How to Turn Dyed Black Hair Brown: Expert Tips from Hairstylists

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Make dark hair lighter with these DIY hacks
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Did you accidentally dye your hair too dark and now it’s looking more black than brown? Or have you had your dyed black hair for a while but want it to look lighter? While dyeing black hair brown isn’t as simple as picking up some box dye (as color doesn’t remove color), there are easy ways to remove the black dye! In this article, we spoke with professional hair stylists and colorists to learn the best ways to get rid of black hair dye so you can color your tresses brown. Keep reading to find out how.

Lightening Dyed Black Hair to Brown

Professional hair stylist Gina Almona recommends visiting a salon instead of trying to lighten your hair at home, as it can be a difficult process. If you want to try to do it yourself, wash your hair with clarifying shampoo, mix some powdered vitamin C into your shampoo, or use a color-removing product.

Section 1 of 5:

Removing Semi-Permanent Dye with Clarifying Shampoo

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  1. If you colored your hair with a semi-permanent or demi-permanent black dye, master hair stylist and colorist Christine George says a clarifying shampoo can help loosen the pigment and lighten your hair. [1] Dandruff shampoo also has dye-stripping ingredients that can break down the color and make your black hair look brown.
    • Tip : Get a shampoo that is not safe for color-treated hair, such as Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo . The point is to strip away the black dye, so you don't want the shampoo to protect the color on your hair!
    • Also, get a conditioner that is not safe for color-treated hair. This will help keep your hair from getting damaged while also pulling more color from your hair.
    • Note : This method will not lighten naturally black hair, or hair permanently dyed black. The shampoos only remove semi-permanent or demi-permanent black dye.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Gina Almona is a professional hair stylist and owner of Blo It Out, a hair salon based in New York City. She has over 20 years of experience.

    Christine George is a master hair stylist, colorist, and the owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in Valencia, California. She has over 23 years of experience.

    Marius Morf is the owner of PREP, a salon based in San Francisco, California. He owns and operates 5 salons and has over 10 years of experience.

    Angela Justice is a master hair stylist and owner of Payton Place Salon based in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has over 33 years of experience with styling, cutting, and coloring hair.

    Ambia Elms is a master hair stylist and owner of olive + elm Hair Salon in Gilbert, Arizona. She has over 27 years of industry experience.

  2. Sit in your bathroom and wrap a towel around your neck. Then, dampen your hair with the warmest water you can stand to open up your hair cuticles. Massage the shampoo into your hair, coating it from your scalp to the ends, to make sure you get it onto every strand so the color comes out evenly. As you lather and spread the shampoo, remove any excess foam. [2]
    • For an extra lightening boost : Add baking soda and dish soap to the shampoo. Simply mix equal parts of all the ingredients in a bowl and then apply it to your damp hair. [3]
    • Make sure you scrub your hair well in this step. You want to get your hair as saturated with the shampoo as possible.
    • As you lather your hair with the shampoo, the foam should start to take on the color of the black hair dye.
    • Be very careful not to get the shampoo in your eyes.
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  3. Place a shower cap over your hair to lock in the soap and keep your hair in place. Then, hold a hair dryer about 6 inches (15 cm) above your head and heat your hair evenly for 1 to 2 minutes. The heat helps open up the hair cuticles, which can help remove more dye. [4]
    • If you have access to a heated dryer, sit under that instead.
    • If your hair is very long, clip it up into sections so it all fits into the shower cap.
    • Hold the hair dryer far enough from the cap so you don't melt the material.
  4. Give the shampoo 15 to 30 minutes to work its magic and start to strip away the black dye. Once the time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with the warmest water that you can stand. Then, pat it dry with a soft towel. [5]
    • After rinsing your hair, you should notice that your hair looks a bit lighter!
  5. If your hair isn’t light enough to your liking, apply more clarifying or dandruff shampoo. Simply dampen your hair, lather it with more shampoo, and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out. Just be cautious about repeating the process if your hair is damaged or dry, as the shampoo can dry out your hair further. [6]
    • If your hair feels very dry or brittle after using the shampoo, do not apply more . Instead, move on to the next step and rehydrate your hair with a deep conditioner.
  6. Clarifying and dandruff shampoos strip the oils from your hair, which can leave it brittle and dry. So, conditioning your hair right away helps add moisture back to your hair and repair any damage. Simply cover your hair with a deep conditioning mask from the roots to the tips. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water. [7]
    • The cool water helps to seal the cuticle layer closed and helps lock in the moisture.
  7. After the first treatment, your hair should look visibly lighter and not have as much black in it. You may even see some of your natural color! If your hair is still too dark, though, repeat the process until you get your desired color. Just give your hair 4 to 5 days to recover before applying more shampoo.
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Section 2 of 5:

Removing Semi-Permanent Dye with Vitamin C

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  1. Crush a handful of vitamin C tablets into a powder, either with a blender or a mortar and pestle , or by smashing them with a hammer. Add the powder to a bowl and then pour in double the amount of shampoo. Mix the ingredients together until they form a smooth paste. [9]
    • For an extra lightening boost : Use a clarifying shampoo or dandruff shampoo . Lots of people have had success using Head & Shoulders shampoo .
    • If you have vitamin C capsules, simply pop them open to get the powdered vitamin C.
    • If the paste is too thin, add a bit more vitamin C.
    • If you have long or thick hair , you may need to double or triple the recipe. You will need enough to completely saturate your hair with the mixture.
  2. Apply the mixture to dry hair, or dampen your hair with warm water. Then, wrap a towel around your neck and put on some disposable gloves. Dip your fingers or a hair color brush into the paste and start coating your hair from the roots to the tips. Then, use a comb to help distribute the paste to all the parts of your hair. [10]
    • Put on a shower cap to help keep your hair in place. If your hair is long, clip it up before putting on the cap.
  3. To prevent any potential irritation, don’t leave the mixture on for longer than 1 hour. Then, thoroughly rinse out your hair to remove all of the vitamin C. [11]
    • After rinsing out your hair, your hair should look a few shades lighter than it was before.
  4. Vitamin C can be drying on your hair, so make sure to condition your locks afterwards to moisturize them and keep them healthy. Apply the conditioner all over your hair and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, rinse it out completely with cool water.
  5. If you still have some black dye left in your hair, redo this process 4 to 5 days later. The acid in the vitamin C can make your hair susceptible to damage, so waiting a few days allows your hair to regain its natural oils before you lighten it again.
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Section 3 of 5:

Removing Permanent Dye with Color Removers

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  1. According to salon owner Marius Morf, color removers “can remove artificial color from your hair without using bleach,” which can make them a less damaging alternative if you’re removing permanent black dye. [12] Some color-removing products are made to lighten your hair, while others remove the dye entirely. Choose one that fits your particular needs.
    • Some great color removers to try include Color Oops , One n’ Only Colorfix , Punky Color Color Off , and L'Oreal Color Zap .
    • Color removers will not turn your hair back to your natural hair color . Once you are done using them, your hair will most likely be an orange or yellow blond color.
    • Note : Some color removers can work on semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes. Just check the box to see if it’s formulated for the type of dye you used.
    • Use this product carefully. While the chemicals aren't as strong as bleach, they can damage your hair. If you already have brittle or dry hair, make sure to condition your hair before you try this treatment.
  2. Different color removers have slightly different directions, so read through the instructions carefully to properly apply the one you’re using. In general, the application process involves mixing the 2 provided solutions together (a powder and an activator). Then, apply the mixture to your hair, making sure to saturate every strand. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for the recommended time.
    • Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to prevent any irritation as the remover works. Since most color removers have peroxide in them, they can have an unpleasant smell.
    • Color removers can potentially stain your clothes, so wear a shirt that you don’t mind getting dirty.
    • If you have thick or long hair, you may need more than one box of product.
    • Always mix and apply the color remover according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  3. Once the recommended time is up, rinse out the product from your hair according to the directions. Depending on the brand, this may include shampooing your hair. Then, most color removers recommend using a deep conditioning treatment to repair any damage the remover might have done. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time (typically 15 to 30 minutes) and then rinse it out.
    • Most, if not all, of the black dye should be gone from your hair, leaving your hair light enough to recolor to the brown shade you want.
    • If the color doesn't lift after one use, you may have to repeat the steps. Some color removers are safe enough to use up to three times in one day. Just be sure to refer to the instructions that are provided with the kit to make sure that you can use it more than once.
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Section 4 of 5:

Other Ways to Remove Permanent Dye

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  1. Almona says that she doesn’t recommend people remove black dye from their hair at home, as “coming [back] from black is always a challenge.” Instead, she suggests that you ask your hairstylist or colorist to remove the dye at their salon. [13] Ultimately, professionals know much more about hair care and have the proper tools to remove the dye while preventing damage.
    • For example, your colorist or stylist will be able to determine your hair type and any potential problems your hair might face, and find a hair treatment that will give you the color you want.
    • According to master hair stylist Angela Justice, removing black dye can take several appointments, depending on the final results you’re hoping to achieve. She says she can usually only lift 1 to 2 levels of color at a time. [14]
    • Getting hair dye professionally removed can be pricey, so be aware of the costs involved. Your colorist will remove the color from your hair and then dye it, so you will have to pay for both processes.
  2. If you are looking for salon-like treatment on a budget, go to a beauty school in your area. They typically offer color removal treatments at a fraction of the cost of a normal salon, and often do just as good of a job. Just be aware that because the hair stylists are still students, the process may take longer than if you went to a professional salon.
    • Some beauty schools like to use their clients as models, but they’ll ask you first if you’re comfortable with that.
  3. Bleach may be one of the best ways to remove black dye from your hair, but master hair stylist Ambia Elms doesn’t recommend that you try it yourself at home. Bleach can be very damaging to your hair, so she suggests that you visit your colorist or hair stylist instead. If you do decide to bleach your hair at home , Elms does provide some suggestions to do it safely: [15]
    • Mix your bleach or lightener with a very low volume developer.
    • Pour shampoo into the bleach and mix it together.
    • Apply a small amount of bleach on a strand of hair and wait to see how it reacts. If it damages your hair, do not continue using the bleach.
    • Dampen your hair and carefully apply the bleach in sections (while wearing gloves).
    • Leave the bleach on for a few minutes (5-15), watching it carefully to see how it’s lightening your hair.
    • Wash out the bleach with shampoo and condition your hair.
    • Note : If your hair is very damaged or has already been lightened a lot with bleach, do not bleach it yourself at home. Instead, visit a salon to see how they can get you to your desired color.
  4. Even permanent dyes fade and come out with time. So, if none of the above methods work or appeal to you, simply wait for the black dye to wash out before you color it brown. This process may take a few months, but it is ultimately effective.
    • To help the dye fade faster, wash and condition your hair with products not intended for color-treated hair.
    • Both semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes are meant to wash out completely. Semi-permanent dye typically lasts for 6 to 8 washes, while demi-permanent dye often lasts for 15 to 30 washes.
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Section 5 of 5:

When can I dye my hair brown?

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  1. Master hair stylist Frankie Sanderson agrees that you can typically re-dye your hair the same day as lightening it. Simply dye it yourself with the brown shade of your choice, or visit your colorist at the salon. [16]

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can baking soda remove 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
    Baking soda can help to remove semi- and demi-permanent hair dye, but it won't undo the chemical process that deposits permanent hair color. Mix the baking soda into some clarifying shampoo for the best result.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can you bleach hair dyed black?
    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
    If your hair was dyed with permanent color, bleach should remove the dye even if it is black. However, most hair dye contains a mixture of different types of dye and direct dyes, also called stains—as well as natural dyes like henna and metallic salts—and those will not come out with bleach.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How do I get black hair dye off my skin?
    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
    Before you get the skin wet, rub shampoo or dish soap directly into the stain, then rinse it off. Ashes are also great for removing hair color stains.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      • The method you choose to lighten or dye your hair can be affected by the state of your hair. If your hair is damaged, determine if coloring it might damage it more. If your hair is healthy, understand that coloring it can damage it.
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      • As you go through the color removal and dyeing process, take the time to strengthen your hair and continue the deep conditioning treatments. This can protect your hair from potential damage.
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      References

      1. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/bu1dY0RcyWU?si=TeAL0kJQNW2XaJ_n&t=172
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/56nI6ey25Nc?si=7hPvDHrviIBk3laT&t=245
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/bu1dY0RcyWU?si=a0j8mbNNVCEYWd5f&t=325
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/bu1dY0RcyWU?si=WYsmO1a6pTySO1_X&t=374
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/bu1dY0RcyWU?si=9o8UUOSelKdNzZwq&t=418
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/bu1dY0RcyWU?si=kuKWeBhgabepNsm3&t=606
      8. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/Li_5V58K1Fk?si=D-o5HW2WqMqAKW06&t=26
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Li_5V58K1Fk?si=cGR_BqEWjXFUIg2V&t=50
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/hU1opAlDSh8?si=I6pBtYc-Z96pU9zR&t=453
      3. ↑ Marius Morf. Salon Owner. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Angela Justice. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Ambia Elms. Master Hairstylist. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To dye your hair brown after it has been dyed black, first you'll need to remove the black dye from your hair. To remove the black dye, start by applying a clarifying shampoo to your hair and then covering it with a shower cap or plastic bag. Then, heat your hair through the cap using a blowdryer and let it sit for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, rinse out your hair and condition it thoroughly. Repeat this process until all of the black dye has faded from your hair so you're ready to dye it brown! To learn other methods you can use to get black dye out of your hair, scroll down!

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