If you’ve ever dyed your hair, you know how difficult it can be to remove hair dye, especially from dark or black hair. Luckily, baking soda can be helpful as a natural way to remove hair color, so I’ll share how to remove black hair dye with baking soda.
So, keep on reading for my guide on how to do the process of using baking soda to remove color from your hair safely and effectively.
How To Remove Black Hair Dye With Baking Soda Key Takeaways:
- Mix Solution: Combine equal parts baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Apply Mixture: Wet hair, apply mixture thoroughly.
- Let it Sit: Leave on for 20-30 minutes, checking progress.
- Rinse Well: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Condition: Apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture.
- Repeat: May need multiple applications for desired lightening.
- Patch Test: Always do a patch test to avoid skin irritation.
- Seek Professional Help: If unsure, consult a professional hairstylist.
Why Use Baking Soda to Remove Hair Dye?
Using baking soda to remove hair dye is a popular and safe method used by many. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive, meaning it acts like an exfoliator when applied topically.
This helps to remove the excess dyed product from your scalp and strands, revealing your natural color underneath, and remove dye easily.
The addition of a few drops of water will create a paste-like texture that can help break down even stubborn dyes that won’t budge with shampoo alone.
Baking soda is also highly effective at removing unwanted yellow tones in bleached blonde hair due to its alkalinity, which helps counteract any yellowing or brassy hues, and remove the dye.
The results are immediate, so this is great if you’re looking for a quick fix. Not to mention, baking soda is extremely affordable– making it much cheaper than going out to buy expensive dye removers.
Advantages of Using Baking Soda to Remove Hair Color
Baking soda has properties that can help restore the natural pH balance in hair while still removing the hair dye naturally.
When used as a mixture to remove color with baking soda, it works to dissolve the molecules of the artificial color deposited in your hair.
It is also known to remove stubborn permanent hair dye darker colors such as black and blue, without damaging and won’t lighten hair, or alter your natural shade too much. These solutions help avoid further chemical damage, which would be necessary with chemical removers.
The baking soda mixture needs to be applied onto dampened hair and left on for a few minutes before being rinsed off and shampooed out of the hair.
The process may need to be repeated several times depending on how deep seated the dye is, but it will eventually work at restoring your natural color safely and effectively, without any harsh ingredients that commonly cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.
Baking soda is one of very few home remedies that does not require extra time spent in-salon or at home mixing dangerous chemicals together, so you can use to remove with very little know-how or other products to remove hair dye naturally.
Why Is Black Hair Dye So Difficult To Remove?
Black hair dye is notoriously difficult to remove because it is made with permanent dyes. The pigment particles in these dyes are very strong and tightly attach themselves to the hair shaft, making them extremely hard to break down.
Many bleaching products can help lighten dyed black hair, but will not completely remove the color. In fact, most home-bleaching kits try to lift the color of black dye one or two shades lighter and cannot completely eliminate it due to this strong hold on the strands of hair.
If you’re looking for a complete removal of black dye, your best bet is visiting a professional salon where they use more powerful solutions that can penetrate deeper and break down more effectively than those found at a drugstore.
They also have more experience in treating colored hair which goes a long way in preventing any damage during removal.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Remove Black Hair Dye with Baking Soda
Before using baking soda, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. You will need baking soda, a clarifying shampoo, a mixing bowl, a spoon, gloves, and a shower cap for this procedure.
Creating the Baking Soda and Shampoo Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts of baking soda and clarifying shampoo to form a smooth paste. Adjust the quantities according to your hair length and thickness.
Applying the Mixture and Rinsing Your Hair
Use gloves to apply the mixture evenly to your hair, ensuring complete coverage. Put on a shower cap and let the mixture sit for 30–60 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water, then shampoo and condition as usual.
How Hydrogen Peroxide Helps Remove Hair Color
Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known hair lightening agent that can help strip hair dye. Its oxidative properties assist in breaking up the dye molecules, making them easier to wash away during the rinsing process.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide Safely with Baking Soda
You can mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and shampoo to enhance dye removal. However, make sure to follow the recommended concentration of hydrogen peroxide (usually 3%) and avoid over processing your hair. Always conduct a patch test before application to check for any allergies or scalp sensitivity.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Remove Hair Color
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, is an effective, natural ingredient that can be used to remove black hair dye and other permanent hair colors.
To use Apple Cider Vinegar to remove hair dye, begin by mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and warm water in a bowl (or spray bottle).
Next, apply the mixture directly to your dry hair so that it’s fully saturated. The longer the solution sits on your hair, the more of the color should lift out of it.
After 20–30 minutes have passed, rinse the solution off with lukewarm water. You may need to repeat this process several times until you’ve removed all traces of the old dye from your locks.
Don’t leave the mixture on for too long, as this could cause damage or breakage due to its acidic nature – be sure to check up on it frequently while it processes.
You may also want to follow up with a deep conditioner afterward to ensure your scalp is moisturized and hydrated after using such a harsh product.
Using a Commercial Hair Color Remover
Commercial hair color removers are available for those who prefer not to use natural methods. These products contain chemicals specifically designed to remove hair dye, but they can cause irritation and dryness. Always read instructions carefully and seek professional guidance if necessary.
Consulting a Professional Hairstylist for Help
Seeking the help of a professional hairstylist is always an option when struggling to remove hair dye. Licensed professionals have access to salon-quality hair color removers and have the expertise to minimize hair damage during the process.
Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo To Remove Permanent Hair Dye
Using anti-dandruff shampoo to remove permanent hair dye from your hair can be an effective solution, but it’s important to keep in mind that results may vary.
Before you try this method, it is important to read and follow the instructions on the product carefully so as not to disturb or damage your wet hair further.
The process involves applying the shampoo liberally throughout your entire head of hair and allowing it to sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing completely with warm water.
This should be repeated daily until most of the color is faded, which should take around a week depending on how deeply the dye penetrated into your hair cuticle.
Conditioning Your Hair After Using Baking Soda
Start by washing your hair with a shampoo that is sulfate-free or gentler on the scalp. Avoid shampoos containing harsh chemicals and detergents, which can strip the natural oils from your hair and leave you with dry strands.
After washing, apply an intensive deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture balance. This could be a hydrating mask, oil treatment, or cream-based conditioner.
Leave the product in for 15 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water. This will help seal in hydration and create a protective barrier over the cuticles of each strand of hair.
When finished, use a wide tooth comb to evenly distribute conditioner throughout and gently detangle knots from roots to ends.
Finally, finish up with an antioxidant-rich serum to help fight against any damage caused by using baking soda on your hair color.
Choose one formulated specifically for colored or chemically treated hair for best results. Make sure to fully absorb any product left behind into your strands before styling as usual.
With regular conditioning treatments after using baking soda on your hair color, you will soon regain strength and shine while restoring weariness.
Summary
If you want to try and use baking soda to remove semi-permanent hair dye from the hair, and get your hair color back to normal, follow the step-by-step guide above.
Using baking soda is a safe, affordable and natural way to remove black hair dye without damaging your hair or causing skin irritations. Be cautious with how much you use, and always rinse thoroughly after a few minutes of application.
You may need to follow up with a deep conditioner to ensure your scalp and locks remain healthy, hydrated and strong. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a professional hairstylist for help and advice regarding this matter.