Buzz
There are several reasons why people choose to dye their hair black. Unfortunately, removing black dye is significantly more challenging. The process of stripping black dye is similar to removing other hair colors, but it may take longer, cause more damage, and your hair won’t return to its natural shade until new growth appears. If you’re unhappy with your black-dyed hair, consider finding a way to blend your natural color with a shade that suits you better.
Steps
Use a Hair Color Remover Kit
Purchase a hair color remover kit. These kits are specifically designed to eliminate unwanted hair dye. There are various products available, each containing different chemicals and instructions. Keep in mind that these kits may not work on semi-permanent dyes, as they contain metallic salts and natural color agents that the remover cannot eliminate.
- Opt for a strong product since black is the most stubborn dye to remove.
- Consider the length of your hair and the intensity of the black dye used. It’s wise to buy two boxes in case you need to double the application, especially if you have long or thick hair.
- You can find hair color remover kits at beauty supply stores.
- If a remover kit isn’t available, you can use bleach or hair lightener as an alternative. However, note that bleach removes both the dye and your hair’s natural pigment, unlike color removers that target only the dye.
Read the instructions. Make sure to thoroughly read the guide included in the product kit and follow every step for optimal results.
- Be aware of potential side effects, such as hair discoloration or dryness, and prepare a conditioner to address these issues.
Prepare before starting. Similar to dyeing your hair, you should wear appropriate clothing, use gloves, and prep your hair before applying the chemicals. You might also need to drape a towel over your shoulders to prevent chemical spills.
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained, like an old T-shirt.
- Brush your hair before applying the color remover. Otherwise, the chemicals might get trapped in tangled hair, leading to uneven application.
- Apply a lip balm like Vaseline to your face and hairline to avoid staining or skin irritation. Vaseline acts as a protective barrier against chemical exposure. This is also a useful tip for future hair dyeing to prevent color bleeding onto your skin.
- Wear gloves and begin mixing the solution. Once ready, follow the instructions and mix the chemicals before applying. Some color removers have a strong sulfur or rotten egg odor, so it’s best to use an exhaust fan in the bathroom.
Test on a strand of hair. It’s best to test the product on a small section of hair before applying it to your entire head. Choose a strand that can be hidden if the result is unsatisfactory, and apply the product only to that section. If the outcome meets your expectations, proceed to use it on the rest of your hair.
- Select a discreet section, such as hair at the back of your head.
Apply the mixture to your hair. After mixing the chemicals, evenly distribute the solution across your hair. Some color removers are thinner than others.
- Apply a 2.5 cm-wide strip of the mixture to your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This ensures even coverage and helps you control the amount of product used.
- Wrap your hair and wait for the recommended time. If the product works best with heat, sit under a heat-resistant dryer or use a hairdryer on a heat-safe setting.
Repeat the process. You may need to apply the hair color remover multiple times to achieve the desired result, especially when removing black dye. If necessary, it’s best to have an extra box on hand or save leftover chemicals for a second application.
Rinse and shampoo your hair after removing the dye. Ensure you thoroughly rinse out the color remover and dye from your hair by using plenty of water and regular shampoo. Follow the product instructions for post-removal hair washing.
- Some kits include a special shampoo designed for use after color removal.
- You may need to apply shampoo in a specific way to eliminate any remaining bleach or dye residue. Avoid applying shampoo directly to your scalp.
- You might also need to use a shampoo specifically developed for certain color remover kits. Check if the kit includes shampoo and don’t skip this step if it’s part of the process.
Deep condition your hair. Be prepared to address dryness or damage. For best results, use a deep conditioning treatment or avoid heat styling tools for a while.
Re-dye your hair. When using at-home color removers, remember to re-dye your hair after stripping black dye. This is because your hair often ends up lighter than its natural shade. Some may accept the post-removal color, but you might prefer dyeing it to achieve a more natural look.
- You may need to wait a few weeks to let your hair recover before dyeing, though some kits claim you can dye immediately after removal. Wait at least 24 hours before re-dyeing.
Try home remedies
Try an oil treatment. This method is recommended for removing henna and more permanent dyes. While it may not completely remove the dye, it works faster than regular shampooing.
- Choose an oil (olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, etc.) or purchase a specialized hair oil. You can also mix your own blend or buy a pre-mixed solution. Consider buying enough oil for two applications.
- Apply a generous amount of oil to your entire head.
- Let it sit for several hours. For best results, wrap your hair and leave the oil on overnight.
- Wash out the oil with shampoo. Remember, oil doesn’t dissolve well in water, so you may need to shampoo multiple times to remove it completely.
- This method reduces the risk of hair damage, as the oil nourishes your hair while removing the dye.
Use a vitamin C treatment. Similar to other hair lightening methods, vitamin C can lighten black hair by one or two shades. However, this method works best on semi-permanent dyes, as the acid acts like lemon juice to brighten hair color.
- Mix water with vitamin C tablets to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to damp hair.
- Let it sit for an hour to absorb.
- Rinse the mixture out thoroughly.
Try raw honey. Raw honey is often used to lighten hair color, though it’s not highly effective for removing dye. It can, however, help brighten your hair. This method produces hydrogen peroxide, a common bleaching agent. Use raw, unpasteurized honey available at farmers' markets or directly from local honey producers.
- Mix 4 parts raw honey with 1 part water.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair.
- Wrap your hair and leave it on for 2 hours.
- Rinse and repeat if desired. You can use this method a few times a week for gradual lightening.
Use dish soap and baking soda. This mixture is harsher than regular shampoo, so deep conditioning is necessary afterward.
- Mix 5 drops of dish soap with a small amount of shampoo (about the size of a coin).
- Massage the mixture into damp hair.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
Use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are the easiest way to lighten hair color. They work faster than regular shampoos.
- Shampoos designed to remove chlorine can also help strip black dye.
- Anti-dandruff shampoos are known to remove some hair dyes. Mixing it with an equal part of baking soda may enhance its effectiveness. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes before rinsing to check the results.
- You may need to shampoo multiple times for the best outcome. Color will fade slightly with each wash. However, avoid using clarifying shampoo more than three times a day.
Seek help from a hair professional
Understand the color removal process. Transitioning from black to your natural hair color can be a lengthy process. Familiarize yourself with the steps involved and the expected outcome.
- Each session may involve lightening the hair and reapplying a suitable dye.
- Professional stylists can use bleach-free lighteners and strong color removers to achieve the desired shade.
- Multiple sessions may be required, but a skilled stylist will minimize damage and recommend products for at-home maintenance.
- Your hair may turn orange during the process, but salons can correct this with toning or dyeing.
- Discuss your options with a trusted stylist.
Inquire about pricing beforehand. Removing black hair dye can be costly. It’s best to compare prices at several salons to find one that fits your budget and offers reliable service.
- Finding a trustworthy stylist is as important as the cost, so visit multiple places for consultations.
- Remember, “you get what you pay for.” Choosing the cheapest option might yield results similar to at-home remedies.
Wait for your hair to grow out. Consult a hair professional to dye your hair closer to your natural color or desired shade. This slower process is less damaging and avoids the orange phase.
Tips
- If your hair has been dyed black multiple times, treat the ends first, wait 10 minutes, then apply the product to the rest of your hair. The ends are typically harder to lighten when removing black dye.
Warnings
- While bleach can remove fabric dye, avoid applying it directly to your hair unless absolutely necessary for stripping black dye. Bleach can turn your hair red or orange and cause brittleness or even hair loss. Salons also use bleach for color removal, but their professionals are trained to use specialized formulas and conditioning treatments to prevent or minimize damage.
