Can you undo permanent hair dye?

Author: Eugenia Carroll  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Generally speaking, removing permanent hair dye requires a trip to the salon. A professional colorist should know how to remove hair dye with minimal damage, and they can help correct any color mistakes (like orange hair) that may arise from the removal process.

Can permanent hair dye be removed?

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.

Is permanent hair dye reversible?

It permanently alters the hair's structure, so it can only be removed with time –– new growth will eventually push out the dyed hair.

Can permanent hair dye come out?

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.

How can I make my permanent hair dye come out faster?

Vitamin C can help lift color. Baking Soda and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Mix equal parts of baking soda and an anti-dandruff shampoo. Apply to your hair and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse. This can help fade the dye. Hot Oil Treatments: Applying heat can open the hair cuticle and help release color.

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How do you fade hair dye ASAP?

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.

Can Dawn dish soap remove hair dye?

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 fades permanent hair color?

That's right: One of the biggest reasons for faded hair color is hard water. The same hard minerals that cause limescale around your home can also strip away hair dye. The more you wash your hair with hard water, the worse the problem will get.

How can I lighten permanent hair dye quickly?

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.

Do head and shoulders remove hair dye?

Does Head & Shoulders remove hair dye? It doesn't! This potent formula may be tough on dandruff but it does not remove hair colour. You may notice that your hair dye fades over time, which is completely natural when you stop dying your it.

Can you get your natural hair color back after permanent dye?

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.

How long does it take to grow out permanent hair dye?

Depending on the length of your hair, it could take a year, two, or even longer for your color-treated hair to fully grow out. Remember, time will pass anyway, so keep your eyes on the prize and resist the temptation to recolor your hair.

Can I color over permanent hair color?

Adbullah explains, "Since semi-permanent hair dye only coats the outside of the hair shaft and is used to darken the strands, it can be used over permanent hair dye. Permanent dye lightens the hair from the inside of the hair shaft and deposits color there. So the two processes work with different parts of the hair.

How do you get permanent hair dye off your head?

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.

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.

Does permanent hair dye stay permanent?

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.

How to remove permanent hair dye?

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.

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

Permanent hair colors technically last until the color grows out, or until you recolor your client's hair – but they can fade over time. It may take anywhere between 6-12 weeks for the fading to be visible. But, of course, this all depends on the hair type and color products you're working with.

Can you lighten hair after permanent dye?

To dye already dyed hair lighter, you may need to use a color remover or a bleach bath to lift the current color before applying the lighter shade. It's best to consult with a professional stylist to avoid damaging your hair and to achieve the desired result safely.

Will permanent hair dye eventually wash out?

Because permanent hair color modifies the structure of your hair, it lasts until you re-dye or cut your hair. It won't wash out with a few shampoos, and it won't fade with time. That's why it's only used for serious color changes.

How to make permanent hair dye fade faster?

“A big trick is always using hot water when you shower, because it's opening up the cuticle and getting that dye to fade quicker,” she says. “Most brands and professionals will recommend cold water to keep the color vibrant, but for fading definitely use warm [or] hot water.”

How to lighten permanent hair color that 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.

Does color oops work on permanent dye?

No, this product only removes permanent hair color, not direct dye bold colors (such as pink,purple, blue, etc.)

Will head and shoulders remove hair dye?

What makes Head & Shoulders special is the addition of dandruff-fighting active ingredients that protect your scalp in-between washes from dandruff-causing irritants. These active ingredients do not strip hair color.

What can I wash my hair with to remove hair dye?

Just like lemon, white vinegar has acidic properties and it's a good cleansing agent that can work wonders to get rid of an unwanted hair color. Mixed with warm water, a white vinegar-based solution can be used to cleanse your scalp and remove hair dye by soaking your tresses in the mix for around fifteen minutes.

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