Contents
How to Remove Black Hair Dye You Regret Getting
So you took the plunge and dyed your hair an inky black, only to decide it’s just too harsh for your complexion. While stubborn to remove, there are methods to help strip or fade overly dark dye so you can transition back to a more flattering shade.
Read on for tips on minimizing and reversing black hair color.
Use Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are specially formulated to deep clean the hair and scalp to remove product buildup without stripping color too quickly.
How It Works
Contains surfactants to thoroughly cleanse each strand
Removes excess styling products weighing hair down
Can fade dye over 6-10 washes
Prepares hair for color removal treatments
Tips for Use
Lather twice focusing on the scalp
Let sit 3 minutes before rinsing out
Limit to 1-2 times per week to avoid excessive drying
Follow with a nourishing conditioner
While gradual, clarifying shampoo is an easy first step to gently lifting stubborn black dye.
Use Vitamin C Soaks
Vitamin C is a safe, effective way to oxidize and shrink dark hair dye molecules so color fades faster. This method works best on semi-permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes. If your hair is dyed with a permanent dye, you may need to try another method.
How It Works
Acidic vitamin C lowers hair’s pH allowing cuticles to open so dye can escape
Provides a gentle bleaching action to break down artificial pigments
Cuts dye deposit’s size so color leaks out through washes
Less drastic than bleach for subtly lightening a few shades
Tips for Use
Crush vitamin C tablets into powder and mix with hot water plus conditioner
Apply thoroughly focusing on the ends
Let sit 30 minutes wrapped in plastic under a heat cap for deeper penetration
Rinse and repeat 1-2 times per week
Vitamin C removes dye safely with patience. Look for reduced vibrancy after 4-6 treatments.
Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Believe it or not, anti-dandruff shampoos containing zinc pyrithione help strip black dye faster.
How It Works
Zinc binds to the artificial color molecules, watering down their intensity
Allows more dye to be rinsed away with each wash
Gradually fades the black to a brown within 6-8 washes
Tips for Use
Lather anti-dandruff shampoo focusing on the lengths and ends
Let sit 5 minutes so zinc fully penetrates the hair
Use once or twice a week between regular shampooing
Monitor color lifting and adjust frequency accordingly
While gentler than bleach, anti-dandruff shampoo plus washing fades black dye noticeably over time.
Natural Alternative
- Vinegar is often used as a natural alternative to shampoo. Simply mix one part vinegar with two parts water, shampoo and pour over your head. Rinse off with cool water after a few minutes. You may need to do this a few times to remove all the color from your hair.
- Lemon juice is another natural product that can be used to remove hair color. Mix fresh lemon juice with an equal amount of water and apply it to your hair as if you were rinsing it with vinegar. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it out with cool water. You may need to repeat this process several times for best results.
CONCLUSION
Black hair dye has major staying power. But strategic use of clarifying, vitamin C, and anti-dandruff shampoos in between regular washes helps gently lift the darkness.
With consistency, you’ll achieve a soft enough base to color correct with highlights, lowlights, or toner for the perfect new shade.
hair hold memories – wet hair in bonnet – lint in my hair