Skip to Content

Homemade Hair Dye Remover: 7 Recipes That Work

Homemade Hair Dye Remover: 7 Recipes That Work

I always experiment with different hair colors, and sometimes it doesn’t turn out well for my hair.

Last time, I tried to bleach my naturally dark-brown hair and make it ashy blond afterward. It didn’t go well because going from dark to blond isn’t a simple process.

Long story short, I looked like Pippi Longstocking, except I wasn’t cute. My first thought was: “How can I remove this hideous color?” You can’t just layer up your color with another color.

First, you have to strip it using a homemade hair dye remover. Also, you can use professional hair color remover. I used a homemade hair dye remover, and it worked like a charm.

If you’re in a similar position and you want to try a homemade product before you turn to professional solutions, scroll down. I will teach you how to make a few hair dye removers.

Homemade Hair Dye Remover

If you’re worried about the chemicals in professional hair dye removers, you can make your own natural hair dye remover. Let’s review a few simple recipes.

Baking soda

Except for baking, this ingredient has also been utilized to remove stains on clothing. Some people even put baking soda in their detergent or dishwasher for some additional boost.

The reason behind that is logical. Baking soda has soft but powerful abrasive particles that destroy the bond of whatever is present on the surface.

To utilize hair, apply a small amount of water to create a paste and add on hair the same way you put a hair mask. Baking soda acts as a cleansing agent.

It will strip the artificial color. I have tried this method, and it works.

Lemon juice

Squeeze one lemon into a bottle spray for a fast hair dye remover. Lemon is rich in acid that performs as a natural bleaching ingredient. It will fade uneven pigmentation on your hair.

However, stay careful. Don’t leave it on your hair for too long. This fruit has a strong acid that can cause premature greying. One hour would be sufficient for your hair to lighten.

You can mix lemon juice with your regular conditioner or hair oil to prevent your hair from drying.

Apple cider vinegar

Just like lemon juice, this ingredient is rich in acid that can strip hair dye. You’re probably wondering if it has to be apple cider vinegar, and the answer is no.

Other regulars do the job too. However, apple cider vinegar is slightly acidic than others and won’t strip the natural pH balance of your hair.

Additionally, it will get rid of unwelcome mineral and metal built-ups that dry your hair.

Apple-Cider-Vinegar

Vitamin C tablets

My research says Vitamin C is a non-abrasive and safe solution for removing hair dye, especially if your hair dye works on darker tones.

The acid on Vitamin C performs by oxidizing the molecule of the color and, in turn, loosens up the hold of the artificial color in your hair.

You can make a paste out of Vitamin C tablets by smashing it until they turn to powder. Then, apply hot water and make a dense paste.

Anti-dandruff shampoo

Washing your hair with a regular shampoo every day easily strips the artificial hair color. However, if you want to take it to the next level, buy an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Most anti-dandruff shampoos contain selenium sulfide. This ingredient can strip the artificial color, but it doesn’t provide flash results, so you need to be patient and use it regularly.

Dishwashing soap

Dishwashing soap is tough on grease but also tough on artificial hair color. You can wash your hair with a dishwashing soap the same way you wash it with shampoo.

This process will lighten up your hair a tone or two. If you’re worried about the abrasives available in the dishwashing soaps, search for a gentler formula.

Bleach baths

If you don’t find the previous methods helpful, you can always turn to bleach baths.

They will probably damage your hair. However, if you’re determined to resolve your color problem, feel free to do it. Mix your shampoo with bleach powder and wash your hair regularly.

Professional Hair Color Remover

If you don’t have the time and patience to make a natural hair color remover, you can use a professional hair color remover.

It’s the ideal solution for people who received a darker color shade than expected.

Hair color remover or hair color stripper performs by removing the artificial, permanent color molecules of your hair from the core, delivering your hair a neutral base to dye it again.

A hair color stripper is a safer solution when compared to bleach baths that can strip the natural color of your hair and cause additional damage.

Color Oops Developers Color Oops Color Remover (Extra Strength) is one of the most popular solutions on the market. It gets the job done in less than 20 minutes.

It’s ammonia and bleach-free, so you don’t have to worry about hair damage.

However, if you’re looking for a milder reducer for your semi-permanent color, the Joico Colour Intensity Eraser is your best solution.

This product doesn’t only neutralize the artificial color but also leaves your hair healthy and conditioned.

If you’re new to hair color removal, don’t worry. Scroll down, and you will find a short step-by-step guide on how to strip your dye with a hair dye remover properly.

Shampoo your hair

It’s essential to clean your hair before trying to remove the hair dye. Shampoo your hair to remove any dirt built-ups and boost the performance of the color remover.

A detoxifying or clarifying shampoo is highly recommended. You can try the Pravana Artificial Hair Color Extractor mixture if you prefer all-in-one products.

This combo product contains sulfate-free shampoo that prepares your hair for the dye removal process.

Rinse and dry

If you have dyed your hair just recently, it’s very important to rinse longer.

This way, you will help your hair release unwanted color faster. Most hair color strippers don’t work on wet hair, so make sure you dry it afterward thoroughly.

Combine

Hair color stripper products arrive in two bottles, including two different solutions (acid concentrate and the sulfurous reducing agent).

Depending on the treatment, most will require you to combine the solutions into equal parts. However, make sure to read the instructions.

Apply ASAP

Most treatments are photosensitive, especially if they’re already combined.

This is why you need to react fast. Apply the solution immediately to keep its effectiveness. You can use a tint brush to get the job done even quicker.

You will also need a tint bowl, a comb, and a clip. These necessary applicators ensure even distribution of the treatment.

Give your hair time to absorb the solution

Wait at least 30 minutes before you rinse your hair. Give your hair enough time to absorb the treatment and provide visible results.

Utilize a processing cap. Blow your hair with medium heat for an extra 20 minutes for better results. This will increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

washing hair

Rinse completely

Last but not least, you need to rinse your hair thoroughly. Removing any color particle is a crucial step in the process. Make sure to do it correctly.

Wash your hair with shampoo again to remove any leftovers. This will also help you remove the smell of the treatment. Use a good conditioner to prevent dry hair.

After the treatment, your hair might feel dry. Use a hair mask to help your hair recover. Extra tip: Wait 1 or 2 weeks before you expose your hair to other treatments.

However, if you’re determined to apply a new color the same day, at least aim for a color 1 to 2 shades lighter than desired.

Aiming for darker tones will only make your hair darker than you desired. After color stipping, your hair tends to absorb extra pigment. This results in darker, intensified results.

Does Baking Soda Remove Hair Dye?

Yes, baking soda is one of the most popular natural ways to strip an artificial color. Mix the baking soda in a bowl with a powerful anti-dandruff shampoo.

Rinse your hair with hot water and then apply the solution. Leave the solution on the hair for at least 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water afterward.

Does Dish Soap Remove Hair Dye?

Yes, dish soap removes artificial hair color. Wash your hair with mild dish soap the same way you wash it with shampoo. Dish soap has high sulfate levels.

This makes it an excellent alternative for professional hair dye remover. It will fade artificial color quickly and help remove hair dye in a short manner of time.

Last Thoughts

My tips are based on my personal experience. However, I encourage you to try each solution yourself and determine which one works for you.

Hopefully, my recipes and suggestions can help you remove the unwanted color without applying extra damage to your hair.

Have you tried some of these methods? Would you recommend anything else that you consider more effective and less damaging?

Drop a comment and let me know.

Angie Cloud

Sunday 21st of February 2021

On the joico colour intensity eraser what the other product you used in it I didn’t get it. I had gray hair. And I wanted the color hair. The color was called mermaid blue. More of a teal. Any way I want my sliver hair back. Will this work. It’s been like 2 years and I have like a dark dark gray color on the bottom of my hair. I don’t like. Thank you