Semi-permanent hair dye naturally fades over time, but you can speed up the process using several methods.
Semi-permanent hair dye is designed to wash out over several shampoos, but sometimes you want to remove it faster. Several common household methods and products can help lift the color pigments from your hair strands.
Here are some effective ways to help fade semi-permanent hair dye:
1. Hot Oil Treatment
Using a hot oil treatment is a popular method known for helping to draw out dye pigments and condition the hair.
- Steps:
- Apply warm oil (such as coconut or olive oil) to your hair. Ensure your hair is saturated from root to tip.
- Cover it with a shower cap, and let it sit for at least an hour. The warmth helps the oil penetrate and potentially loosen dye molecules.
- Follow up with a shampoo to remove the oil and faded dye. You may need to shampoo twice to fully remove the oil.
This method can help lift some of the color while also providing moisture to your hair.
2. Frequent Washing
The simplest method is to wash your hair more often than usual. Using a regular shampoo repeatedly can help the dye fade faster with each wash. Using warm water can also slightly open the hair cuticle, allowing more color to escape.
3. Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are designed to deep clean the hair and remove buildup from styling products, hard water minerals, and yes, even temporary color pigments.
- Replace your regular shampoo with a clarifying shampoo for a few washes.
- Massage it thoroughly into your hair and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Follow with a conditioner, as clarifying shampoos can be drying.
4. Vitamin C Treatment
A mixture of Vitamin C powder or crushed Vitamin C tablets and shampoo can create a paste that helps break down the dye molecules.
- Mix crushed Vitamin C tablets (about 10-15) with a dollop of clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Apply the paste to damp hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and condition well.
Important Considerations:
- Patch Test: Always test any new method on a small, hidden strand of hair first to see how your hair reacts and how much color is removed.
- Condition: Many of these methods can be drying. Deep condition your hair after trying to remove the dye to keep it healthy and moisturized.
- Expect Gradual Results: Semi-permanent dye removal is often a process, not a one-time fix. You may need to repeat these methods over several days to achieve the desired level of fading.
- Professional Help: If the dye is stubborn or you're concerned about damaging your hair, consult a professional hairdresser. They have access to specialized color removers that are effective but should be used correctly.
By using methods like the hot oil treatment, frequent washing, or clarifying shampoos, you can significantly speed up the fading process of semi-permanent hair dye.
