What is the best method to remove hair color?

Author: Prof. Roslyn Hamill  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

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.

What is the least damaging way to remove hair color?

Vitamin C treatments, either homemade or ones made by Ion or Malibu, are probably the best option for getting a lot of the color out, if you want to avoid any damage. I'd try it first, often it pulls out a ton of color that shampoo can't, and smells way better than a color remover.

What is the fastest way to get hair color out of your hair?

Use a clarifying shampoo: For quick hair color removal, use an anti-dandruff or clarifying shampoo. They function similarly to a deep clean for your hair. These shampoos' strong chemicals will remove the color from your hair. They function by eliminating undesired hair color in addition to grime and grease.

What is the best way to strip hair color?

You don't need a ``remover'' for temporary or semi permanent color, period. You can use a clarifying shampoo or even dish soap, leave it on for about 30 minutes, and THAT will do the trick. You can use a clarifying shampoo every wash and that will strip out temporary, semi AND demi permanent color over time.

What do hairdressers use to remove dye?

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.

DIY | Remove Permanent Hair dye without Bleach | No Damage!

What pulls out hair dye?

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.

How to fade hair color fast without damage?

Use a clarifying shampoo.

These deep-cleansing formulas are designed to remove buildup from the hair and scalp and may aid in fading your color faster (just be sure not to choose a color-safe variety, as these are specifically designed not to strip color).

Can you use Dawn dish soap to 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.

How damaging is stripping hair color?

Using hair color removers can cause immediate damage, especially if the product is not rinsed out thoroughly. This can weaken the hair shaft, leading to frizz and breakage. It's crucial to follow the instructions on the packaging to minimize these risks.

How do you get the best out of hair dye?

How to make your hair color last longer
  1. Wait at least 72 hours before showering post-treatment. ...
  2. Use color-toning shampoos + conditioners. ...
  3. Stick to color-safe products. ...
  4. Space out your shampoos. ...
  5. Skip the hot water. ...
  6. Max out the moisture. ...
  7. Boost shine and protection with a hair oil. ...
  8. Protect against chemicals and minerals.

What cancels out hair color?

Opposite colors, or complementary colors, have the power to cancel each other out. This principle is the cornerstone of effective color correction in hair coloring.

What fades out hair dye?

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.

Can you wash color out of your hair?

Bailey recommends using a clarifying shampoo to slowly wash off hair dye at home, although it can be a potentially “brassifying” process. “I would recommend using clarifying shampoos to lighten/remove color gradually.

What is the hardest hair color to remove?

Just as with blonde hair, red hair requires a little extra tender love and care. Hack admits that red hair is his favorite to color, but that she's noticed many women don't realize the extent of after-care that's needed. “Red is the hardest color to keep lustrous and the hardest color to remove,” she adds.

What is the most natural way to remove hair dye?

White Vinegar and Water. Like lemon juice, vinegar is acidic and good for cleansing. Many people use vinegar as a scalp cleanser, but it can also remove hair dye, so use caution if that's not your intent. If it is, you can mix white vinegar with warm water and apply it to your hair to remove hair color.

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.

What's the best hair color remover?

Best hair colour removers and toners
  • Revolution Pro Hair Colour Remover. ...
  • Superdrug Colour Rewind Hair Colour Remover. ...
  • Colourless Hair Lightener Go Blonde. ...
  • Colour B4 Frequent Use Hair Colour Remover. ...
  • Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum. ...
  • IGK Hair Mixed Feelings Leave-In Cooling Blonde Toning Drops.

How to remove old color from hair?

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.

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.

How long do you leave Dawn dish soap in your hair to remove color?

About a quarter cup baking soda and shampoo to a tablespoon of dish soap. Work into wet hair, let set for 30 minutes rinse with warm water, deep condition and cold water rinse. This will take out a lot of semi perm color, fade Demi, I have not tried with a permanent dye.

Why do salons wash your hair after coloring?

Post-color washing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your hair. By cleansing and conditioning, salons help in closing the hair cuticles, locking in moisture, and preserving the smoothness of your locks.

What will make hair color fade faster?

The hotter the water, and the more often you rinse with hot water, the faster your colour will fade. Instead, wash in warm water and rinse in cold.

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.

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