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What Are the Best Tips for Hair Dye Stripping?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Stripping hair color when it does not turn out can be damaging to a person’s hair if not done correctly. One of the best tips for hair dye stripping is not using harsher products than necessary, as hair color that is only slightly darker than desired can be lightened without the use of chemicals, while a drastically different hair color may require them. It is also important to use a deep conditioning treatment after stripping hair dye to replenish some of the moisture lost during the process. Getting a trim directly after is also important, as ends damaged by the stripping process can split up the hair shaft, resulting in even more damage. In most cases, it is best to visit a specialist for this process.

The first tip for hair dye stripping is to use the gentlest product available that will adequately remove the hair color. Hair that is only one or two shades darker than intended can often be lightened by washing with a strong clarifying shampoo or dish soap. Anything more drastic may require a stripping kit, or a bleach and developer shampoo. For these types of chemicals, it is typically best to visit a beauty supply store and discuss the ideal products for the job with someone knowledgeable or to go to a salon for professional help.

Wash hair with dish soap to lighten hair dye a few shades.
Wash hair with dish soap to lighten hair dye a few shades.

Any method of dye stripping, whether using a strong shampoo or a bleach color remover, can significantly dry hair out, resulting in breakage. Using a deep conditioner directly afterwards can help to replace the moisture lost during the process. For the best results, apply the conditioner all over wet hair and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave this on for as long as possible, even overnight, and then rinse the conditioner out without shampooing again.

When bleaching hair, it's necessary to wear gloves to protect the hands.
When bleaching hair, it's necessary to wear gloves to protect the hands.

Changing the color of one’s hair and then subsequently removing the color will almost always cause some damage, particularly the ends as they are more delicate than the hair at the scalp. Getting a trim directly after removing color is one of the best hair dye stripping tips. Cutting off damaged ends immediately prevents the hair from splitting up the shaft, which can result in frizzy, unmanageable, and unhealthy hair.

Hair dye stripping only works if the hair has been dyed darker than the initial base color.
Hair dye stripping only works if the hair has been dyed darker than the initial base color.

As most hair dying disasters are the result of a person dying his or her own hair at home, many decide to attempt to fix the problem on their own. While this can be done in certain cases, one of the best hair dye stripping tips is to let a professional try to correct the problem. A qualified color expert will be able to determine the safest, most effective mix of products for hair dye stripping, while limiting further damage to the hair.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@raynbow- I think that the answer to your question depends on the type of hair dye you are referring to. If your friend uses actual dye to color her hair, then she probably doesn't have any other alternative than to strip the color to correct it when she doesn't like the results.

On the other hand, if your friend is using permanent or semi-permanent hair color, these products are easier to fix. She can simply use another color to fix the one that she doesn't like, though it is best if she wait a few days before doing this. Like the article suggests, she should also use a conditioner to help prevent severe damage to her hair.

If your friend is using hair dye to color her hair, you might want to suggest that she switch to permanent hair color instead. These products are not as harsh, and many brands actually contain conditioners. They are also much easier to change when color mishaps occur.

Raynbow

I have a friend who dyes her hair at home, and she sometimes gets bad results. She has used hair dye stripping products before, but they leave her hair damaged when she does. Is there an alternative to fixing unwanted hair dye results without stripping the color?

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    • Wash hair with dish soap to lighten hair dye a few shades.
      By: Kuzmick
      Wash hair with dish soap to lighten hair dye a few shades.
    • When bleaching hair, it's necessary to wear gloves to protect the hands.
      By: steinerpicture
      When bleaching hair, it's necessary to wear gloves to protect the hands.
    • Hair dye stripping only works if the hair has been dyed darker than the initial base color.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Hair dye stripping only works if the hair has been dyed darker than the initial base color.
    • Hair dye stripping should be followed with moisturizing treatments to maintain hair health.
      By: Roman Gorielov
      Hair dye stripping should be followed with moisturizing treatments to maintain hair health.
    • Clarifying shampoos may be used to strip hair dye.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Clarifying shampoos may be used to strip hair dye.