How to Remove Black Hair Dye Without Bleach

Is dyeing your hair black recently didn’t turn out to be the best idea? If you’re looking to remove black hair dye without bleach using more natural methods, there are many natural ways to remove black hair dye with products you already have at home.

How to Remove Black Hair Dye Without Bleach

Removing black hair dye without bleach is a great way to save time and money. Using ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can lighten dyed hair without bleaching agents. These natural solutions are also less damaging than bleaching agents. 

Before using any of the black hair dye removal recipes below, starting with a clean slate with a clarifying shampoo is important. This will help remove any product buildup or residue that may be present in your hair.

Then, for optimal results, find a clarifying shampoo that compliments your hair type – be it an oil-based one for dry or coarse hair or something lighter for fine and thin strands.

To successfully get rid of the black hair dye without bleach, test the natural remedy: choose one strand of hair, follow directions carefully, and use enough product. Otherwise, you may experience uneven fading. 

These home remedies are cost-effective and can be done in much less time than traditional methods that require bleaching or coloring over existing dye.

Here are 4 ways to remove black hair dye without bleach.

#1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Soaking your hair with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar can also remove black hair dye from your locks. Apple cider vinegar is acidic enough (a pH level of 2-3) to break down black hair dye’s molecules.

If you do not have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can substitute this recipe with white vinegar (pH level of 2.5) for the same results with repeated applications. 

• Mix a cup of warm water with half a tablespoon of vinegar into a bowl. Double the recipe if you have long hair. 
• Dump the mixture onto your hair and work it into your scalp. 
• Let it sit in your hair under a shower cap for 10 to 15 minutes to work its magic. 
• Rinse the mixture from your hair. 

#2. Baking Soda with Lemon Juice Paste

Baking soda is a base ingredient that measures 9.5 on the pH scale, helping to neutralize hair color naturally. Lemon juice is an acid (two on the pH scale) that also aids in restoring natural hair color. Follow the steps on how to remove black hair dye without bleach using this method. 

• Place half a cup of baking soda into a bowl. 
• Cut a lemon and squeeze the juice into the baking soda. 
• Combine the ingredients to make a paste. 
• Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes. 
• Rinse the treatment with cold water. 
• Wash your hair as you normally would during your hair care routine. 

#3. Baking Soda with Hydrogen Peroxide

Here’s another black hair dye removal method with baking soda as the base and another acidic ingredient option. Hydrogen peroxide is about 3.5 to 4.5 on the pH scale, depending on the brand you purchase. 

The baking soda opens up the cuticles in your hair, while the hydrogen peroxide is acidic enough to reduce your hair’s melanin. Hence, lower melanin levels mean a lighter hair color when removing black hair dye. 

• Measure a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide. 
• Add in baking soda slowly and simultaneously mix until paste forms. 
• Apply the mixture thoroughly to your hair. 
• Allow the treatment to sit for 15 minutes. 
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water. 

#4. Vitamin C Powder with Clarifying Shampoo 

Vitamin C tablets are sourced from ascorbic acid with a pH level of two, which is the same as lemon juice. Crushing over-the-counter Vitamin C tablets and mixing them into your clarifying shampoo can expedite stripping black hair dye from your locks. 

• Place about 20 Vitamin C tablets in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or another tool on hand. 
• Pour some clarifying shampoo into your hand and mix it with a few tablespoons of Vitamin C tablet powder. 
• Mix it with the palms of your hand, applying it throughout your scalp and hair ends. 
• Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture marinate for at least one hour. 
• Rinse your hair out thoroughly to be sure all the mixture gets removed. 

Summary

Many home remedies are available for removing black hair dye without bleach. Mixing a base ingredient with acid can neutralize the molecules of the black hair dye to lighten your hair naturally. 

Choosing one of these natural black hair dye removal methods is better for your hair than using bleach, which causes frizz and unwanted split ends. We hope you find a better hair color than black that works for you!

FAQs

Now that you know more about removing black hair dye without bleach, let’s dive into some answers to your frequently asked questions to learn more!