Removing Semi-Permanent Hair Dye from Bleached Hair

From time to time, we all experiment with our tresses. But our hair can be so delicate that it’s important to treat it with care. It’s so easy to dye hair – buy an over-the-counter dying kit and do it yourself from the comfort of your own home.

However, with the ease of being able to dye your hair comes the issue of removing the color if you don’t like it or fancy a change. While experimenting with semi-permanent hair dye to get the look you want, it’s critical to note that it can be damaging and the risks involved.

But, how do you get rid of semi-permanent hair dye without damaging your hair? In a nutshell, there are options available that are friendly to your locks and scalp.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Making a paste from vitamin C tablets and anti-dandruff shampoo.
• Mixing anti-dandruff shampoo and baking soda.
• Washing with dish soap.
• Using a homemade vinegar rinse.
• An over-the-counter hair color remover (can be damaging).

Let’s take a look at these methods a little more in depth.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Removal from Bleached Hair

If you have bleached hair and have recently used a semi-permanent hair dye and have decided that the color is not for you, there are ways to remove it.

While some methods are harsher than others, there will be a method out there that will suit you.

Vitamin C and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you prefer natural remedies, the vitamin C and anti-dandruff shampoo method is an excellent option for you.

Pick up some vitamin C (you don’t need to spend a lot on these – cheap ones will do). You’ll also want to get your hands on some anti-dandruff shampoo. Nizoral AD Shampoo is a good option, but other alternatives can be used too.

It’s recommended that you use a mortar and pestle to crush the vitamins. However, this can be done with a spoon or blunt kitchen object. Crush the tablets into a mixing bowl to create a powder consistency. Add a substantial squirt of the anti-dandruff shampoo so that you can lather the mixture up. Take some time to stir the two ingredients and add more shampoo, if necessary.

Next, you should gently apply the mixture to wet hair, just like you would with ordinary shampoo. Take a few minutes to work it through your hair, massaging it into your lengths as well as your scalp, getting it bubbly like regular shampoo. Then, wear a shower cap, or wrap your hair in cling-film or a plastic bag.

This is a vital step as the mixture will more than likely drip, and because you’re removing the dye, it can stain clothing. Also, consider putting an old towel on your shoulders just in case. Leave the mixture on your hair for around 45 minutes, then rinse and apply a good conditioner. This method does the job well and doesn’t damage your hair as much as hair strippers can.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great household tool for many things – semi-permanent hair dye removal included! With similar steps to the vitamin C and anti-dandruff method, combine the baking soda with a strong anti-dandruff shampoo in a mixing bowl.

Next, dampen your hair with hot water (not soaking wet) and cover your hair with the baking soda mixture, massaging it into your scalp and the locks. Leave the mixture in for about 20 minutes, and as before, cover with something so that it doesn’t drip. Once the 20 minutes is up, wash the mixture off with warm water.

Afterward, condition your hair thoroughly as it may be lacking moisture. A quality hair mask or deep conditioning treatment can work wonders.

This method may not work the first time. Therefore, repeat this process once a day for three to four consecutive days. Consistently using this method will help you get better results and effectively remove the hair dye from your bleached hair.

Wash Your Hair with Dish Soap

Using dish soap to wash your hair can work wonders when it comes to tackling grease. However, it can also help in stripping semi-permanent hair dye.

There are harsher chemicals in dish soap that are commonly used to target stubborn stains and greasy dishes. With this in mind, these chemicals can also be great in stripping your hair from dyes and other products.

All you need to do is use the dish soap like you would any other shampoo. However, because the chemicals are slightly stronger, use a regular shampoo afterward. Don’t forget to condition too to keep your hair smooth and sleek.

Homemade Vinegar Rinse

Using vinegar to strip hair of a semi-permanent hair dye is a long-standing and effective method. It’s cheap, simple and most of us have vinegar at home, so it’s easy to get your hands on without too much hassle.

Because vinegar is acidic, it can effectively help strip dye from your bleached hair. First and foremost, ensure you’re using plain vinegar and not malt or wine vinegar.

Ensure that you have sufficient vinegar to soak your hair thoroughly. This will depend on how long your hair is. Firstly, apply the vinegar and allow it to sit for two to three minutes. Then, rinse with lots of warm water. Run your vinegar soaked hair under the tap or shower head for the most effective results.

Repeat if and when necessary but, due to the acidity levels of vinegar, it’s inadvisable to perform do this more than three times a week.

Over the Counter Hair Color Remover

One of the most common go-to methods of semi-permanent hair dye removal from bleached hair is to buy an over the counter product that strips the dye from the hair. Most of these products include hydrosulfite – a strong and powerful chemical that removes hair color.

While this is an easy way to remove hair dye, it can be one of the most damaging methods. There are potent chemicals included in this type of product that can damage hair when used incorrectly or excessively.

If you’re unsure about the product to use, speak with a hairdresser before you buy. There are so many hair dye-stripping products on the market, suited to different hair types that selecting the right one can be difficult.

Once you’ve purchased the hair dye stripper, you can follow the product specific instructions within the packaging. Always remember that when choosing this method of removal, invest in a good quality conditioner and use afterward to prevent damage.

How to Get Rid of Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Quickly

As we’ve explored above, there are a few ways in which you can successfully remove semi-permanent hair dye from your bleached hair. However, when it comes to removing it ‘quickly,’ the best method is using the over counter hair dye strippers that include hydrosulfite.

This is because they tend to get the job done the first time. Whereas using more natural methods can see you having to repeat the process time and time again for the desired results. Because of the high content of hydrosulfite in these types of products, you need to avoid using them regularly.

What Are the Benefits of Herbal Remedies?

The advantages of stripping semi-permanent hair dye using at home herbal remedies can be enormous. Doing it at home means that you are in control and aren’t messing about with harsh chemicals.

Additionally, you can also add essential oils or extracts to help brighten and strengthen your hair. Herbal remedies are, overall, a lot less harsh than chemical infused methods.

The following are fantastic when caring for your hair:

• Coconut oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Pomegranate seed oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Avocado oil
• Jojoba oil

Add the above into your at home hair dye removal mixture. Alternatively, you can condition your hair with any of them afterward. Ensure that you massage the oil deep into your scalp and the length of your hair.

Always remember that when using a homemade mixture, it’s best to use gloves. You don’t need to have sensitive skin to be easily irritated by the chemicals found in everyday products. So protect your skin with disposable or rubber gloves.

How Long Does Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last?

Temporary hair color gives your hair a more natural color and tends to be easier to use compared to permanent dyes. This is mainly because semi-permanent dyes are used straight from the applicator and don’t have to be pre-mixed.

Most last for around six weeks and tend to fade gradually. If you want to avoid any damage to your hair, it’s advised that you try and wait the six or so weeks for the dye to fade naturally. Temporary dyes commonly fade with shampooing, conditioning, and exposure to air.

However, if you can’t wait this long, it’s vital to know that any methods that involve your hair being stripped of color can be damaging in the long run. In future, to avoid this, try and go for colors that are suited to you. A professional hairdresser can best advise on hues and tones.

Damage Caused by Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

All types of hair dye (unless ammonia-free) contain chemical processes that damage your hair. The most common issue that those who frequently dye their hair encounter is the reduction in elasticity (also known as stretchability), increasing the chance of breakage.

Because hair that has been dyed or colored is vulnerable to damage, it’s advised that you know the effects this can have on your hair and scalp. It’s vital to be aware of how to take the proper steps to hydrate and care for your hair after dyeing it.

Will Removing Dye Damage My Hair?

Even at-home methods can cause some level of damage. However, the most effective way to combat dryness, brittleness, and breakages to the hair is to use a deep conditioning treatment.

For the best effect, using a deep conditioning treatment three days before and after removing or applying hair dye can have excellent results. After that, it’s recommended that you use a moisture building conditioner on a weekly basis.

A deep conditioning treatment or hair mask can do wonders in pumping your hair full of moisture. Regularly applying either will make it more elastic and less likely to snap or break. Additionally, your hair will have a healthy and shiny glow.

Dyeing your hair raises hair cuticle which causes hairs to interlock and tangle very easily. This can be painful and cause hair breakage. Therefore, it’s crucial to condition your hair after every shampoo. This will help to flatten the cuticle, seal in moisture, reduce tangles, and add shine.

Also, using a smoothing product to help smooth your hair cuticles will help reduce moisture evaporation. All in all, this will give your tresses that all-important glossier and healthier appearance.

Consider Visiting a Baber

Over time, the cost of buying semi-permanent hair dye can add up if you’re someone who changes your mind a lot and likes to try new colors often. Not only can it become costly, but it can also be very damaging for your hair and scalp.

As a result, you may experience early hair loss and other conditions. Therefore, it may be a consideration to pay extra and have a professional hairdresser look after your precious locks instead.

They will use state of the art products and technology that will look after your hair and scalp. In the long run, it may not even be any more expensive once you add up the cost of DIY hair dyeing and removing.