Does permanent hair dye fade back to natural color?

Author: Mr. Kelley Marvin Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

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.

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

Yes. Once your hair starts growing, you will again have your natural color at your roots. Using a permanent hair color does not change the color of the hair growing out of your scalp.

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

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.

Will my hair go back to its original color after semi-permanent dye?

It will go back to the original color... As it grows out. The rest of it will stay darker and gradually fade back toward your natural color, but will take a long time and will look significantly darker still.

Does hair dye fade to your natural color?

Permanent hair colours technically last until the colour grows out, or until you recolour your client's hair – but they can fade over time. It may take anywhere between 6-12 weeks for the fading to be visible.

Hair Color Removers to Go Gray? A cautionary tale

Will permanent hair dye eventually wash out?

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.

Does dying your hair permanently change the color?

Hair dye is a topical substance that changes the color of hair either temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently. While dyeing hair is a common practice, it can damage the hair shaft, making it fragile and more prone to breakage.

How to remove permanent hair dye from hair?

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.

Does permanent hair dye damage hair more than semi permanent?

Semi-permanent hair dye is less damaging to your hair than permanent dye because it doesn't penetrate as deep into the hair shaft [2]. It is designed to mainly coat the outer shaft of your hair, meaning much of the inner hair cortex is protected from damage.

How do I get my hair back to its natural color?

3 Additional Ways To Get Back to Your Natural Hair Color
  1. Grow out your hair. Growing your hair out is both the most effective and least damaging way to return to your natural color (though, depending on how quickly your hair grows, can take some time). ...
  2. Dye your hair—again. ...
  3. Opt for a short hairstyle.

Does permanent hair dye lift color?

Hair color products cannot lift or lighten a previously dyed hair color. Using more color will only make the hair darker. My hair is too light, can I try a darker shade? We recommend going darker gradually.

Will dark brown permanent hair dye fade?

Hair dye, especially darker shades, naturally fade over time (4-6 weeks). If you've dyed your hair too dark, you might consider just waiting it out. Maintain your hair with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to ensure your hair stays healthy as the dye fades.

Why did my permanent dye fade so fast?

Hair color can fade due to a variety of factors, including frequent washing and styling, using products containing sulfates, added salts, and even alcohols, exposure to sunlight, UVA and UVB rays, and even minerals in your water, chlorine and other chemicals. Here's a deep dive into each cause…

Will permanent hair color ever come out?

It lasts until it grows out. Can permanent hair color fade completely? No, it will fade gradually, but it'll never fully disappear from the hair.

How can I lighten permanent hair dye quickly?

The easiest way to lighten hair is to use a clarifying shampoo or a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. These methods are gentle and can gradually lighten the hair over a few washes. For more immediate results, a professional toner or hair lightener can be used.

How long does it take for hair to go back to natural color?

On average, hair grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) monthly. So, if you have shoulder-length hair and want to completely grow dyed hair to your natural color, it may take approximately 12 to 18 months. However, keep in mind that this timeline can be shorter or longer based on individual circumstances.

Does hair dye permanently damage hair?

Unfortunately, hair Color damages your hair. When you dye your hair it lifts the cuticle, altering the hair in a way that will never completely revert back to it's natural virgin state. However, the hair that grows from your scalp will grow out normally so only the hair that has been dyed is affected.

What is the least damaging hair dye?

Least Harmful Dye Options
  • Herbatint: Organic/Vegan; 8 herbal extracts to help protect the scalp.
  • Naturtint: Plant-based; Provides long-lasting colour, made from seed oils proven to benefit hair health.
  • Madison Reed: Non-Toxic; Uses keratin, argan oil and ginseng root extract to fortify and nourish hair.

Is there a way to permanently change your hair color?

LOOK & LEARN What you need to know to color and style like a pro. Permanent hair color contains ammonia and is mixed with developer in various volumes in order to permanently change hair color.

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.

Can you get permanent hair dye remover?

PROVOKE Hair Colour Remover, Max Strength Removes Permanent Hair Dye, For Multicoloured Hair Dye Removal; Ammonia-free & Bleach-Free Formulation. The video showcases the product in use. The video guides you through product setup.

How do you get permanent hair dye off your head?

Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer

A little bit of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can work wonders for removing hair dye. Keep in mind, however, that these solutions could be drying or irritating. Always patch-test first, especially if you have sensitive skin — you don't want to just swap out your problems!

Will my hair go back to its natural color after dying it?

Oftentimes, returning to your natural color takes several sessions with a colorist unless you're planning to let your hair grow out. However, hair growth happens at about a half-inch per month, so growing out your hair could take a long time, especially if you don't have short hair.

Why do hairdressers use semi-permanent dye?

Salons use semi-permanent color to add depth to your color, grow out permanent color, or add gloss and shine to your strands. “It can even create a highlighted look, depending on the hair and the shade selected,” Shade says.

How damaging is box dye?

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.

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