Even though permanent hair color can't fade out of the hair completely, that doesn't mean you're stuck with your color until you cut your hair – there are two main methods for removing it. One route you can take is to lighten your hair by getting highlights. This utilizes a bleach lightener to lift the color.
That said, a permanent dye permanently changes the structure of the hair. You can remove the artificial dye with a color remover however, that's not going to restore your natural color, which is gone forever.
Yes, permanent hair color washes out. It's called ``permanent'' because the formula makes permanent changes to your hair shaft, and not because the color stays in permanently.
Ideally, *permanent hair colour* would stay vibrant forever, or at least until the roots grow. On most heads of hair, that would mean getting a good 6-8 weeks between touch-ups – but sometimes, even with permanent dye, colour fade can happen within a few weeks.
Permanent hair color doesn't 'wash out' exactly, but it can fade over time (especially in porous hair) – and a key step to preventing that shade fade is understanding why it happens in the first place.
The length of time that permanent hair dye will last depends on a few different factors, including the health of your hair, how often you wash it, what shampoo you use, and the type of hair dye you use. Generally speaking, though, you can expect permanent hair dye to last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
Not following the instructions could see your hair colour fading quickly. Products that contain sulphates such as shampoos should be avoided. In addition, you should avoid washing your hair immediately after applying colour to it. Washing your hair too often can be harmful and can cause the colouring to fade.
However, this longevity also comes with potential downsides. The chemical process used in permanent hair dye can cause damage to the hair, making it more prone to breakage and dryness.
The fastest way to remove hair dye is typically by using a clarifying shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos contain strong cleansing agents that can effectively strip color from the hair. It's important to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment, as these shampoos can be harsh and drying on the hair.
While both permanent and demi-permanent colors have the same color molecules with the same longevity and retention, the main difference is: permanent color PERMANENTLY changes your own hair.
An ammonia-free formula that contains plant-derived pigments and oils like jojoba and coconut oil, Phyto was the winner of the GH Beauty Lab's most recent at-home hair color test. It provided the richest, most uniform and truest color, and users found that it lasted longer than all others tested.
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.
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.
Makeup Remover or Micellar Water
Makeup remover and micellar water aren't just for taking off your eyeshadow or foundation — they can also dissolve hair dye stains on your skin. Both are gentle and easy to use, making them a great option for sensitive areas like the face or hairline.
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.
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.
Heat can damage and fade hair color. Always use a heat protection spray before using hot styling tools. Chlorine in the pool can bleach the hair color and dry out the hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming and use a protective spray.
No, it will fade gradually, but it'll never fully disappear from the hair.
Box dyes often contain strong chemicals that can over-processed hair, making it dry and brittle. These chemicals can react unpredictably with other hair treatments, causing damage.
What does the Bible say about dyeing your hair? Nothing in particular.
Go Back to Your Natural Color
Whether you opt for a new colorist or return to the original colorist for a re-do, opt for a shade that's not too far off from your own. "Using your roots as a guide, select a color shade as close as possible to your natural color," says colorist Richy Kandasamy.
"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.