What's the difference between stripping hair color and bleaching?

Author: Dana Dicki  |  Last update: Friday, October 31, 2025

Unlike Colour Remover, which only targets artificial Colour, Bleach penetrates the Hair shaft and destroys all pigment—both natural and artificial.

Is stripping hair the same as bleaching?

Stripping vs bleaching

Bleaching uses harsh chemicals, like hydrogen peroxide or ammonia, to break down the melanin in your hair, giving it its colour. Without melanin, your hair would be a whitish-yellow colour. Stripping breaks apart the bonds between hair dye and the melanin in your hair.

Is it better to use color remover or bleach?

Colour remover is meant to remove dye, bleach is not. It is always better to use a remover and then do a low developer bleach bath afterwards IF needed.

Does color stripping ruin your hair?

It's about the same as bleaching it. My sisters a long-time hair stylist, and she says the problem with color strippers is that they open the cuticle too much, causing severe damage that cannot be undone.

Can you strip hair color without bleach?

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.

REMOVING DARK HAIR COLOR: bleach vs. color remover from sally's

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.

Is there a way to lighten dyed hair without bleach?

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.

What colour does your hair go after stripping it?

The more often you color, the more likely it is that your natural color has been permanently and irreversibly removed/lightened. In these cases, you will see a lighter to yellow or copper result after applying the color remover, which is now your true natural shade.

What is the least damaging way to remove hair color?

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.

Is stripping good for your hair?

Stripping hair color can be a harsh process and might lead to damage if not done correctly. It often results in dryness, so it's recommended to use an intensive treatment afterward. If considering this process, it's advisable to consult with a professional hairstylist to ensure it's done safely and effectively.

Do I need to strip my hair before bleaching?

Bleach works best on virgin, unprocessed and undamaged hair.

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 is the difference between a hair lightener and a hair bleach?

Whereas lightener, for example, makes most base colors fairer, it can only raise it a couple shade levels. On the other hand, bleach can boost your hair color from very dark to very light – up to 8 shade levels – in just one treatment.

What is better, color remover or bleach?

Although a bleach wash is less damaging than directly bleaching your hair, it is still more effective at removing semi-permanent color than over-the-counter color removers.

How to strip permanent hair color at home?

  1. Use a clarifying shampoo, and leave it on to sit. Use coconut or argon oil as a pre-treatment. ...
  2. Use baking soda in your shampoo. ...
  3. Use Fairy Liquid or other dishwashing liquid to wash your hair. ...
  4. Use Malibu C Direct Dye Lifter. ...
  5. Use Olaplex. ...
  6. Try a bleach bath.

Is it safe to bleach your hair after stripping it?

If you want to go lighter after using a remover you can do bleach, but first asses the integrity of your hair and STRAND TEST the bleach so that you can ensure the integrity of your hair is not compromised.

Is stripping colour from your hair bad?

However, there are some potential side effects that you may experience when using a hair colour remover. These include dryness, frizziness, and breakage, especially if your hair was previously damaged or over-processed.

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.

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.

Why has my hair gone back dark after stripping it?

If you can see Darker patches in the mid-length and ends of your Hair, it's because you've got some old pigment still built up.

How much does it cost to get color stripped out of your hair?

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

What shampoo is best for stripping hair color?

  • Ethique Goodbye Grease Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Giftpack- Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build-up -Vegan, Eco-Friendly, Plastic-Free, Cruelty-Free, 6 oz (Set of 2) ...
  • Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo For All Hair Types - Removes Buildup and Strengthens Hair Cuticle. ...
  • L'ANZA Healing Moisture.

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.

What happens if you put grey hair dye on brown hair?

If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.

Previous article
When should a woman stop wearing shorts?
Next article
What season do roots grow the most?