Can dark brown hair dye be removed?

Author: Dr. Bonnie Dooley Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

To make dark hair dye fade faster, you can use clarifying shampoo or a dandruff shampoo, which helps strip away the color. Washing your hair frequently with hot water can also help speed up the fading process.

How to get your hair back to its natural color after dying it dark?

Use an at-home hair dye remover.

If you're looking to return to your natural shade, we suggest stripping your hair color with the dye remover mentioned above, and then using a permanent hair dye, like L'Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color, to re-color your hair.

Can dark brown dyed hair be lightened?

If you bleach wash your dyed dark brown hair, it may lighten it, but the outcome can vary based on several factors: Current Hair Color: If your hair is dyed a dark brown, the bleach wash will lighten it, but it may not necessarily return to your natural light brown color.

How do hairdressers remove dark hair dye?

Process: The stylist applies the color remover according to the product instructions, which usually involves mixing the remover with a developer and applying it to the hair. After a specified time, the hair is rinsed thoroughly. Description: This method lightens the hair and can remove darker dye.

How long does it take for permanent brown hair dye to fade?

Permanent dye: Can last several weeks to months, but will fade over time due to washing, sun exposure, and other factors. Typically, you might notice significant fading after 6 to 8 weeks.

How to remove black box dye part 1 - hair color transformation before and after

How to fade dark brown hair dye fast?

How to Lighten Hair Dyed Too Dark with a DIY Approach
  1. Use a paste of Baking Soda and Lemon Juice.
  2. Wash your Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar.
  3. Take some Vitamin C Tablets.
  4. Wash Hair With Clarifying Shampoo.
  5. Use Purple or Blue Shampoo for Brassy Tones.
  6. Do a Bleach Bath.
  7. Bleed the Color Out.
  8. Use Hair Lightener or Toner.

Can a hairdresser fix hair dyed too dark?

Professional stylists often use techniques to "bleed" the excess color from hair. This involves using clarifying or dandruff shampoos that help strip away the unwanted dye.

How to remove dark brown hair dye at home?

Vinegar rinse

The acetic acid in vinegar helps to break down the dye, making it easier to wash out. To use, mix one part vinegar with two parts water. After shampooing, pour the mixture over your hair and let it sit for a few minutes.

What shampoo washes out hair dye?

Sulphate-rich shampoos are ideal for stripping hair since they help to release the colour - especially with dark or vibrant colours. These include clarifying or deep cleansing shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo.

How much does it cost to strip hair color at a salon?

On average, a salon will charge $100 per hour for a color correction.

Can I go from dark brown to light brown without bleach?

Use a permanent hair dye

You could also try using a high-lift hair dye, like the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Hi-Lift Gold Brown, which is useful for those looking to dye dark hair light brown without the pre-bleaching step.

What does color remover do to dark brown hair?

Used properly, hair color remover should remove all artificial color, leaving your hair whatever hue it was before you dyed it. Keep in mind, however, that while color removers shouldn't remove your natural color, “they can shift it and expose the warm underlying pigments,” according to Epstein.

How do hairdressers lighten dark brown hair?

If your base color is brown and you want to become a light blond, the only solution is all-over bleach. It is the only technique that can lighten natural hair by up to 6 color tones or eliminate a previous color treatment before recoloring.

What can you do if your hair dye is too dark?

Bleeding the color out is the optimal solution providing that you have the right product on hand. A regular or clarifying shampoo would be the best product in this situation, and ideally, you should keep washing it until enough dark dye has bled out of your hair that you're happy with the resulting hue.

How to get rid of permanent hair dye 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.

Can you reverse hair dye damage?

The short answer is yes, you can reverse some of the damage caused by color treatments in your hair. The key is to use hair care products that are specifically designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair. Colouring your hair can weaken the bonds that hold your hair together, making it more prone to breakage.

Will Dawn dish soap lighten dyed hair?

Dish Soap

Fortunately, if you go through the effort of using this drying soap on your dyed hair, it can help remove unwanted color. You'll need to do many washes to fade it out, but it is a step in the right direction if you want to remove a color.

What shampoo fades dark hair dye?

  • Knight & Wilson Salon Professional Detox Cleanser Salon Shampoo 1000ml. ...
  • Olaplex No. ...
  • Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three. ...
  • Aveeno Clarify and Shine Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Soothing Shampoo for all Hair Types 300ml.

Do head and shoulders remove permanent hair dye?

It doesn't! This potent formula may be tough on dandruff but it does not remove hair colour.

Can you get your natural hair color back after dying?

If you're naturally a brunette, there are a few different ways to get back to your natural look, depending on whether you've dyed your hair lighter or darker than your natural shade of brown. The key is to not only get most of the outer pigment removed from your hair, but also to restore its underlying pigments.

How do hairdressers strip hair color?

Your colourist may use bleach or sulfur-based stripping products to lighten your hair back to enable it to be re-dyed safely. You'll get all the help and advice you need when colouring disasters strike, alongside assessments of your hair for damage and the best treatment options.

Can you undo dark hair dye?

If your hair is freshly dyed, try washing with dish soap to remove excess color. Use a clarifying shampoo to strip away some of the color and help it fade faster. Use a color remover from a drugstore or beauty supply store to open the hair cuticle and break down color molecules.

What fades dark hair dye?

Ways to Fade Hair Color

Wash your hair with clarifying shampoo as soon as possible after dyeing it, then rinse with hot water to strip away the color. Try exposing your hair to the elements as well, like the sun, salt water, and chlorinated water. As a last resort, apply a chemical color remover to strip the dye.

What is the least damaging way to lighten your hair?

Natural bleaching agents like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, chamomile tea, or cinnamon and honey can lighten hair gently and naturally with minimal damage.

How long does it take for dark brown hair dye to fade?

If you have dark brown or black hair then the dye should last at least 6 weeks before fading out. But for lighter colors like blonde, reds and anything lighter than this, they only make around 3-4 weeks before showing signs of fading.

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