Hair Color Remover Without Bleach | Safe & Effective Ways

Hair coloring is about expressing creativity through vibrant hues or just some tints. The possibilities are endless, whether it is a daring red or a random brown. But it’s been some time since you’ve been rocking these hair colors, and you feel kinda ‘meh’ about it now. What next? Bleach? Ah-no! If you are one of these, then I totally understand! Because the number of videos on TikTok about bleaching your hair and then ending up having your hair turn brittle and break is terrifying! 

Hair Color Remover Without Bleach

But you want to eliminate the hair color, and the only thing going on in your mind is – ‘hair color remover without bleach!’ Hehe, worry not because here are a few ways to help you remove the hair color without touching that dangerous bottle of bleach on your shelf. 

Hair Color Remover Without Bleach | NO Bleach, NO Problem

Bleach has been a staple in the world of hair colors. Of course, why not? Because it has the ability to strip away the existing color and make way for fresh new hair. But let’s talk facts: its potent chemical composition can weaken or wreak havoc on hair. This leaves your hair ultra-dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. 

Fortunately, you can use various methods and products to remove hair color without bleach. Each option offers its own unique approach to getting that hair color transformation without compromising the health of your hair. So mentioned below are some of the ways you can get the answer to your constant question – ‘hair color remover without bleach!’

Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos are like a detox for your hair. They dive deep and wash away the buildup from styling products, oils, and hair dye you want to remove now. How do clarifying agents remove hair dye you ask? Here’s how it happens – it’s the magic of those powerful cleansing agents. They come in, break down the color molecules, and slowly wash them away. 

Clarifying Shampoo to remove hair color

You know what’s the best part – it’s easy peasy! You don’t specifically have to mix stuff, create a concoction, and then apply it to your colored hair. All you gotta do is hop in the shower, lather your clarifying shampoo, and let it do its job. Rinse, repeat if needed, and bam, slowly and, most importantly, safely, you’re on your way to fresher hair. Oh, and do not forget an obvious fact – make sure not to use color-safe clarifying shampoos cause, of course!

Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

Just like clarifying shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos can also help fade out that color you’re not so crazy about anymore! To start with, anti-dandruff shampoos are formulated to exfoliate the scalp and balance out the natural oils, but let’s get to the point: they are pretty good at gently lifting away the hair color as well. These shampoos can contain Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT), which helps break down the color molecules clinging to your hair strands. 

Anti-Dandruff Shampoos to remove hair color

And just like clarifying shampoos, you wouldn’t need to go the extra mile; your anti-dandruff shampoo might be sitting in your shower right now! However, note that these anti-dandruff shampoos aren’t really perfect miracle workers, if you have a stubborn color or shade that you desperately want off from your hair, then maybe try the next few points.

Vitamin C Tablets

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with acidic properties that can help fade hair color. The acidic pH can open up the hair cuticle and allow penetration of other substances. It can also help reduce oxidation, as hair colors can have oxidative dyes. This reduction can help fade the hair color by loosening its hold on your hair strands. 

Vitamin C Tablets to remove hair color

To use Vitamin C to remove hair color, grab a few of the Vitamin C tablets and add them to your shampoo. Then, mix your shampoo and the Vitamin C tablets together before applying them to your hair. Let the mixture sit on your hair for about 10 minutes or so, and then rinse your hair thoroughly. 

Lemon Juice 

Lemon is also known for its acidic properties and can have a mild bleaching effect. The high acidity levels in the lemon juice strip away the hair color from your hair by breaking down the pigment molecules in the hair. You can start noticing the desired lighting effect with a few repeated applications.

Lemon Juice to remove hair color

To remove hair color without bleach, using lemon juice rinse, take equal amounts of lemon juice and water. Try using fresh, big, and juicy lemons. Then apply this juice to your hair, let it sit, and wash it thoroughly. Make sure to use cool water after having a lemon juice rinse to close your hair cuticles. Also, note that lemon juice can turn out to be very drying, so use a good deep conditioner later.

Vinegar 

Vinegar, especially Apple Cider Vinegar, can help remove hair color because of its acidic nature and clarifying properties. The acidic action breaks down, dissolves hair color molecules, and loosens the bonds of the dye. It can also strip away the product buildup and reveal the underlying hair color, gradually fading away the hair dye. However, remember that vinegar can help fade hair color; it may not completely and instantly remove stubborn or permanent hair dyes.

Vinegar to remove hair color

To remove hair color using vinegar, you gotta create a vinegar rinse for your hair. Take equal parts of water and white vinegar, some people also use a mixture with one part white vinegar and two parts of water. Then, pour this mixture on your hair and leave it on for a few minutes. Then rinse your hair with cool water. Repeat this several times to get the hair color removed or faded.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another common alternative to removing hair color without using bleach. This kitchen staple can actually help you out effectively in your hair color journey. You know what’s interesting? You can use baking soda in different ways, individually or with other ingredients, to help fade hair color.

  • Baking Soda Alone: Baking Soda paste can help fade hair color. It has lightening properties and is a mildly abrasive cleansing agent, so it can help with the process. However, it may not strip out the chemicals used in permanent dyes. It is more effective in removing semi-permanent dyes. But it still can fade permanent dyes.

All you’d need to do is add some baking soda and water. Mix it so it turns into a paste. Then, apply the paste to clean the hair. Let it sit for a while, then rinse it off using a shampoo followed by a conditioner. 

  • Baking Soda and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: You’ve already read about anti-dandruff shampoo, right? Let’s level up the hair color removal game a bit. Add this anti-dandruff shampoo with baking soda in equal parts. Then mix it up to form a good lather and apply this on your hair. After a few minutes, wash it away, and you might see some color running out when you rinse your hair. However, removing the hair color completely may take several repeated applications.
baking soda for hair color removal
  • Baking Soda, Dish Soap, and Shampoo: I know this might sound crazy, but yeah, trust me, dish soap can help strip out color. The surfactants in dish soap that attract oil and water can bind to the oil in the hair dye and help lift the color away. When mixed with baking soda, dish soap creates a powerful cleaning solution that effectively breaks down and removes hair color.

Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl. Then, take two spoons of baking soda and a small shampoo. Then mix it well and you can add a little water if you feel the consistency is getting thick. Then apply this paste to your hair, massage it well, wait a few minutes, and rinse it thoroughly. 

You can even use baking soda mixed with lemon juice or add baking soda with your crushed Vitamin C tablets. However, make sure you use a deep conditioner after you use these mixtures on your hair so that your hair does not turn dry and gets back the lost moisture and hydration.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another commonly used ingredient to remove hair color without bleach. The oxidative properties of Hydrogen peroxide break down the chemical bonds in hair molecules and break them apart. This effectively fades the hair color, making it lighter or returning it to its natural shade. Hydrogen Peroxide can be your best choice if you have gotten a permanent hair dye. 

Hydrogen Peroxide to remove hair color

If you use Hydrogen Peroxide, dilute it with water, usually 1:1. You can even use it with baking soda and create a paste. But remember, hydrogen peroxide can be a little harsh on your hair, leaving it dry or brittle. 

Expert Help – Hair Care Professional

If none of the above points feel suitable for your hair or have not worked effectively, the best thing to do is seek expert help. Professionals know much better what to do with your hair type. They better understand color theory, your hair type, the products to use, and most importantly, the proper care for your hair.

In fact, I’d say if you have a sensitive scalp, an easily irritated scalp, or thin, delicate hair prone to breakage, do not try the above methods, as they can worsen your situation. Vitamin C, Vinegar, etc, have strong acidic properties that can dry out your hair. So better safe than sorry! Ask your hair care professional for help; they can provide customized treatments for your wants.

FAQs | Hair Color Remover Without Bleach

How to remove hair color at home?

There are several methods you can use to remove hair color at home. If you are okay using bleach, you can try a bleach bath. If you want to remove hair color without bleach, try a few methods using ingredients you can find at home. These include Vitamin C tablets, Lemon Rinse, Vinegar Rinse, and baking soda mixed with dish soap or anti-dandruff shampoo. You can try dye lifters or color removers as well.

How to remove permanent hair dye naturally?

As I mentioned, you can use ingredients like lemon, baking soda, vitamin C, or Hydrogen Peroxide to remove permanent hair dye. However, these methods can take some time, and you may have to repeat the process several times. Make sure you deep condition your hair after using these mixtures on your hair so there is no moisture or hydration in your hair strands.

How to remove permanent hair dye naturally?

How do hair color removers without bleach work?

The hair color removers without bleach work by breaking down the color or the dye molecules in the hair dye and allowing them to be washed away. They usually have properties that help them penetrate the hair shaft to dissolve and lift the hair color.

How long does it take to remove hair color without bleach?

The time depends on a few factors, like the type of hair color remover used, the hair dye you used, and the desired result. To remove hair color without bleach, you may have to wait a few weeks and repeat the process of applying baking soda pastes, etc. 

Closure

Finding a hair color remover without bleach can give you various options. Especially using ingredients that you may already have at home. From clarifying shampoos to baking soda pastes, you can safely say bye to unwanted hair colors without using harsh artificial chemicals or bleach.

However, if you have thinning hair or a sensitive scalp, you may want to seek expert help. Even if you don’t perform a patch test first and then start making your magical potions, that will give you the answer to your ‘hair color remover without bleach!’

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About Saylor Hill

I'm Saylor, the heart behind Tress Talkie, and I'm just a hair enthusiast on a mission to explore the beauty of luscious locks. Originally from California, my love for everything related to hair care naturally shines through. With a degree in Marketing, I try to blend my creative side with what I learned in school to bring you a blog that goes beyond the usual hair tutorials.

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