How to Remove Hair Dye Using Clarifying Shampoo?

Have you recently dyed your hair and realized the color isn’t for you? Now you want to switch up your color, but are struggling to remove the existing dye?

We’ve all been there at least once. You can use clarifying shampoo to remove hair dye.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step process to fade hair dye using clarifying shampoo and how long it can take. This method is easy to follow and can be done right at home.

Realistic Expectations (Before You Start)

Clarifying shampoo can fade unwanted color over several washes by scrubbing the outer layer of the hair. It is excellent for semi-permanent dye and product buildup.

For permanent dye, results are usually limited to softening the tone, not fully removing the color.

Things to Consider When Using a Clarifying Shampoo

Since you will need multiple washes to fade the color, keep these essential facts in mind:

• Do not use clarifying shampoo more than 2–3 times a week. Frequent use can strip natural oils, leading to dry, brittle hair. Always follow with a deep conditioner.
• Allow at least 24 hours between uses so your hair and scalp have time to recover.
• Use a conditioner that deeply nourishes and moisturizes after using a clarifying shampoo, and leave it in for five minutes before rinsing out.

How to Remove Hair Dye with Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoo can gradually fade hair dye with several washes. It works by scrubbing the outer layer of the hair, where semi-permanent dye resides.

However, it may not effectively remove permanent hair dye or dark, solid colors that penetrate deep into the hair. Using clarifying shampoo typically results in significant fading of semi-permanent dyes after five washes.

Here are the easy step-by-step instructions to remove hair dye with clarifying shampoo:

1. Wet your hair with warm water to open up the hair cuticles.
2. Apply a generous amount of clarifying shampoo to your hair.
3. Massage the shampoo into your hair to create a lather.
4. Put on a plastic cap and let the shampoo sit in your hair for at least ten minutes.
5. Rinse the shampoo out of your hair with warm water to help lift more color.
6. Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water. Cool water is gentler on the scalp and may help reduce frizz, but it is most important to use a pH-balanced conditioner to help smooth the cuticle after washing.
7. If necessary, repeat the steps from the beginning.
8. Finally, apply a deep conditioner, moisturizer, or hair mask right after rinsing to help prevent dryness and breakage.

For quicker results, you can combine clarifying shampoo with other methods like vitamin C.

Spending more time under the sun or in swimming pools, or washing with dandruff shampoo, can also accelerate the color-fading process.

How Long Does Clarifying Shampoo Take To Remove Hair Dye?

Regular shampoo can take up to 15-20 washes to thoroughly fade hair dye. However, a good clarifying shampoo can do this in a quarter of the time, meaning it will only take about five washes to fade most of the hair dye from your hair.

It’s important to note that clarifying shampoo does not entirely remove hair dye from your hair. It will, however, fade the color faster than regular shampoo.

Additionally, it’s essential to use a clarifying shampoo within the first week of dyeing your hair to remove the most hair color. The sooner you use it, the more color you can remove from your hair.

Using Clarifying Shampoo on Semi-Permanent and Permanent Hair Dye

The process for removing hair dye from hair varies depending on whether the hair dye is semi-permanent or permanent.

Now you might be wondering why that is. It’s because semi-permanent hair dye coats the hair strands, while permanent hair dye forms color inside the hair strand and typically grows out over time.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Because a semi-permanent hair dye only coats the hair strands with hair dye, it typically only lasts about three to four weeks (or 12–20 washes).

While you can wait for it to fade naturally, using a clarifying shampoo immediately can significantly speed up the removal process.

How to Fade Semi-Permanent Dye:

• Apply clarifying shampoo to damp hair and lather well.
• Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. (Do not exceed this time to avoid drying out your hair.)
• Rinse thoroughly. Repeat this process 2–3 times a week until the desired shade is reached.

Permanent Hair Dye

Permanent hair dye forms color inside the hair strands; it usually does not fully wash out. Over time, it can fade, and new growth will come in at the roots.

For permanent dye, clarifying shampoo has a limited effect because the color penetrates the hair shaft. You can leave the shampoo on for 10–15 minutes to help fade the tone. For full removal, a dedicated color remover is typically safer and more effective.

Key Points

• Clarifying shampoo fades hair dye over several washes.
• Works best on semi-permanent dye, and is less effective on permanent hair dye or very deep colors.
• Use it no more than 2–3 times a week, and deep-condition after every wash.
• Let the shampoo sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm or cool water and follow with a pH-balanced conditioner.
• Other methods like vitamin C, sun exposure, swimming, or dandruff shampoo can hasten fading.
• Shampoos with sulfates and sodium chloride can fade color faster; color-safe shampoos are usually too gentle for this purpose.
• Best used within the first five days after coloring.
• Semi-permanent dye fades faster than permanent dye; adjust your approach accordingly.

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