemon juice is an excellent DIY method for changing hair color. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent.
How do hairdressers strip colour from hair? ›Bleaching your hair will have lightened both your natural pigment and any hair dye. Sulfur-based strippers work by opening the hair cuticle and breaking down the dye molecules that are attached to the cortex allowing them to be washed away.
How long does it take for permanent hair dye to wash out completely? ›
Ideally, permanent hair colour would stay just as vibrant as it was the day you coloured it, at least until the roots grow. On most heads of hair, that would mean a good 6-8 weeks between touch-ups.
How does olive oil remove permanent hair color? ›Using olive oil to remove permanent hair dye completely can take several weeks, but it is a simple process. You will need to wash and prepare your hair, warm up the olive oil, apply the oil to your scalp, and then rinse it out. Soon, you'll have the perfect shade you've always wanted.
Is color fix or Color Oops better? ›That's an important note, especially if you already have damaged hair. If you have a full color, Color Oops is your best bet. It evenly gets rid of the color without leaving any streaks. However, if your goal is to remove the color from some strands, use Color Fix.
How long can you leave Colorfix in your hair? ›Gently work through the hair to ensure even penetration. After mixing Part 1 Color Reducer and Part 2 Conditioning Catalyst, use as quickly as possible, since the activity of the mixture decrease with time. Cover loosely with a plastic cap, and process up to 20 minutes. Strand test frequently.
What does processing lotion do in Colorfix? ›The Processing Lotion actually contains peroxide and will bring your old color back. I don't know why they include it and, frankly, I don't care. Just toss the bottle and forget about its unfounded existence. Colorfix.
Does vinegar remove hair dye? ›The acidity of white vinegar will help to remove the dye. Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, advises: "Depending on the type of dye, vinegar may cause the color to fade, but it probably won't remove the dye completely. However, be sure to avoid using vinegar to remove red dye from hair."
Does baking soda remove hair dye? ›Since baking soda is a scrubbing agent, washing your hair with it can gradually strip the dye from your locks. Baking soda can lighten all hair colors, but it might take a few washes to get your hair to the desired color.
How do you remove semi permanent hair dye in one day? ›Mix equal parts baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo.
Combining baking soda, an abrasive, with anti-dandruff shampoo, a clarifying product, creates a mixture that can help strip dye out of hair. Use 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of baking soda and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of anti-dandruff shampoo.
Because of this, red hair dye is very easy to remove with water. Add shampoos and other hair products into the mix, and the dye will fade even faster. What is this? On average, red hair dye (even intense red shades) will begin to fade after just two weeks.
How can I lighten my dark brown hair to medium brown? ›- Mix equal parts fresh lemon juice and water in a small spray bottle.
- Spray the solution all over your hair (or the areas you want to lighten) until it is damp.
- Sit out in the sun for 30-60 minutes. ...
- You can choose to leave the lemon in your hair, or rinse it out after you've spent enough time in the sun.
Is there a shampoo that lightens dyed hair? ›
John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo
SAFE FOR COLOR TREATED HAIR - John Frieda Sheer Blonde hair products have been developed for safe use on natural, color-treated, or highlighted hair.
Use Dish Soap…
Using a detergent that is meant to get tough grease out—like dish soap—works well to remove any color that can't hold on. If you color your hair and immediately hate it, an immediate shampoo with some dish soap will strip a lot of the color away.
2. Dish Soap And Baking Soda To Remove Hair Color. This method effectively fades semi-permanent hair color. The dishwashing soap's harsh detergents will considerably strip color after the first wash.
How does Dawn dish soap remove hair color? ›REMOVING HAIR COLOR WITH BAKING SODA AND DISH SOAP
What will baking soda do to your hair? ›Baking soda dissolved in water helps to remove any buildup of oils, soaps, and other ingredients in typical hair care products. By stripping away this buildup, baking soda can leave hair squeaky-clean, shiny, and soft.
Does apple cider vinegar lighten hair? ›Apple cider vinegar to lighten hair
It can reduce dandruff, encourage growth, and remove oil build-up, making it a wonder treatment for hair. For lightening, mix one-part apple cider vinegar with six-part waters and spray across the hair. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing it out.
How to Remove Hair Color With Lemon Juice & Baking Soda
Does head and shoulders remove hair dye? ›Does Head & Shoulders remove hair dye? It doesn't! This potent formula may be tough on dandruff but it does not remove hair colour. You may notice that your hair dye fades over time, which is completely natural when you stop dying your it.
Should I wash my hair before using color remover? ›Wash your Hair 24-48 hours before Colour Removing to allow your Hairs Natural oils to help protect your scalp.
Does Colour remover damage your hair? ›The color remover (Efassor, Bond Enforcing Color Remover) enters the hair and removes any artificial color pigment, but your natural pigment remains untouched. This will leave your natural hair color intact and will not damage your hair.
How many washes does it take to get hair dye out? ›
You'll probably wash your hair at least 4 times during the 20 minutes. It's important to rinse and shampoo your hair thoroughly because this is what will remove the hair dye. Choose a shampoo designed for your hair type and avoid using color-enhancing or protecting shampoos.
What colors last longest in hair? ›So, what hair color lasts the longest? As we explained above, the answer is clear: brown. If you want a long-lasting color change, head over to your favorite salon or DIY this hair color.
Can you color over permanent hair color? ›You cannot just easily color over a previous color without having problems occur. However, it's much easier to color from a lighter color to a darker one. Say if you have light brown hair and you want to go to a dark brown. That situation would actually not cause much problem.
Which oil is best for remove hair color? ›While most hair experts suggest olive oil for removing hair dye, you should get results with other natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and castor oil.
What will fade permanent hair color? ›Frequent shampooing is one of the most substantial drivers of fading for permanent hair dye. Since your hair dye fades every time you wash it, it only makes sense to space out your wash sessions. If you usually wash your hair every two to three days, try spacing it out to once a week.
Does coconut oil remove haircolor? ›While coconut oil has some amazing health benefits, it does not remove hair dye from your hair. It does the opposite. Using coconut oil regularly in your hair can help reduce fading. Since coconut oil is so moisturizing, it coats and nourishes damaged hair, protecting the applied color.
Does Oops hair color remover work? ›Does Color Oops return hair to natural color? No, it doesn't return your hair to its natural color. In fact, it can actually make your hair look a little bit lighter than it did before. This is because the product removes all of the color from your hair, including any natural pigment.
Can I dye my hair right after color fix? ›We like to wait at least 48 hours before Colouring and longer when you are lightening the Hair. After Colour Removing your Hair shaft is completely open, so it absorbs anything you put on your Hair. This can make your Colour a lot darker.
How many times can you use Color Oops? ›DO NOT repeat more than 2 to 3 times (and always depending on condition of hair and scalp). RE-COLORING ADVICE: If re-coloring hair is desired after using Color Oops, always check condition of hair and scalp before continuing. ¿Before re-coloring your hair use a good protein conditioner beforehand.
What happens if you leave color on too long? ›"If you leave your color on for too long, there is potential for extra deposit of pigment to occur. You can't make your hair too light by leaving a tint color on too long (unless you're bleaching), but it can make your hair darker than intended," says Tardo.
How long does Color Oops take? ›
Make sure hair is clean and dry before application. All color remover instructions say to rinse after 20 minutes but that's not enough time, leave it in for 30-60 and you'll get better results (it will not damage your hair, I left it in overnight once).
How do you get rid of orange after using Color Oops? ›The best option for fixing orange hair after Color Oops is to apply a dye with ash brown tones. Ash brown dye will tone down the orange and leave you with a cool-toned look. You can choose from various ashy tones (dark or light tone), depending on how dark the orange is in your hair.
Does argan oil strip hair color? ›While there are many products out there claiming to do just that, many of them just contain harsh chemical ingredients that strip your hair and make you dependent on them for hair shine. However, argan oil is a natural oil that you can use before and after your hair coloring process.
Does Colorfix have bleach in it? ›One N Only Colorfix is designed for full or slight color corrections. From 6 to 16 applications depending on whether use is for partial or full color correction. Effective on all hair types - leaves hair in optimum condition. Does not contain ammonia, bleach or formaldehyde.
Can I use color fix twice in one day? ›You can use a temporary or semi-permanent hair dye twice on the same day without much worry of damage, so long as you don't bleach your hair first.
Does hair Colour remover actually work? ›The color remover will restore your original hair color only in certain cases. It always depends on what happened to the hair during the previous coloring. Once you change your natural hair color with an oxidizing color, the color remover cannot restore your original natural hair shade.
Is it better to use bleach or color remover? ›If your hair has been dyed with permanent hair dye, it's safe to go with removers. But these won't remove semi-permanent hair dye, henna hair dyes or your natural color. If you have dyed your hair with semi-permanent color, henna hair dye or you want to strip your natural color, then bleach may work better for you.
Does color remover damage your hair? ›Colour Remover enters your Hair shaft and removes all the artificial Colour pigment (Permanent Hair Colour) from your Hair. It will leave your Natural Colour pigment intact and does not cause damage to the Hair.
Does colour stripping damage hair? ›Stealth Haircare Health: A color stripper is specially designed to remove oxidative (permanent) dye from the hair. Color-removing products generally don't contain ammonia or bleaching agents. If you select the right brand and only use the product occasionally, it won't cause significant damage to your hair.
Does vinegar remove hair dye? ›The acidity of white vinegar will help to remove the dye. Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, advises: "Depending on the type of dye, vinegar may cause the color to fade, but it probably won't remove the dye completely. However, be sure to avoid using vinegar to remove red dye from hair."
How do hairdressers strip Colour from hair? ›
Bleaching your hair will have lightened both your natural pigment and any hair dye. Sulfur-based strippers work by opening the hair cuticle and breaking down the dye molecules that are attached to the cortex allowing them to be washed away.
How does olive oil remove permanent hair color? ›Using olive oil to remove permanent hair dye completely can take several weeks, but it is a simple process. You will need to wash and prepare your hair, warm up the olive oil, apply the oil to your scalp, and then rinse it out. Soon, you'll have the perfect shade you've always wanted.
Should I wash my hair before using color remover? ›Wash your Hair 24-48 hours before Colour Removing to allow your Hairs Natural oils to help protect your scalp.
How can I get my bleached hair back to natural color? ›Bleached hair is the hair that has had the color taken away. You can't get the color back unless you put it on your hair again. So, it will last till the moment you cut off all the bleached length. Or re-dye it.
Can I bleach permanently dyed hair? ›If you've recently dyed your hair with permanent color, you might wonder how long you need to wait before bleaching it. Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule, as it can vary depending on your hair type and the products used. Most experts recommend waiting at least eight weeks before bleaching dyed hair.
Does color remover make hair orange? ›Unfortunately, it can leave you with wonky-looking orange hair. If this has happened to you, don't worry. We're going to teach you how to fix orange hair after Color Oops hair remover leaves you with an undesirable orange hair color.
How do I get black box dye out of my hair? ›- 1 Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo.
- 2 Scrub your hair with dish soap if you just dyed it.
- 3 Try a color remover.
- 4 Use a baking soda paste.
- 5 Mix vitamin C powder with your own shampoo.
- 6 Go to a salon for a professional service.
Since baking soda is a scrubbing agent, washing your hair with it can gradually strip the dye from your locks. Baking soda can lighten all hair colors, but it might take a few washes to get your hair to the desired color.
Does head and shoulders remove hair dye? ›Does Head & Shoulders remove hair dye? It doesn't! This potent formula may be tough on dandruff but it does not remove hair colour. You may notice that your hair dye fades over time, which is completely natural when you stop dying your it.
How do you get permanent red hair dye out? ›- Try A Hair Color Remover.
- Grab A Hair Bleach Kit.
- Go Darker.
- Reach For Green Shampoo.
- Let The Color Naturally Fade.