How to Fade Hair Dye

Co-authored by Steven Waldman

Last Updated: July 26, 2024 Fact Checked

Hair dye didn't turn out the way you hoped? Don't panic. You can definitely fade the dye so it's not as vibrant and intense. This article will walk you through your best options, including clarifying shampoo, salt water, and commercial color removers. Say goodbye to unwanted color and hello to hair your love.

Ways to Fade Hair Color

Wash your hair with clarifying shampoo as soon as possible after dyeing it, then rinse with hot water to strip away the color. Try exposing your hair to the elements as well, like the sun, salt water, and chlorinated water. As a last resort, apply a chemical color remover to strip the dye.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Shampooing

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1
Wash your hair as soon as possible after dyeing it. If you want to preserve intense hair color, you're supposed to wait a few days to wash it. To fade your hair, you'll want to wash it right away after dyeing it. Hopping in the shower as soon as possible after deciding you want to fade your hair is the easiest way to get the process started.^{[1]
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2
Use a clarifying shampoo. You'll need to use a strong shampoo that will strip the dye from your hair. You can find a variety of clarifying shampoos on Amazon here. Look for a clear shampoo, rather than an opaque one. Massage the shampoo into your hair thoroughly, making sure to work it in from the roots to the tips.^{[2]
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- Prell has been said to help fade hair dye faster.
- You could also try a dandruff shampoo that contains tar such as True Real or Medicasp.
- Your results may vary depending on your hair type, the vividness of your hair color, and what type of dye you used (e.g., permanent versus semi-permanent or temporary).
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3
Rinse your hair with hot water. The heat helps to remove dye from your hair. Washing and rinsing your hair with hot water will strip away the color and should leave your hair significantly lighter.^{[3]
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4
Wash your hair again. Repeat washing with a clarifying shampoo a few times before drying your hair. Examine the results to determine whether your hair has faded to a color you like better. Continue washing your hair more often than usual. Over the period of a couple of weeks, your hair should definitely fade a few shades. If not, move on to another fading method.
5
Be sure to condition your hair well. All that extra washing with a strong clarifying shampoo is going to dry out your hair. Be sure to use plenty of conditioner so you don't cause too much damage.
- Do a coconut oil mask once a week to keep your hair from splitting and getting brittle.^{[4]
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- When you're happy with your hair color again, do a deep conditioning treatment and then give it a rest for a few days, before shampooing.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Exposing Your Hair to the Elements

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1
Go out in the sun. The sun is a natural hair lightener and color fader. Exposing your hair to sunlight will help it turn a few shades lighter over time.^{[5]
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2
Swim in salt water. The salt helps to loosen the dye from your hair. If you swim in the ocean a few days a week, you'll notice your hair color fading in time.
3
Swim in a pool. The chlorine acts as a color remover, fading your hair after prolonged exposure. This isn't great for your hair, though, so don't rely on this method if you have others at your disposal. Chlorine makes hair straw-like and brittle in addition to fading color.^{[6]
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- After swimming, use a clarifying shampoo to remove the chlorine from your hair.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Color Remover

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1
Use a chemical dye remover such as Color Oops. This should be a last resort, since the chemicals are tough on hair and could cause brittleness and split ends to occur. If you dyed your hair a dark color, chemical dye remover can lighten it up. Follow the instructions on the package to treat your hair with dye remover, then rinse it out and examine the results. Repeat if necessary.^{[7]
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- Test the dye remover on a discreet lock of hair before using it on your whole head.
- Chemical dye remover doesn't work on hair that has been dyed lighter; it only works to remove darker colors.
- Do a deep conditioning treatment on your hair to restore it to health after using a dye remover.
- Chemical dye removers may not be effective for everyone. Do some research on different brands to find the dye remover that will work best with your hair type and the type of hair dye you used.
2
Try baking soda. This is a natural way to remove dark color from your hair. Make a paste with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of baking soda and 1/2 cup (120 ml) water. Massage it into your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water. Repeat as many times as you'd like until you've achieved the color you want.^{[8]
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- Condition your hair well after using baking soda, since it strips your hair of its natural oils.
3
Make a homemade bleach bath. This must be used within 30 minutes of the color application.^{[9]
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- Mix together 1 tablespoon (15 ml) bleach powder, 25 milliliters (0.85 fl oz) 40 vol/6% peroxide, and a bit of shampoo.
- Apply the color stripper to wet hair. Use as you'd use normal shampoo.
- Emulsify and rub the hair for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Take great care not to get it in your eyes!
- Use a mirror and check to see the color lifting.
- Rinse well. Towel dry. Apply conditioner or treatment.

Expert Q&A

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Question

I dyed my hair today to darkest brown and it has gone black. What can I do to turn it brown?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You can follow the steps that are outlined above in the article to fade your black hair to brown. #3 under "Using a Color Remover," should definitely work for you in achieving dark brown hair.

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Question

How can I make hair return to brown from red?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Is your natural color brown? If so, you can attempt to return to brown hair by making a homemade color stripper. If that doesn't work, try to use clarifying shampoo or purchase a dye remover.

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What is the best way to fade dyed hair extensions from neon green to a more pastel green without damaging them too much?

Community Answer

If you hang out in the sun, use a little bit of shampoo and lots of conditioner, that could work, but you have to repeat these steps multiple times. You could also swim in chlorinated water.

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Tips

Begin the process of fading hair color as soon as possible for best results. If you wait longer than 72 hours, your hair color likely will have set and you will not have much success in getting it to fade.

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See a professional stylist if hair color is still undesirable after making attempts to fade it. You can try calling cosmetology schools to see if you can serve as a model for teaching color correction techniques. Getting a hair treatment at a cosmetology school is usually less expensive than going to a salon.

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Putting lemon juice in your hair and sitting in the sun can sometimes lighten your hair naturally. Don't leave the juice on too long, though, or it can dry out your hair. Do a deep conditioning mask when you're done.

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