semi permanent hair color after bleaching

How to Strip Hair Color at home

If you’re looking for a change in your hair color, you might want to start by stripping it off first. Stripping the hair color is a process that involves removing the current pigments from your hair. This can be done if you’ve got a previous dye job that turned out differently or if you just want to start anew. 

So, scroll down and check out how to strip hair color effectively and safely. Keep reading!

Hair Type Considerations when stripping color


When removing hair color, it’s crucial to take your hair type into account as different hair types react uniquely to stripping products and processes. Fine hair, being more vulnerable to damage and breakage, requires a gentle stripper and caution against over-processing. Following up with a deep conditioner can help restore moisture and strength. Thick hair, on the other hand, is resilient but might necessitate a stronger stripper or a longer processing time. However, over-processing should be avoided to prevent damage and dryness. Curly hair, often more porous, can absorb stripping products readily, making even color removal a challenge; hence, a gentle stripper is essential, and a patch test is advisable. Color-treated hair is inherently delicate, so professional assistance is wise to prevent damage.

If you are unsure about how to strip your hair color safely, it is always best to consult with a professional stylist.

Products for stripping hair color at home

Color Remover Kits

Color remover kits are specially formulated products designed to remove or lighten hair color. They are available in various brands and can be found in most drugstores or beauty supply stores. These kits typically consist of a color remover, developer, and sometimes a conditioning treatment. Brands like Color Oops, L’Oreal ColorZap, and One ‘n Only Colorfix offer such kits. 

Clarifying Shampoo

While not as effective as dedicated color removers, clarifying shampoos can help fade semi-permanent hair color gradually over several washes. When you apply a clarifying shampoo to your hair, it can also help to strip away some of the surface color molecules from the hair shaft. This action is more effective for semi-permanent or temporary hair dyes that sit on the hair’s surface. To diminish your hair color, avoid clarifying shampoos labeled as “color-safe.”

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and it has the ability to break down the oxidative hair dye molecules. When vitamin C is mixed into a paste and applied to the hair, it starts to reduce the dye molecules, causing the color to fade. This effect is more pronounced with semi-permanent or direct dyes that are deposited on the hair shaft.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is abrasive in nature and can physically scrub away color molecules from the surface of the hair shaft. It can also affect the pH level of the hair, making it slightly more alkaline. Hair dye molecules often require an acidic environment to remain stable. By increasing the pH level, baking soda can weaken the bond between the dye molecules and the hair.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is an acid, typically containing acetic acid. When applied to the hair, its acidic nature can help break down the color molecules in hair dye, causing them to loosen and fade. While white vinegar alone may not completely strip all hair color, it can help fade or remove some of the color, particularly if you’ve recently dyed your hair or if you have semi-permanent hair color

How to Strip Hair Color Effectively

Step 1: Determine Your Hair’s Condition

Before starting the stripping process, you need to determine your hair’s condition. If it’s weak, damaged, or brittle because of previous chemical treatments, it may not be suitable for hair stripping. It’s best to consult with a professional stylist to assess your hair’s health before proceeding.

Step 2: Choose the Right Product

There are several products available that can help strip off hair color as we mention above. Some of them are more effective than others, so it’s essential to choose the right one. Most hair color removers are made of chemicals, so make sure to read the product’s label and instructions carefully before using it.

Step 3: Prepare for the Process

Prepare for the hair stripping process by wearing gloves and old clothes. Chemicals used in hair color removers can be harsh and irritating to the skin, so it’s crucial to protect yourself while applying the product. You may also want to cover your work area with old towels or newspapers to avoid staining.

Step 4: Apply the Product

Apply the product according to the instructions on the package. Depending on the product you use, the waiting time can vary from 20 minutes to an hour. Make sure to follow the guidelines to ensure the product’s effectiveness and minimize damage to your hair.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

After the recommended waiting time, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Use a clarifying shampoo to help remove any remaining product from your hair. Make sure to rinse your hair completely to avoid any chemical buildup.

Step 6: Condition Your Hair

Hair stripping can leave your hair dry and damaged, so it’s essential to condition your hair after the process. It helps restore moisture and prevent breakage. You may also want to use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to provide extra nourishment to your strands.

Stripping vs. bleaching

Stripping and bleaching are two distinct methods for lightening or removing hair color. Hair stripping involves using a chemical product that breaks down the color molecules in the hair, making it fade or lighten. It’s generally less damaging than bleach and is often used for removing temporary or semi-permanent hair color. On the other hand, bleaching is a more aggressive method that uses hydrogen peroxide to lift and remove color from the hair shaft. While it can be highly effective for lightening hair, it can also cause significant damage, particularly if overused or applied incorrectly. The choice between stripping and bleaching depends on factors such as the desired result, the current hair color, and the condition of the hair, with stripping being a milder option for color removal.

tips for stripping hair color

Stripping off hair color may seem like a straightforward process, but it can cause damage if not done correctly. It’s best to seek professional help from a reputable salon or stylist who can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the appropriate product and procedure.

If you decide to do it yourself, make sure to read the product instructions carefully and follow them strictly. Before proceeding with the entire process, conduct a strand test on a small hair section to ensure the stripper is effective and doesn’t cause any adverse reactions. Furthermore, remember to provide your hair with deep conditioning post-stripping to counteract potential dryness and damage, restoring moisture and strength. Wear protective gloves and clothing and avoid leaving the product on your hair for longer than recommended.

FAQ

  1. Can you strip permanent hair dye? Yes, permanent hair dye can be stripped with a hair color remover. Keep in mind that the process can be damaging to the hair, so it’s crucial to take extra care of your strands after the procedure.
  2. How long should you wait before coloring your hair after stripping the previous color? It’s recommended to wait for at least two weeks before applying any new hair color after stripping the previous one. This allows your hair time to recover and prevents further damage.
  3. Can you use hair color remover on freshly dyed hair? It’s best to wait for at least a week before using a hair color remover on freshly dyed hair. This gives the pigments time to settle and ensures that the stripping process is more effective.
  4. Can you strip hair color from bleached hair? Yes, you can strip hair color from bleached hair using a hair color remover. However, bleached hair is already damaged and may become even more fragile after the stripping process. Make sure to condition your hair properly after the procedure.

Final Takeaway

Stripping off hair color may seem like a daunting task, but it can be achieved successfully with the right product and procedure. It’s essential to remember that the process can be damaging to the hair, so it’s crucial to take extra care of your strands before and after the stripping process.

Consulting with a professional stylist is always recommended, but if you decide to do it yourself, make sure to read the product instructions carefully and follow them strictly. With proper care and attention, you can achieve the hair color you desire.

The Power of Toner for Yellow Hair: 2023 Guide

Blondes, we’ve all been there – that moment when your gorgeous golden locks start to take on an unwanted yellowish tinge. It’s a common struggle, but fear not! The secret weapon in your arsenal to restore your hair’s brilliance is none other than a toner. If you’ve ever wondered how to say goodbye to those pesky yellow undertones and hello to your dream shade of blonde, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re diving headfirst into the world of toner for yellow hair, uncovering the science behind it and discovering how this magical elixir can be your ultimate ally in achieving hair that’s as stunning as it is vibrant.

What Causes Yellow Hair After Bleaching?

When you bleach your hair, it opens up the hair cuticle and removes your natural pigment. However, it does not remove the underlying yellow/orange pigment. This causes your hair to take on a yellow or brassy appearance after lightening.

The level of brassiness depends on factors like:

  • Natural hair color – Darker hair has more underlying pigment
  • Hair porosity – More porous hair absorbs more pigment
  • Bleach strength and processing time

How Does Hair Toner Work?

Hair toner contains pigments that neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones.

There are two main types of toner:

Permanent toner – Contains peroxide and ammonia to open the cuticle and deposit permanent pigment. Lasts 4-6 weeks.

Semi-permanent toner – Deposits pigment without lifting the cuticle. No peroxide or ammonia. Lasts 2-3 shampoos.

Choosing the Best Toner for Yellow Hair

Level of Brassiness

  • Slight brassiness – semi-permanent toner
  • Heavy brassiness – permanent toner

Hair Color

  • Cool, ashy blondes – blue or violet toner
  • Warm golden blondes – beige toner

Hair Porosity

  • More porous hair = longer processing time
  • Less porous hair = shorter processing time

Hair Condition

  • Damage = use a conditioning toner

How to Apply Toner

  • Clarify hair with a shampoo to remove product buildup
  • Mix toner according to instructions
  • Apply toner evenly with tint brush from roots to ends
  • Process according to toner directions
  • Permanent = 15-30 mins
  • Semi-permanent = 5-10 mins
  • Rinse thoroughly with cool water
  • Condition hair

How to Use Toner to Neutralize Yellow Hair

  • To get rid of brassiness, use a toner with blue or violet pigments. These opposite colors on the color wheel will cancel out yellow tones.
  • When hair is very yellow, a permanent toner will give longer-lasting results. Semi-permanent options work well for mild brassiness.
  • Strand testing toner before full application allows you to see the color result and adjust the timing if needed.
  • Porous or damaged hair may require a longer toner processing time than healthy hair. Monitor frequently to avoid over-toning.
  • For best toner maintenance, use a purple shampoo weekly and avoid hot tools. Heat damage can make hair more porous and prone to brassiness.
  • To keep blonde hair bright, re-tone every 4-6 weeks. Toner fades over time, so regular applications preserve the color.
  • When toning at home, always follow the directions carefully. Leaving toner on too long or mixing incorrectly can lead to unwanted results. Professional help is best for tricky color jobs.

Best Toners for Yellow Hair

Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde Toner: A cult favorite, this toner works wonders to neutralize yellow and create a cool, ashy blonde shade.

Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Instant Blush Blonde Beautifier: This customizable toner offers a range of shades to counteract yellow and infuse beautiful pastel hues.

Fanola No Yellow Shampoo and Mask: A dynamic duo, this purple shampoo and mask combo is renowned for swiftly banishing yellow tones and maintaining vibrant blonde hair.

Redken Shades EQ Gloss: Known for its conditioning formula, this toner not only removes brassiness but also leaves hair shiny and silky.

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: Another purple power couple, these products work in harmony to eliminate yellow undertones while hydrating your locks.

Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo: A purple shampoo that’s loved for its effective color correction and its ability to maintain cool-toned blonde shades.

TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo: This shampoo offers a double whammy of toning and nourishing, making it a go-to for neutralizing yellow.

Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Toning Spray: For a quick and easy fix, this toning spray can be applied to damp or dry hair to help counteract yellow tones.

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo and Conditioner: A classic choice, this duo has been trusted for years to refresh blonde hair and keep it looking vibrant.

Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Masque: This masque not only tones out brassiness but also helps strengthen and nourish your hair.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – the journey from yellow to fabulous is just a toner away! Toner for yellow hair isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a game-changer that can transform your blonde from meh to marvelous. Whether you’re aiming for icy platinum, a soft ash hue, or any shade in between, the power of toner is undeniable. So, bid adieu to those pesky yellow tones and embrace a blonde that’s pure, radiant, and absolutely stunning. With a little help from the toner magic, your hair will shine like the star you are, turning heads and leaving a trail of envy in your wake.