4 Natural Ways to Remove Hair Dye

Some natural ingredients can help you remove hair dye and moisturize it without causing further damage but they're slow. Note that there's no formula to remove it fast.

There are natural ways to remove hair dye without further damage if you don’t like the way your hair looks after a makeover.

Dyeing your hair will damage it so think about it before you do it. Impulses can play a nasty trick and make you regret your decision.

If you’ve already changed your look and you’re not comfortable with it, you may be wondering what you can do about it.

That being said, if you’ve already dyed your hair and are looking for ways to remove it, some natural options can, at least, help lighten it. Remember, the results will vary depending on the color and quality of the dye, among other things.

Avoid these common hair dyeing mistakes

Before getting to how to remove the dye, let’s review some of the most common mistakes people make when applying this product. The most common are:

• Don’t buy cheap hair dye that’ll stain or make your hair fall out. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic found that some cheap dies can burn your scalp and cause itching and flaking.
• Use the right amount of dye for your hair. If you have fuller or very long hair you might need more than a bottle for good distribution and to get the results you want.
• See a trained professional. Someone without experience could easily damage your hair or leave some areas undyed.
• If you dye your hair blond, red, purple, etc., don’t use products and treatments designed for dyed hair. Over time the color will fade and turn coppery.

Natural ways to remove hair dye

Most natural remedies to help get rid of your hair dye faster come from popular culture. Thus, there’s no scientific evidence in regard to their safety and efficacy. If you notice any unfavorable reaction, immediately discontinue its use.

Keep in mind that their effects aren’t fast and you must be careful when using them, as some ingredients can be harsh on fine hair.

While these products are generally safe, you should always do a patch test before you apply it all over your head. That will help you avoid adverse or unwanted reactions.

1. A mask ro remove hair dye

This is an apple cider vinegar mask that can slowly remove hair dye. Vinegar has been traditionally used as a natural conditioner and brightening agent.

Keep in mind that this method can be too abrasive for someone with fine, fragile hair and a sensitive scalp. If that’s the case, you should skip this particular recipe or use it sparingly and carefully.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar (40 ml.)
• Warm water (as much as necessary)

Utensils

• Plastic container
• Shower cap

Preparation

• In a bowl, add the water and apple cider vinegar
• Dilute well

Application

• Apply this mixture throughout your hair
• Once your hair is thoroughly moistened, gently massage your scalp for a few minutes
• Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for a few minutes
• After that time, rinse your hair with plenty of warm water

If your hair color is dark, repeat this treatment three times a week, at most. You may also need to increase the proportions of each ingredient, based on how much hair you have.

2. A shampoo to remove hair dye

The active ingredient in dandruff shampoo is selenium sulfide. The combination of this substance with baking soda, can help you remove hair dye.

Again, this is a gradual process that won’t give you immediate results. Use it at least twice a week if you want to see changes, and skip it if your hair is fine or brittle.

Ingredients

• Anti-dandruff shampoo (as much as needed)
• 2 tbsp. of baking soda

Utensils

• 1 glass container

Preparation

• Choose the amount of shampoo that you use normally for washing your hair
• Mix well in the baking soda in the glass container

Application

• Apply this to your hair just like you would your normal shampoo
• Massage it in and let it do its thing for a few minutes
• Finally, rinse it with plenty of water

Baking soda can significantly dry your hair so use it in minimum quantities and in moderation. It’s excessive use to remove hair dye, several times in a week, will greatly damage your hair.

3. Lemon juice to remove hair dye

An oat-lemon mixture can help lighten your hair when applying dyes. However, it can dry it out if you leave it on too long. Make sure you apply it sparingly, for up to five minutes. If you notice an unfavorable reaction, stop using it.

Ingredients

• 5 drops of lemon juice
• Warm oat mill (as much as you need)

Preparation

• Mix both ingredients in a container
• Apply to hair and leave on for a few minutes
• Then, rinse with plenty of warm water

4. Lemon and olive oil

Lemon can help you remove some of the hair dye, given its acidity. However, it can also damage it, which is why it should be used in minimal quantities and always together with some other ingredient that provides deep hydration (such as olive oil, for example).

Ingredients

• 4 drops of lemon juice
• Olive oil (as much as necessary)

Preparation

• Mix both ingredients in a bowl

Application

• Firstly, wash your hair as you normally would in the shower
• Secondly, make the shampoo foam and let it sit for five minutes
• Then, add the lemon-oil mixture to the shampoo you’ve applied to your hair
• Distribute it all over it with circular massages and leave it on for five minutes
• Then, apply conditioner to the hair and leave it for five more minutes (optional)
• Finally, rinse the hair with plenty of warm water

Black hair dye, a whole separate case

This dye color is particularly difficult to remove and some methods tend to damage the hair to the point of needing successive nourishing and moisturizing therapies. The following options aren’t as aggressive and can certainly help you but it requires patience.

• Honey. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a little water and wait half an hour to apply to wet hair. Cover with a cap for an hour and finally, rinse with plenty of water.

Other variations with baking soda:

• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in 250 ml of water. Then, wash your hair and leave on for a few minutes and rinse it with plenty of water.

Or,

• Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with four tablespoons of vinegar in warm water and form a smooth paste. Then, apply it to the hair, cover with a cap, and wait half an hour. Finally, wash with plenty of water and rinse it with cold water.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide, but of course it’s a stronger substance. Thus, we recommend you test a strand and keep it on for no more than half an hour. Then, rinse with plenty of water.

Conclusions

While nothing can completely remove hair dye, some of these remedies can help you get rid of it little by little. Furthermore, be particularly careful if your hair is fragile or your scalp sensitive.

In short, to naturally remove hair dye without damaging your hair you have to be very well informed and, preferably, go to your hairdresser so the expert can give you their advice.

Otherwise, you have to be patient and wait for your hair to lighten a bit, after several washings. Finally, it can be difficult not to have the color you want but it’s necessary to avoid resorting to measures that can damage it further.