Q&A for How to Lighten Your Hair Dye With Vitamin C

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What does vitamin C do for your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

When applied directly, vitamin C can dry hair out and lighten the color. However, when consumed orally, vitamin C will help strengthen hair and maximize growth.

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Question

Can vinegar take out hair dye?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Vinegar can fade or remove semi-permanent dyes and some natural colorants. It will not work on permanent color.

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Question

How can you lighten your hair naturally?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Vinegar, honey, and lemon are three great natural lighteners. Mix lemon and honey together with some water in a spray bottle and spritz it on your hair. Process for 10-30 minutes for soft highlights.

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Question

Will it work on hair that has been dyed black for years?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You may need to try another method since you have black dye on your hair and your hair has been dyed black for years. This method will work better for hair dye that is fresh.

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Question

Can I apply heat to the cap? Will it speed up the process?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes, you can apply heat to the cap, which should likely speed up the process. Try sitting under a hooded dryer.

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Question

Can I apply vitamin C on my hair?

Gina Almona
Professional Hair Stylist
Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.

Gina Almona

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and it's a gentler way to lighten your hair than other natural methods because it does not require any sun exposure.

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Question

Can this work on permanently box dyed hair?

Solange Szobolai

Community Answer

Yes, I dyed my hair with permanent red dye and it works well, but I would recommend doing it several times or until you are satisfied with the color.

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Question

What kind of shampoo should I use or does it not matter?

Community Answer

If you're trying to strip your hair of artificial color, Head & Shoulders or any dandruff shampoo is good to pull colors out.

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Question

What if my vitamin c tablets are "natural orange" flavored?

Community Answer

It'll still lighten your hair. I did it with naturally flavored orange chews, you'll notice it will be orange when you apply it, but it will turn out fine.

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Question

Should I wet my hair first, or leave it dry?

Community Answer

Wetting it first will allow it to lather up and evenly coat your hair with bubbles.

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Question

Can this work with black hair?

Community Answer

It can.

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Question

Can this work on semi-permanent hair dye?

Community Answer

Yes. It will fade the color out at least two shades or so.

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Question

Can it make my naturally brown hair a little bit light in color?

Community Answer

Vitamin C only strips out artificial color. Try using lemon juice to lighten your hair.

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Question

Can I use a plastic bin liner instead of a shower cap?

Community Answer

Yes, any thin plastic will work, including plastic wrap, plastic bags, and garbage bags.

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Question

Can I use Vitamin C oil?

Community Answer

You can try it, but Vitamin C powder will probably work the best. If you use the oil, heat it up and use it as a hot oil treatment, which is also known to fade hair color.

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Question

Will this work on virgin dirty blonde hair?

Community Answer

Vitamin C only strips out artificial hair color. Try using lemon juice to lighten your hair.

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Question

Can I use powdered Vitamin C packets? Also, is it okay if it has six grams of sugar?

Community Answer

If you are talking about Emergen-C, yes, you can use it as long as you mix it with a good shampoo.

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Question

Does it lighten natural golden brown hair?

Community Answer

Vitamin C only strips out artificial color. Try using lemon juice to lighten your hair.

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Question

Will this work on previously dyed blonde hair if I want it to be lighter?

Community Answer

Yes, just remember that you need to do it multiple times. It will gradually get lighter.

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Question

Does this work on never dyed, slightly dark brown hair?

Lexi tav

Community Answer

Yes, it does. It will make your hair slightly orange-blonde.

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Question

Can I do this with water instead of shampoo?

Community Answer

I've done it but don't recommend using it with just water. It's harder to coat all your hair and it's harsh if you get it on your scalp, like it started itching and burning. I've used it with conditioner and it works well and it did not hurt my scalp at all, plus it conditions your hair at the same time so it's a win-win situation.

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