The Quickest & Most Effective Ways to Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

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Fade your hair color at home with these treatments
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You just colored your hair with semi-permanent hair dye and the color is way too dark or not at all what you wanted. Don’t panic—luckily, there are some easy ways you can lighten your dye job and even completely remove the dye in just one day. In fact, you probably already have a lot of hair-lightening ingredients at home like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. Read on to learn the best methods on how to get semi-permanent dye out of your hair so you can get back to your natural color or a shade that you actually like.

Quick Hair Dye Removal Methods

  • For best results, apply a color remover meant for semi-permanent dye. Follow the provided instructions to correctly apply it to your hair.
  • For a DIY option, mix equal parts baking soda and dandruff shampoo and knead it into your hair. Rinse after 20 minutes.
  • Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of clarifying shampoo and 15-30 crushed vitamin C tablets and apply to damp hair. Leave it on for up to an hour, then rinse.
Method 1
Method 1 of 7:

Removing Hair Dye with Color Remover

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  1. Color remover gets into the hair shaft and strips artificial coloring while leaving your hair's natural color pigments. You can find color remover at beauty stores, drug stores, and some supermarkets. This option can be a bit harder on the hair, but it's usually more effective. Because you used semi-permanent dye, make sure that your color remover is meant for semi-permanent dye, not permanent dyes or demi-permanent dyes. [1]
    • Check the products' labels for signs that the color remover is ammonia and bleach-free. Color remover can damage your hair as is, but if a product's formulas include either of these chemicals, they may be more harmful.
    • To help battle hair damage when removing a dye, look for products that have butters, oils, silicones, keratins, or proteins. These are all strengthening and hydrating ingredients and should help reduce damage.
  2. Your color remover kit should come with a color remover and an activator. Use your kit's brush or mixing tool to stir the two together until they're fully combined.
    • Your box may include specific instructions you should follow, so read those carefully before you begin.
    • Use gloves if they're provided and throw on some grubby clothes when you start working with the mixture. Color remover can stain clothes, and gloves will help keep your hands clean throughout the process.
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  3. Tie back your hair except for one thin strand. Then, apply the color remover mixture to that strand with a dye brush and wrap foil around it (to trap heat in). Let it sit for 1 hour, or however long the instructions on the box specify, before washing it out with shampoo. If you’re satisfied with the color, you can move on to doing the rest of your hair. [2]
    • Doing a strand test can be a little annoying, but it’s better to test the color remover on a small piece of your hair instead of your whole head in case you don’t like the resulting color!
  4. Use hair ties or clips to separate your hair into manageable sections. Then, use the dye brush to apply the color remover to each section. Make sure each section is fully saturated so you don’t end up with any spots. [3]
  5. Cover your hair with a tied grocery bag or hair cover. Most color removers need to sit for 1 hour, but check your product’s instructions to be sure. [4]
  6. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your color remover to rinse properly. Then, find a blow dryer and dry your hair. When it's dried, you should be able to see what tint you ended up with. Depending on how satisfied you are, you may need to start the process over again. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 7:

Removing Hair Dye with Baking Soda and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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  1. Combining baking soda, an abrasive, with anti-dandruff shampoo , a clarifying product, creates a mixture that can help strip dye out of hair . Start 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of baking soda and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of anti-dandruff shampoo. Depending on how long and thick your hair is, you may need to use larger amounts—just be sure to keep the ratio equal. Stir them together in a bowl until they’re thoroughly combined. [6]
  2. Get your hair lightly damp (not soaking wet) with hot water. Next, knead the mixture into your hair as you would shampoo in the shower. [7]
    • Try your best to evenly spread the mixture across all of your hair, remembering to cover the lower layers, the ends, and the scalp.
  3. Now, you wait! Don’t wash the mixture out. Instead, throw a towel over your shoulders and under your hair, set a timer, grab a book, and chill out. [8]
  4. To rinse, wash your hair as you normally would. Baking soda can really dry out your hair, so it’s important to give your locks a nice condition once you've rinsed out your mixture. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 7:

Removing Hair Dye with Vitamin C and Clarifying Shampoo

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  1. Vitamin C, like baking soda, has natural lightening properties. Combined with clarifying shampoo , it can help strip the dye and get your hair a few shades lighter. Using a pill crusher , a mortar and pestle , or a bowl and spoon, crush the tablets into a fine powder. [10]
    • You can also buy 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of ascorbic acid powder instead of 15-20 vitamin C tablets. Ascorbic acid and vitamin C tablets are both available for purchase at drug stores, supermarkets, or vitamin stores.
  2. In a bowl, pour your powdered vitamin C in with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of clarifying shampoo. Use a mixing tool, like a spoon, to stir the mixture until it’s completely combined. You can add a bit of extra shampoo to get a smooth texture. [11]
    • Depending on how long and thick your hair is, you may need to increase the amount of shampoo and vitamin C powder you use. Just be sure to keep the ratio the same. For example, if you originally used 15 tablets and 1 tbsp of shampoo, try doubling it by using 30 tablets and 2 tbsp of shampoo.
  3. Dampen your hair, but don’t get it totally wet. Use either your fingers or a dye brush to cover your entire head with the mixture. If you have thick hair, try sectioning off lower layers, middle layers, and upper layers using clips or hair ties. Apply the mask to one section at a time to ensure you don't miss any portions of your hair. [12]
  4. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic bag to trap the heat and maximize the results. Let the mask sit on your hair untouched for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour. Then, remove your mask and wash out the mixture with warm water. [13]
    • If your hair or scalp feels itchy or dried out, condition it or do a hair mask. Dry your hair to see your finished results.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 7:

Removing Hair Dye with Apple Cider Vinegar

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  1. Apple cider vinegar is a gentle, natural hair lightener, and the addition of the water helps balance the vinegar so it’s less likely to dry your hair out. Either leave the mixture in a bowl or pour it into a spray bottle. [14]
    • In addition to lightening your hair, apple cider vinegar helps dissolve oil and residue build-up on your scalp, which in turn promotes new growth. It also helps detangle and defrizz your hair.
  2. After washing with your usual shampoo and conditioner, wait for your hair to become damp rather than soaking wet. Then, either spray the apple cider vinegar mixture onto your hair or saturate it using your hands. It may be helpful to split your hair into sections if it’s particularly long or thick. [15]
  3. Give the mixture time to soak into your hair, then rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticle. If necessary, apply a clarifying shampoo to help lift the color further. Repeat this process about 2 times per week until you achieve your desired hair color. [16]
    • Expert hair stylist Courtney Foster recommends following up a clarifying shampoo with a moisturizing one. “If you use clarifying shampoo and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo,” she says, “then you know all of the product is out of your hair and you can start with a blank canvas.”
    • Note that you likely won’t see immediate results with this method, as ACV often lightens hair more gradually. If you really want to remove your hair dye within a day, stick with one of the methods listed above.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 7:

Removing Hair Dye with Lemon Juice

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  1. Squeeze the juice of 3 fresh lemons (about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of juice) into a spray bottle and add 1 cup (240 mL) of lukewarm water. Some sources say to use equal parts of water and lemon juice, but lemon juice is very acidic and can easily dry out your hair and irritate your skin, so it might be better to start with a more diluted amount. [17]
    • Lemons contain vitamin C, which helps lighten hair.
    • For extra moisture, add a small amount of coconut oil or conditioner to the mixture.
  2. Spray the juice mixture on your hair until it’s completely saturated, sectioning off your hair as necessary. Then, go outside and let your hair air dry in the sun for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The sun’s rays aid the lightening process.
    • While you should always wear sunscreen outdoors, it’s especially important when using this hair-lightening method. The chemicals in lemons react harshly with the sun, often leading to painful sunburns. This method may not be best for those with sensitive skin. [18]
    • This method will likely only work if exposed to the sun. The sun’s UV rays open up the hair cuticles and allow the citric acid to break down and reduce the pigment in your hair.
  3. After the mixture has had time to soak into your hair, wash it as you usually would with shampoo and conditioner. It’s extremely important to condition at this step, as lemon juice can dry out your hair.
    • Apply the lemon juice rinse about once a week to gradually lighten your hair. If you notice skin irritation, do so less often or use another lightening method.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 7:

Removing Hair Dye with Olive Oil

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  1. In addition to moisturizing and detangling hair, some have reported it can also gradually lighten your hair. [19] To do a hot oil treatment , pour a small bowl of olive oil and warm it in the microwave or on the stove. Check it every few seconds, as you want the oil to be warm but not hot. Dab some on your wrist to make sure it’s a comfortable temperature.
    • Note that using olive oil may give your hair a warm tint or even make it look yellow.
    • You can also try this method without heating the oil. Simply coat your hair with a few tablespoons of olive oil and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing.
  2. For this process, it’s best to apply the olive oil strand by strand to ensure all your hair is properly saturated. Then, cover it with a shower cap.
  3. You might have better results if you wait up to an hour before washing the oil out. When you are ready to rinse, wash your hair normally with shampoo and conditioner. [20]
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Method 7
Method 7 of 7:

Removing Hair Dye with a Honey Hair Mask

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  1. Start with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of raw honey and 1 tsp (2.6 g) of cinnamon and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes so the ingredients have time to interact. Then, to thicken the combination into a hair mask, add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of conditioner. [21]
    • You may need to adjust these measurements depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Make sure the ratio stays the same as you adjust.
    • If the mask is too sticky, try adding 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of water. To add moisture, throw in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil.
    • As the ingredients interact, they create hydrogen peroxide, which is what lightens your hair. This is a gentle, natural alternative to bleaching.
  2. For best results, shampoo your hair before applying the mask, then section off your hair and use your hands to coat it with the mixture. Avoid applying to dry hair as this makes the honey more sticky. [22]
  3. Use a hair cover like a shower cap to keep your hair protected and avoid making a mess. The ingredients will slowly lift the dye and make your hair smell incredible. The next morning, all you have to do is wash it out. [23]
    • If you can’t leave the mask on overnight, do so for at least 4 hours.
    • You may need to repeat this process several times before you notice a change in your hair color. This isn’t recommended for a quick fix to a botched hair color.
    • The more cinnamon you add, the more likely you are to notice a change in your hair. This method may also result in a reddish tint.
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      Video

      Things You’ll Need

      Color Remover

      Baking Soda and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

      Vitamin C and Clarifying Shampoo

      Apple Cider Vinegar

      Lemon Juice

      • Lemon juice or 3 fresh lemons
      • Water
      • Spray bottle
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner

      Olive Oil

      • Olive oil
      • Bowl
      • Oven or microwave
      • Shower cap
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner

      Honey Hair Mask

      • Raw honey
      • Cinnamon
      • Conditioner
      • Water (optional)
      • Olive oil (optional)
      • Shower cap
      • Shampoo

      Tips

      • Everybody's hair is different. As such, these remedies will turn out differently on different heads of hair.
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      • If you're in a rush, consider making an appointment at the salon instead. They can do this process for you!
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      • If you’re not in much of a hurry, exercising can also help fade hair dye . The natural salts in sweat help break down the dye, and if you exercise outdoors, the sun has a natural bleaching effect.
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      Warnings

      • Avoid dyeing your hair more than once every 8 to 12 weeks, as the overlapping of the new and old dye can lead to breakage and discoloration.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about hair care, check out our in-depth interview with Courtney Foster .

      References

      1. ↑ https://beautymag.com/best-hair-color-removers/
      2. ↑ https://www.directionshaircolour.co.uk/colour-hub/how-to-perform-a-strand-test
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/IKg3xYrUx1M?t=195
      4. ↑ https://www.myhdhair.com/pages/applying-colour-remover
      5. ↑ https://www.hair.com/hair-color-remover.html
      6. ↑ https://www.janemott.co.uk/3-ways-to-remove-hair-dye
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/quPZC6EOYLw?t=200
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/quPZC6EOYLw?t=213
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/quPZC6EOYLw?t=218
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/mY3Ex7F7QaE?t=275
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/mY3Ex7F7QaE?t=325
      3. ↑ https://buymoxy.com/blogs/hair-411/can-you-remove-hair-dye-with-clarifying-shampoo
      4. ↑ https://buymoxy.com/blogs/hair-411/can-you-remove-hair-dye-with-clarifying-shampoo
      5. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g31263222/how-to-lighten-hair/
      6. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-the-sun
      7. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g31263222/how-to-lighten-hair/
      8. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-the-sun
      9. ↑ https://www.snexplores.org/article/lemons-limes-and-hogweed-can-cause-special-sunburn#:~:text=Making%20lemonade%20is%20a%20rite,then%20becomes%20exposed%20to%20sunlight .
      10. ↑ https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-lighten-hair
      11. ↑ https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-lighten-hair
      12. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g31263222/how-to-lighten-hair/
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/SosjYnLLYZI?t=83
      14. ↑ https://youtu.be/SosjYnLLYZI?t=163

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