Fading permanent blue hair dye requires methods to lift or break down the color molecules, as permanent dyes are designed to resist washing out. Here's a breakdown of how to effectively fade your blue hair:
Methods for Fading Blue Hair Dye
While "permanent" hair dye is designed to last, it can be faded over time with the right techniques. No method is guaranteed to remove all the dye instantly, and some can cause damage to your hair, so proceed with caution.
1. Washing with Clarifying Shampoo
- How it works: Clarifying shampoos are designed to strip away buildup and impurities from the hair. This stripping action can also help to lift out some of the blue dye molecules.
- How to use: Use a clarifying shampoo instead of your regular shampoo every few washes. Be sure to follow up with a deep conditioner, as clarifying shampoos can be drying.
2. Using Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- How it works: Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain sulfates and other ingredients that are harsher than regular shampoos, aiding in dye removal.
- How to use: Similar to clarifying shampoo, use this a few times a week, monitoring your hair's condition and moisturizing as needed.
3. Hot Water Washes
- How it works: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing more dye to escape during washing. However, hot water can also be damaging and drying.
- How to use: Use the hottest water you can comfortably tolerate when washing your hair. Always follow with a cold rinse to help close the cuticle and retain moisture.
4. Vitamin C Treatment
- How it works: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a mild bleaching agent that can help lift dye.
- How to use: Crush several Vitamin C tablets and mix them with a bit of warm water to form a paste. Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave on for 30-60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and condition.
5. Baking Soda Paste
- How it works: Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can help lift hair dye.
- How to use: Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to damp hair, and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and condition. Baking soda can be very drying, so use sparingly.
6. White Vinegar Rinses
- How it works: White vinegar's acidity helps to break down the hair dye.
- How to use: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Pour the mixture over your hair after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. The strong scent will dissipate as your hair dries.
7. Color Remover
- How it works: Color removers are specifically formulated to remove artificial hair dye without the harsh effects of bleach.
- How to use: Follow the instructions on the product carefully. These are usually available at beauty supply stores. This is a more aggressive option and may still cause some damage.
8. Bleach Wash (Soap Cap)
- How it works: A bleach wash is a diluted bleach mixture that can gently lift color.
- How to use: Mix equal parts shampoo and 20 volume developer with a small amount of bleach powder. Apply to damp hair and monitor closely, rinsing after a few minutes (5-15 minutes max). This is a potentially damaging option and should be used with extreme caution. Only do this if you are experienced with bleaching your hair.
9. Professional Color Correction
- How it works: A professional colorist has the knowledge and products to safely and effectively remove or correct your hair color.
- How to use: Consult with a trusted stylist. This is the best option if you're concerned about damaging your hair or if you've tried other methods without success.
Important Considerations
- Hair Condition: Assess the health of your hair before attempting any fading methods. Damaged hair is more susceptible to further damage.
- Moisturize: All of these methods can be drying, so use deep conditioners and moisturizing hair masks regularly.
- Patience: Fading permanent hair dye takes time and may require multiple attempts.
- Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying any treatment to your entire head of hair to check for adverse reactions or unwanted results.
Fading permanent blue hair dye requires persistence and caution. Choose the methods that are best suited for your hair type and condition and always prioritize the health of your hair.
