If you’ve ever dyed your hair red, you know that it can be a beautiful but stubborn color to remove. Whether you’re looking to go back to your natural color or try a new shade, getting rid of red dye can be a challenge. However, with the right techniques and a little patience, it is possible to remove red color from your hair without damaging it.
One of the most effective ways to remove red dye from your hair is to use a color remover. Color removers are available at most beauty supply stores and can be used at home. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to do a patch test before using a color remover on your entire head. Color removers can be harsh, so it is important to use them with caution.
Another option for removing red dye from your hair is to bleach it. Bleaching is a more drastic method than using a color remover, but it can be effective at removing even the most stubborn red dye. However, it is important to note that bleaching can damage your hair, so it is important to only bleach your hair if you are prepared to deal with the potential damage.
Remove Red Color with Bleaching
Bleaching is a chemical process that lightens hair by removing its natural pigment, melanin. It can also be used to remove artificial color, such as red. However, bleaching can be harsh on hair, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to minimize damage.
Here’s how to remove red color from hair with bleach:
- Gather your materials. You will need:
- Put on your gloves and cover your shoulders with an old towel.
- In the mixing bowl, combine the bleach powder and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Apply the bleach mixture to your hair, starting at the roots. Use the tinting brush to evenly distribute the mixture throughout your hair.
- Leave the bleach on for the amount of time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. The processing time will vary depending on the desired level of lift.
- Rinse the bleach out of your hair with cool water. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bleach powder | 1-2 packets, depending on the length and thickness of your hair |
| Developer | 20-volume or 30-volume, depending on the desired level of lift |
| Mixing bowl | 1 |
| Tinting brush | 1 |
| Gloves | 1 pair |
| Old towel | 1 |
Use Color-Correcting Shampoo
For severe cases of red hair, color-correcting shampoos offer a powerful solution. These products are specially formulated with green or blue pigments, which neutralize red tones on the hair. By using these shampoos regularly, you can gradually tone down the redness and achieve a more desired hair color.
Choosing the Right Color-Correcting Shampoo
Selecting the appropriate color-correcting shampoo is crucial for effective results. If your hair has a prominent orange or brassy undertone, a green shampoo will help cancel out these warm hues. Conversely, if your hair has a more purple or pink tinge, a blue shampoo will be more effective.
| Hair Undertones | Shampoo Color |
|---|---|
| Orange or Brassy | Green |
| Purple or Pink | Blue |
Using Color-Correcting Shampoo
To use color-correcting shampoo, follow these steps:
* Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
* Apply the shampoo to your hair and work it into a lather.
* Leave the shampoo on for the recommended amount of time, typically 5-10 minutes.
* Rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water to remove the shampoo and pigments.
* Use a good conditioner to moisturize and protect your hair.
Tips for Using Color-Correcting Shampoo
* Use color-correcting shampoo sparingly, as excessive use can lead to a buildup of pigments and result in an undesirable result.
* Avoid leaving the shampoo on for longer than the recommended time, as this can damage your hair.
* If you have any doubts about using a color-correcting shampoo, consult with a professional hair stylist.
Apply a Natural Mask
Natural masks are a fantastic way to remove red tones from your hair. They are made with ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp, and they can be easily made at home. Here are a few natural masks that you can try:
| Mask | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon juice mask | 1/2 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey |
Mix the lemon juice and honey in a bowl. Apply the mask to your hair, covering all of the red areas. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water. |
| Apple cider vinegar mask | 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup water |
Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl. Apply the mask to your hair, covering all of the red areas. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water. |
| Baking soda mask | 1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup water |
Mix the baking soda and water in a bowl. Apply the mask to your hair, covering all of the red areas. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water. |
These are just a few of the many natural masks that you can use to remove red tones from your hair. Experiment with different masks to find one that works best for you. You may also want to try using a combination of masks to achieve the desired results.
Try a Commercial Color Remover
Commercial color removers may be your best option for removing red from your hair at home. These products are specifically formulated to remove artificial color from hair without damaging the natural pigment. They are typically more effective than natural remedies and can remove up to 90% of artificial color in one application.
Here’s how to use a commercial color remover:
*
Follow the instructions on the product packaging carefully.
*
Apply the color remover to dry hair.
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Leave the color remover on for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
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Rinse the color remover out of your hair with warm water.
*
Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
It’s important to note that commercial color removers can be harsh on hair, so it’s best to only use them once or twice a year. If you’re not sure whether a color remover is right for you, consult with a professional stylist.
Wash with Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos contain ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole, which are known to strip away artificial hair colors. To use anti-dandruff shampoo to remove red from your hair:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. |
| 2 | Apply a liberal amount of anti-dandruff shampoo to your hair and massage it in gently. |
| 3 | Let the shampoo sit in your hair for 5-10 minutes to give it time to work. |
| 4 | Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. |
| 5 | Repeat steps 2-4 as necessary until you see a noticeable reduction in the red color. Be aware that it may take several washes to remove the red color completely. |
Tips:
- Use a clarifying shampoo before applying anti-dandruff shampoo to remove any product buildup or oils that could prevent the shampoo from penetrating the hair shaft.
- If your hair is dry or damaged, you may need to follow up with a conditioner to prevent further damage.
- Be patient and consistent with your washes. It may take several applications to remove the red color completely.
Switch to a Color-Depositing Conditioner
Color-depositing conditioners are a great way to add or refresh color to your hair without using harsh chemicals. They work by depositing small amounts of pigment onto your hair strands, which can help to correct unwanted tones or add vibrancy to your locks. For red hair, look for conditioners that contain blue or green pigments, which will help to neutralize the red and create a more natural-looking color.
How to Use a Color-Depositing Conditioner
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup.
- Apply the color-depositing conditioner to your hair and leave it on for the amount of time specified on the packaging.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
- Repeat the process every few washes to maintain your desired color.
Tips for Using a Color-Depositing Conditioner
* Start with a low concentration of pigment and gradually increase it as needed.
* Apply the conditioner to damp hair, as this will help it to absorb the pigments more easily.
* Leave the conditioner on for the full amount of time specified on the packaging, as this will give it enough time to deposit the pigments into your hair.
* Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to prevent the pigments from fading.
* Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain your color and prevent fading.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Heat Styling
Exposure to direct sunlight can fade red hair more quickly. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can break down the hair’s pigments, leading to a loss of color. Heat styling tools, such as hair dryers and curling irons, can also damage hair and cause color to fade. To protect your red hair from sun exposure and heat damage, follow these tips:
Use a hair sunscreen.
Many hair care products now offer UV protection to shield hair from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for products that contain ingredients like octinoxate or titanium dioxide.
Cover your hair when outdoors.
If you’re going to be spending time in the sun, wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from direct sunlight. This will help to prevent fading and damage.
Limit the use of heat styling tools.
If you must use heat styling tools, use them on a low setting and avoid holding them directly on your hair for extended periods of time. Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before using hot tools to minimize damage.
Additional Tips for Reducing Red Hair Fade
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. | These products are designed to gently cleanse and condition your hair without stripping away color. |
| Avoid chlorine pools. | Chlorine can damage hair and cause color to fade. If you must swim in a chlorinated pool, wear a swim cap to protect your hair. |
| Get regular trims. | Split ends can make hair look dull and faded. Getting regular trims will help to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. |
| Touch up your roots regularly. | As your hair grows out, your roots will start to show. To keep your red hair looking vibrant, touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks. |
Wait for the Color to Fade Naturally
One of the most effective ways to remove red from your hair without bleach is to wait for it to fade naturally. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the intensity of the red and the condition of your hair.
There are a few things you can do to speed up the fading process:
- Wash your hair more frequently. This will help to remove the red pigments from your hair.
- Use a clarifying shampoo. This type of shampoo will help to remove any buildup on your hair, including the red pigments.
- Spend time in the sun. The sun’s UV rays can help to break down the red pigments in your hair.
- Use a color-fading conditioner. These conditioners are formulated with ingredients that help to fade the color of your hair.
- Avoid using heat styling tools. Heat can damage your hair and make the red color more difficult to remove.
- Get regular trims. This will help to remove any split ends, which can make your hair look dull and red.
- Use a purple shampoo. Purple shampoo is designed to counteract brassy tones in hair, including red tones.
- Use a vitamin C treatment. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help to fade the color of your hair.
- Try a baking soda rinse. Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent that can help to lighten the color of your hair.
- Be patient. The fading process can take time, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
Here is a table summarizing the methods discussed above:
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Washing your hair more frequently | Removes red pigments from hair |
| Using a clarifying shampoo | Removes buildup, including red pigments |
| Spending time in the sun | Breaks down red pigments in hair |
| Using a color-fading conditioner | Fades the color of hair |
| Avoiding heat styling tools | Prevents damage and makes red color more difficult to remove |
| Getting regular trims | Removes split ends that can make hair look dull and red |
| Using a purple shampoo | Counteracts brassy tones in hair, including red tones |
| Using a vitamin C treatment | Fades the color of hair |
| Trying a baking soda rinse | Lightens the color of hair |
| Being patient | The fading process takes time |
How To Get The Red Color Out Of Your Hair
If you’re not happy with the red color in your hair, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. One option is to use a color remover. Color removers are available at most beauty supply stores. They work by breaking down the artificial color molecules in your hair, so it can be washed away.
Another option is to use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove build-up from your hair, including color. They can be harsh, so it’s important to use them only once or twice a week.
If you don’t want to use a color remover or a clarifying shampoo, you can try using a natural remedy. One popular natural remedy is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is acidic, and it can help to fade the red color in your hair. To use lemon juice, mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with warm water.
Will dish soap remove red hair dye?
Yes, dish soap can remove red hair dye. Dish soap is a powerful degreaser, and it can break down the artificial color molecules in your hair, so it can be washed away.
How long does it take for red hair dye to fade?
Red hair dye typically fades within 4 to 8 weeks. However, the fading process can be accelerated by using a color-fading shampoo or by washing your hair with hot water.
Is it bad to wash red hair with dish soap?
Washing red hair with dish soap is not recommended. Dish soap is a powerful degreaser, and it can strip your hair of its natural oils. This can make your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
