Sometimes, changing hair into a brighter color is a way to transform the whole look. However, if you have recently enjoyed your natural grey hair, you might seek potential ways to ditch the permanent hair dye without harm.
But, one thing to remember is that it’s not easy to get rid of permanent hair dye from grey hair because the dye-eliminating chemicals can negatively affect your hair and cause it to become brittle and break.
So, if the concern is still lingering on your mind, this article is for you. Keep reading to figure out how to remove permanent hair dye from grey hair and some golden tips to protect healthy and glossy hair.
Things to Consider Before Removing Permanent Hair Dye
Before choosing the right method to get rid of permanent hair dye, there are a couple of things to be considered carefully.
The level of the dye
The first thing to focus on is the hair dye’s intensity. The darker and fresher the dye is, the longer and more complex the natural removal methods will take.
It means that dark dye requires substantial time and effort to achieve the desired result. On the other hand, chemical removal strategies can help fasten the process but could result in more damage to your hair.
DIY or professional
Another thing to consider is whether going through a chemical process at a salon with professionals or trying the methods at home is more practical and effective.
The last time you dyed your hair
Removing fresh dye is often challenging. Hence, if you have recently dyed your hair, you may have to try a complete dye removal that could cause damage to your hair.
Hair conditions
Whether it is healthy or not, hair conditions should be considered when removing permanent hair dye. In case your hair is healthy, and in excellent condition, you can attempt chemical removal methods.
Otherwise, opt for less damaging options if your hair is dry, damaged, or prone to breaking.
Natural or not natural
The last important thing is to decide which method works best on specific hair dye.
Hence, the hair conditions and the chemical sensitivity are a few things to be paid special attention to when choosing the methods to ditch the hair dye.
How To Remove Permanent Hair Dye From Grey Hair? (Detailed Instructions)
Natural methods
Several natural home remedies can eliminate permanent hair dye without causing adverse effects to grey hair.
However, note that these methods may not have impressive effects, especially if the dye has been in place for a long time.
Baking soda and shampoo
If the hair has been recently dyed, go for this method since baking soda is relatively effective for new hair color.
- Mix equal parts baking soda with anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Make the hair wet, lather the mixture into the strands for a couple of minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Note:
- The hair tends to be dry after the procedure, so it’s vital to apply a conditioner before and after to hydrate the hair.
- Repeat the procedure daily until the dye disappears.
Baking soda and lemon juice
- Mix equal parts baking soda with lemon juice to create a paste.
- Wet the hair, allow the paste to sit for around 5 minutes, and wash it out with lukewarm water.
Note: The citric acid in lemon juice can cause the hair to dry, so make sure to replenish moisture with a deep-conditioning treatment after the procedure.
Baking soda and Epsom salt
This method only works for semi-permanent dye.
- Prepare a large bucket or bath with warm water since the hair needs to be submerged in water completely.
- Add Epsom salt, baking soda, and let your hair sit without disturbance in the liquid.
White vinegar
This is a great alternative because the acid in the vinegar can loosen and remove the dye molecules from the hair strands.
- Dilute one part of vinegar with one part of water and massage the mixture into the hair.
- Allow the mixture to submerge for about 15 minutes under a shower cap, then wash.
- Repeat the process 1-2 times per week until the dye completely fades.
Note: The procedure is likely to irritate the scalp, so try the small amount first before applying it to the whole head.
Vitamin C tablets
The frequent use of vitamin C can lift the dark color from the locks and turn the grey hair back.
- Flatten about 12 vitamin C tablets and mix with a clarifying shampoo.
- Apply the mixture and rub the strands.
- Use a shower cap and let the mix sit for around 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Rinse and use hair moisturizer treatment.
Note:
- This method works best if the hair has just been colored within a few days. After this timeframe, the result may be minimal.
- This treatment is suggested to apply once a week.
“Less” natural methods
All of the methods above cause slight damage to the hair. However, they tend to be time-consuming and result in slight outcomes.
Therefore, some chemical options are essential to boost optimal effects. However, take these methods into consideration because they make use of chemical products, which could weaken the hair.
Make sure to follow a post-treatment properly to keep the hair hydrated and glossy.
Shampoo
A clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo can gradually fade the dye with minor damage than complete dye removal.
While clarifying shampoo works best on dark dyes since it removes the artificially-added color from hair and leaves it to the base color, anti-dandruff shampoo is a great-to-go option for light dyes because it contains sulfates.
However, unfortunately, this method often causes dry hair, so go with intensive hydration treatment and leave it for a couple of hours between the sessions to make hair healthy and shiny again.
- Work the clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo through the hair 3 or 4 times.
- Coat the strands once more and let the shampoo sit for 15-20 minutes underneath a shower cap.
- Rinse with hot water to open up the hair cuticle and allow extended color removal.
Note:
- It’s recommended not to apply the clarifying shampoo daily.
- Due to the strong and pungent smell, it’s advisable to use clarifying shampoo in a well-ventilated area.
Color stripper
In case you have healthy hair, opt for a commercial color stripper.
This method is relatively popular because it makes use of chemicals to strip the color away effectively. Also, consider going with nourishing ingredients such as keratin, aloe vera, or soy protein to avoid possible hair damage.
However, the color stripper doesn’t prove the effective result for neon colors like blue, purple, green, or pink. Instead, it is more suitable for natural colors such as brown.
- Follow the product’s instructions and mix the chemicals, then apply to hair with gloves on.
- Cover the hair with a shower cap and leave it for approximately 20 minutes.
- Wash your hair and shampoo it thoroughly with warm water.
- Repeat the washing process a few times to eliminate more colors.
- Use a deep conditioner when done.
Dishwashing soap
Regular dishwashing soap contains detergents that strip the dye from grey hair. Just replace the dish soap with shampoo and make sure to moisturize the hair after.
Also, repeat the process twice or 3 times to get the best result.
Hydrogen peroxide
This option is impressive for dark dyes since it increases hair color’s tone. However, note that the hydrogen peroxide opens the hair cuticle. Hence it’s necessary to close it properly so as not to damage hair.
- Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Spray your colored hair with the mixture and wait for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse the mixture and apply the conditioner to lock the cuticles.
Bleach
Although this method shows a remarkable effect because it dissolves the color pigment and lightens the dye, it’s not favorable for dry or prone to breaking hair.
Therefore, it’s better to check the mixture on the hair first so as not to put the risk on the hair. Also, take action carefully with some deep conditioning treatments in preparation to avoid any considerable reactions.
Another point is to seek help from a professional colorist to undertake this procedure. However, if you are confident, you can try this at home.
- Mix the bleach with shampoo and add developer, then stir thoroughly.
- Divide the hair into four equal sections. Work the solution evenly from mid-length to the roots and consistently through wet hair.
- Wait for about 35 to 50 minutes under a shower cap.
- Rinse out the bleach with lukewarm water and use a conditioner as usual.
How To Prepare Your Grey Hair For Dye Removal?
Since dye removal is a challenging process and leaves the hair prone to break, it’s crucial to prepare carefully to retain the hair’s health and appearance.
Therefore, always keep the hair hydrated using a rich, rinse-out conditioner before eliminating the dye.
Also, it’s better to not wash the strands for a couple of days before the dying removal process to facilitate the scalp’s natural oil to replenish the hair.
How To Take Care Of Grey Hair
Because grey hair is likely to be coarser, more shaggy, and less shiny, natural products and habitual care is recommended to make the hair healthy and vibrant.
After the procedure, remember to use hair masks and follow up with several conditioning methods and natural products to nourish and restore the hair.
Besides, purple shampoo is also helpful as the violet pigments can eliminate unwanted brassy tones and give grey hair a silver boost.
The Final Words
You’ve reached the end of the article. Hopefully, this article has provided a comprehensive guide to help you remove permanent hair dye and get back to gorgeous grey.
Whichever options you end up applying, remember to go for a deep moisturizing treatment to add moisture, strength, and shine to your hair.
If you are interested in this article, feel free to share it with your friends. Also, don’t hesitate to leave us some comments on your dye removal experience.
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