Have you ever dyed your hair only to end up with a shade you don’t like or isn’t as flattering as you imagined it to be?
If you’re dealing with a permanent hair dye, your best and safest bet is to fade it first instead of applying a new dye over it right away.
The good news is that you can gently fade hair dye at home without spending a lot at the salon, and the treatment involves one simple ingredient: olive oil.
So how do you fade hair dye naturally with olive oil? Check out this article to find out!
- Olive oil cannot fully remove permanent hair dye. It can help fade fresh color and surface pigment.
- This method works best for color that is slightly too dark, or for semi-permanent dye.
- Warm oil can help with slip and conditioning. It does not chemically “undo” permanent dye.
The Pros and Cons of Fading Hair Dye with Olive Oil
With that said, why would you choose olive oil to fade hair dye? That’s because it offers the following benefits:
Great for the Hair
Olive oil is known for nourishing, hydrating, and softening the hair, so it can boost hair strength and address the dryness associated with permanent dyes.
The nourishing benefits of olive oil also extend to the scalp, soothing it and relieving itchiness.
Less Damaging
Commercial color removers contain chemicals that may strip the hair of the moisture and hydration it needs. Since olive oil is a naturally occurring ingredient, it’s gentler and can be more comfortable for dry hair and scalp.
Inexpensive
A bottle of olive oil (even the most expensive) is considered more affordable than color removal treatments at salons.
But of course, olive oil comes with a few cons as well. Here they are:
Less Effective on Very Dark Colors
Olive oil may help fade fresh, bright shades. However, it’s usually less effective on very dark, heavily pigmented colors like black, deep violet, and blue.
Multiple Sessions Needed
It may take a few warm oil sessions to noticeably fade hair dye, so it’s not the best option for anyone who wants a fast change.
- This method can help fade fresh color and surface pigment. It cannot fully remove permanent dye.
- Best results are usually within 48 hours of coloring, or with semi-permanent dye.
- If you need to lift very dark permanent dye, use a color remover or see a pro hairstylist.
- Stop if you feel burning, itching, or swelling. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe.
- For general hair coloring safety tips, see: Cleveland Clinic guide.
6 Steps to Fade Hair Dye Naturally with Olive Oil
Before we proceed with the instructions, you need to prepare the following items first:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Plastic wrap or shower cap
- Heat-safe bowl or container
- Bowl of hot water (to warm the oil)
- Clarifying shampoo
- Hair conditioner
Instructions:
Step 1. Rinse hair with warm water.
Warm water can slightly lift the hair cuticle. This helps the oil spread. It can also help some surface pigment wash out. It will not unlock permanent dye inside the cortex.
Step 2. Warm up the olive oil.
Pour ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil into a heat-safe container. Place it in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes until it feels warm.
Oil can overheat and hold heat for a long time. Always test one drop on your wrist before putting it on your scalp.
If you use a microwave, heat in 10-second intervals, stir between each, and stop as soon as it is warm. Never heat oil for 30 seconds straight.
Step 3. Apply warm olive oil all over your hair.
Massage the oil all over your hair and into the scalp, ensuring that each hair strand is coated with oil from the roots down to the ends.
Step 4. Cover up your hair.
Using either plastic wrap or a shower cap, cover up your hair. The wrap or cap will allow the oil to sit on the hair shaft and penetrate better.
Leave the wrap on and let the oil stand for up to 30 minutes.
Step 5. Wash off the oil with a clarifying shampoo.
The clarifying shampoo can help lift out the oil and any loosened surface pigment. Rinse it off with warm water afterward.
Step 6. Condition your hair.
The clarifying shampoo may cause hair dryness. Massage conditioner all over your hair to maintain its softness and hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any pure olive oil can work. Many people prefer extra virgin olive oil. Warm it gently and always test the temperature before you apply it.
You can perform this warm oil treatment once a week until you’re happy with the fade.
It’s recommended that you let your hair recover for at least 3 days before applying a new hair dye.
Bottom Line
A warm olive oil treatment is a gentle and inexpensive way to help fade hair dye and soften dry hair. It will not fully remove permanent hair dye. If you need a major color change, you will likely need a chemical color remover or a professional color correction.
Also, follow all of our tips and instructions on fading hair dye with olive oil to help keep your hair healthy and beautiful.