Fading Fast: The Ultimate Guide to Washing Out Hair Dye at Home
So, you’ve taken the plunge and dyed your hair! Maybe you went for a vibrant new color, a subtle balayage, or even just a quick refresh. But now, for whatever reason, you’re ready to say goodbye to that hue. Perhaps it’s too bright, clashing with your skin tone, or simply not the look you envisioned. Whatever the reason, you’re looking for ways to wash that dye out of your hair – and fast! This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, from gentle to more intense, to safely and effectively fade your hair dye at home.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to understand a few key principles:
* **Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent Dye:** Semi-permanent dyes coat the hair shaft, making them easier to wash out. Permanent dyes, on the other hand, penetrate the hair cortex, making them significantly more resistant to fading. The methods you use will vary depending on the type of dye you’ve used.
* **Hair Porosity:** Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. High-porosity hair absorbs color quickly but also releases it faster, making it easier to fade. Low-porosity hair resists color absorption but also holds onto it tightly.
* **Starting Point:** The darker and more vibrant the dye, the more challenging it will be to remove. Fading a pastel pink is much easier than fading a deep blue or black.
* **Hair Health:** Over-processing your hair with harsh chemicals or frequent washing can lead to damage. Always prioritize your hair’s health and use gentle methods whenever possible. Don’t attempt multiple aggressive methods in quick succession, as this can lead to breakage and dryness.
## Gentle Fading Methods: The Slow and Steady Approach
These methods are ideal for semi-permanent dyes, recently dyed hair, or when you want to minimize damage. They might take longer to show significant results but are generally safer for your hair’s overall health.
**1. Frequent Washing with Clarifying Shampoo:**
* **How it works:** Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse the hair, removing buildup and product residue. This process also helps to lift the dye molecules from the hair shaft.
* **Instructions:**
1. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water (hot water can be more effective but also more damaging).
2. Apply a generous amount of clarifying shampoo, focusing on the areas where the dye is most concentrated.
3. Massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp for 2-3 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish lost moisture.
6. Repeat this process every day or every other day until you achieve the desired fade.
* **Things to consider:** Clarifying shampoos can be drying, so it’s essential to follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask to prevent damage. Avoid using clarifying shampoo if your hair is already dry or damaged.
* **Recommended Products:** Look for clarifying shampoos specifically formulated for colored hair, as they tend to be less harsh. Some popular options include:
* Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
* Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
* Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
**2. Washing with Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:**
* **How it works:** Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain sulfates, which are strong detergents that can help strip away dye molecules. Some also contain ingredients like selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione, which can further aid in fading the color.
* **Instructions:**
1. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
2. Apply a generous amount of anti-dandruff shampoo to your hair.
3. Massage into your scalp and hair, focusing on dyed areas.
4. Let the shampoo sit for 3-5 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
6. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
7. Repeat every other day, or as needed.
* **Things to consider:** Anti-dandruff shampoos can be very drying. Be sure to use a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask after each wash. If you have sensitive skin, test the shampoo on a small area first to avoid irritation.
* **Recommended Products:**
* Head & Shoulders Classic Clean
* Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
* Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (use with caution, as it’s very strong)
**3. Hot Oil Treatments:**
* **How it works:** Hot oil treatments help to lift the dye molecules from the hair shaft while also providing deep conditioning. The heat helps to open the hair cuticle, allowing the oil to penetrate and loosen the dye.
* **Instructions:**
1. Choose a natural oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.
2. Heat the oil slightly (do not boil!). You want it to be warm, not scalding.
3. Apply the warm oil generously to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends.
4. Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap.
6. Wrap a warm towel around your head to trap the heat.
7. Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for a deeper treatment.
8. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water and shampoo.
9. Condition as usual.
10. Repeat once or twice a week.
* **Things to consider:** Be careful not to overheat the oil, as it can burn your scalp. You may need to shampoo your hair twice to remove all the oil. This method is particularly good for dry and damaged hair.
**4. Baking Soda Paste:**
* **How it works:** Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent with mild abrasive properties. It can help to lift dye molecules from the hair shaft. However, it’s also alkaline and can be drying, so use it with caution.
* **Instructions:**
1. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
2. Wet your hair thoroughly.
3. Apply the baking soda paste to your hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
4. Massage the paste into your hair for a few minutes.
5. Leave the paste on for 10-15 minutes.
6. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
7. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask.
8. Repeat once a week, if needed.
* **Things to consider:** Baking soda can be very drying, so it’s crucial to follow up with a deep conditioner. Avoid using this method if your hair is already dry or damaged. Do a strand test first to see how your hair reacts.
**5. Vitamin C Treatment:**
* **How it works:** Vitamin C is a mild reducing agent that can help break down the dye molecules. It’s a gentler alternative to harsh chemical treatments.
* **Instructions:**
1. Crush 5-10 Vitamin C tablets (ascorbic acid). The amount you need depends on the length and thickness of your hair.
2. Mix the crushed tablets with warm water to form a paste.
3. Wet your hair thoroughly.
4. Apply the Vitamin C paste to your hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
5. Massage the paste into your hair for a few minutes.
6. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
7. Leave the paste on for 30-60 minutes.
8. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
9. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
10. Repeat once or twice a week.
* **Things to consider:** This method is generally safe for most hair types, but it can be slightly drying. Always follow up with a conditioner. You may need to repeat the treatment several times to see significant results.
**6. Honey and Cinnamon Mask:**
* **How it works:** Honey is a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the hair. It also contains mild bleaching properties. Cinnamon can help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and may enhance the lightening effect. This is a very gentle method.
* **Instructions:**
1. Mix equal parts honey and cinnamon to create a paste. For example, use 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon.
2. Apply the paste to damp hair, focusing on the areas with dye you want to fade.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
4. Leave the mask on for at least 3-4 hours, or even overnight.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
6. Condition as usual.
7. Repeat once or twice a week.
* **Things to consider:** Some people may experience a slight tingling sensation from the cinnamon. If the tingling becomes uncomfortable, rinse the mask off immediately. This method is very gentle and may take several applications to see noticeable results.
## More Intense Fading Methods: For Stubborn Colors
These methods are more effective for fading stubborn dyes, particularly permanent dyes. However, they also carry a higher risk of damage and should be used with caution. Always perform a strand test before applying these treatments to your entire head.
**1. Color Remover:**
* **How it works:** Color removers are specifically designed to remove artificial hair dye without bleaching the hair. They work by shrinking the dye molecules, allowing them to be washed away. They are generally safer than bleach.
* **Instructions:**
1. Follow the instructions on the color remover packaging carefully. Each product may have slightly different instructions.
2. Generally, you’ll need to mix the remover with a developer or activator.
3. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
4. Process for the recommended time.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
6. Shampoo and condition your hair.
* **Things to consider:** Color removers can be drying, so it’s essential to use a moisturizing conditioner after treatment. They may also leave your hair with a brassy or orange tone, especially if you were dying your hair a darker color. In this case, you might need to tone your hair afterward.
* **Recommended Products:**
* Color Oops Hair Color Remover
* L’Oreal Effasol Color Remover
* One ‘n Only Colorfix
**2. Bleach Bath (Use with Extreme Caution):**
* **How it works:** A bleach bath is a diluted form of bleach that can gently lift color from the hair. It’s less damaging than a full bleach application but still carries a significant risk of damage. This method should only be used as a last resort when other methods have failed.
* **Instructions:**
1. Mix equal parts bleach, developer (10 or 20 volume), and shampoo. For example, 1 ounce bleach, 1 ounce developer, and 1 ounce shampoo.
2. Wet your hair thoroughly.
3. Apply the bleach bath mixture to your hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
4. Massage the mixture into your hair for a few minutes.
5. Check your hair frequently to monitor the lightening process. Do not leave the bleach bath on for more than 30 minutes.
6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
7. Shampoo and condition your hair with a deep conditioning treatment.
* **Things to consider:** Bleach baths can cause significant damage to your hair, especially if it’s already dry or damaged. Perform a strand test before applying to your entire head. Always use a low-volume developer (10 or 20 volume). Monitor your hair closely during the process and rinse immediately if you notice any signs of damage, such as breakage or excessive dryness. This method may require professional assistance.
**3. Dish Soap (Use Sparingly and with Caution):**
* **How it works:** Dish soap is a very strong detergent that can strip away oils and dye from the hair. However, it is extremely drying and damaging and should only be used as a last resort and very sparingly.
* **Instructions:**
1. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of dish soap (a dime-sized amount is usually sufficient) to your hair.
3. Massage the dish soap into your hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Immediately follow with a very moisturizing deep conditioner or hair mask.
6. Leave the conditioner on for at least 30 minutes.
7. Rinse again.
* **Things to consider:** This method is incredibly drying and can cause severe damage if used frequently or in large amounts. Use only as a last resort and always follow with a deep conditioning treatment. It is best to avoid this method altogether if possible.
## Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair While Fading Dye
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s crucial to prioritize your hair’s health throughout the fading process. Here are some tips to keep your hair strong and healthy:
* **Deep Condition Regularly:** Use a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week to replenish lost moisture and repair damage.
* **Avoid Heat Styling:** Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can further damage already stressed hair. Try to air dry your hair whenever possible, and use heat protectant sprays when you do use heat styling tools.
* **Use Leave-In Conditioners:** Leave-in conditioners can provide extra moisture and protection throughout the day.
* **Trim Split Ends:** Trimming split ends will prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further breakage.
* **Eat a Healthy Diet:** A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthy hair growth.
* **Stay Hydrated:** Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
* **Be Patient:** Fading hair dye takes time, especially with gentle methods. Avoid the temptation to use multiple aggressive methods in quick succession, as this can lead to severe damage.
* **Listen to Your Hair:** Pay attention to how your hair feels and adjust your routine accordingly. If your hair feels dry or brittle, reduce the frequency of washing and increase the use of moisturizing treatments.
## When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried several methods and are still struggling to fade your hair dye, or if you’re concerned about damaging your hair, it’s best to seek professional help from a stylist. A professional stylist can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best course of action. They can also use professional-grade products and techniques to safely and effectively fade your hair dye.
## Conclusion
Washing out hair dye at home can be a challenging but achievable task. By understanding the different methods available and prioritizing your hair’s health, you can safely and effectively fade your dye and achieve the look you desire. Remember to be patient, listen to your hair, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help when needed. Good luck with your hair fading journey!