Welcome back to my blog! Today I want to provide a thorough explainer on whether color remover products actually remove dye from hair. This is an important question for anyone who has dyed their hair a color they later regretted. I’ll go over how color removers work, their effectiveness on different types of dye, and provide some recommendations. Let’s get started!
How do color removers work?
Color remover products work by breaking down the oxidative dye molecules in your hair so that they can be washed out. They contain strong reducing agents and alkali agents that attack the dye structure, cleaving the bonds and allowing the color to be removed. Here’s a quick overview of the color removal process:
- You saturate your hair with the color remover product.
- The reducing agents break down the dye molecules while the alkali agents open up the hair cuticles.
- The color is released from the hair shaft and the cuticle scales down.
- You rinse the product out and shampoo repeatedly to wash away the stripped color.
So in summary, color removers chemically break down the hair dye rather than simply washing it out.
Are color removers effective on permanent dye?
Color removers work best on oxidation hair dyes, which are the types used in most permanent at-home dye kits. This is because permanent dyes undergo a chemical reaction within the hair strand, fusing the color molecules to your hair.
Here’s a table comparing the effectiveness of color removers on permanent vs. semi-permanent dyes:
| Dye Type | Works on Dye? |
|---|---|
| Permanent (oxidation) | Yes, color remover is effective |
| Semi-permanent (smaller molecules) | Partially effective, may not fully remove |
As you can see, the color remover works well on permanent dyes, since the oxidizing action helps open the cuticle and break down the dye. It bonds strongly within the hair shaft.
On semi-permanent dyes, color removers can work to an extent but may not completely remove the color. This is because semi-permanent dyes have smaller dye molecules that sit within the cuticle rather than bonding chemically.
What about removing fashion colors?
When it comes to removing vibrant fashion colors like blues, greens, pinks, and purples, color removers have more mixed results.
Here are some tips on using them effectively:
- Start with clarifying shampoo several times to prep the hair.
- Use a color remover formulated for direct dyes.
- Leave the remover on for longer, up to 60 minutes.
- Use the remover twice if needed to thoroughly strip color.
Even then, color removers may not completely remove bold fashion colors, especially darker shades. The dye molecules can be stubborn and resistant to reduction.
You may see the color tone down several shades but not remove entirely. Using a remover repeatedly also causes damage, so it’s not recommended.
What about color-treated hair?
On color-treated hair that’s been lightened or highlights, color removers should be used carefully. Here are some precautions:
- Test on a strand first to check for damage.
- Use a gentle formula without peroxide.
- Rinse thoroughly and deep condition after.
- Don’t leave on for longer than recommended.
The bleached and porous areas of treated hair are vulnerable to chemical processing. The color remover may interact differently across highlights, natural regrowth, etc.
To be safe, do a patch test and closely follow instructions. Also avoid overprocessing to prevent breakage.
What are some highly rated color removers?
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, here are my top picks for effective color remover products:
| Brand | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Color Oops | Extra Strength | – For permanent dye – Low odor formula – Removes black, brown, red, gray |
| L’Oreal | Effasol Color Remover | – For permanent dye – Enriched with soy protein – Less damage to hair |
| Scott Cornwall | Decolour Remover | – For fashion colors – Formulated for direct dyes – Conditioners prevent dryness |
These provide a balance of effective dye removal and hair conditioning to prevent severe damage. Always follow instructions carefully when using any chemical hair treatment.
What about hair bleach?
Another option for removing dye is hair bleach or lightener. This uses peroxide to rapidly oxidize the melanin pigment in your hair, taking out the color.
The main pros and cons compared to color removers:
| Hair Bleach | Color Remover | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Removes color quickly – Can achieve lighter shades |
– Less damaging generally – Better for minor color changes |
| Cons | – Very damaging to hair – Can cause breakage |
– Not as effective for major color changes |
As you can see, hair bleach is stronger but also much more damaging. Bleach is better for drastic lightening, while a remover is suitable for going back to your natural shade. Consider your hair’s condition and how many shades you need to remove.
What about natural color stripping?
There are also some natural methods that can help strip out dye over several applications. These include:
- Vitamin C treatment – Vitamin C crushes the dye molecules when the powder is mixed with hot water and applied.
- Baking soda scrub – Helps lift cuticles so dye escapes. Mix baking soda with clarifying shampoo.
- Apple cider vinegar rinse – The acidity helps remove buildup and lighten hair over time.
However, these natural options work gradually and may not completely remove permanent dye. They can be used alongside color removers for a less damaging approach though.
What factors affect color remover results?
How well color removers work depends on several factors:
- Type of hair dye – Permanent vs semi-permanent
- Depth of shade – Dark colors are harder to remove
- Hair texture – More porous hair absorbs more dye
- Application method – Following instructions carefully
- Number of treatments – May require multiple applications
So hair that’s been freshly dyed a light brown with permanent dye is the easiest to remove. While textured hair dyed an inky black semi-permanent color poses more challenges.
Be realistic about the results you can achieve. It may take multiple remover treatments to get back to a natural shade.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, color removers use a chemical process to break down and strip out permanent hair dye. They are effective at removing permanent color, especially lighter shades of dye. Vibrant fashion colors are harder to remove fully. It’s best to think of color removers as a way to go back to a natural shade gradually rather than achieve a drastic new hair color.
I hope this guide has helped explain what you can expect from color remover products! Let me know if you have any other hair color questions.