white semi permanent hair dye

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.

Pink and Purple Highlights in Blonde Hair: A Guide to Achieving the Perfect Look

Are you looking to add some flair to your blonde locks? Why not try pink and purple highlights? These fun and playful colors can add a pop of excitement to any hairstyle. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about adding pink and purple highlights to your blonde hair.

Choosing the Right Shades of Pink and Purple Highlights in Blonde Hair 

Pink and purple highlights are strands of hair dyed in shades of pink and purple. They can be done throughout the hair or just in certain sections to create a dramatic effect. When done on blonde hair, these colors can really stand out and create a bold statement.

When adding pink and purple to hair, it’s essential to choose the right shades that complement your skin tone. While these colors can look amazing on anyone, selecting the wrong shades may create an unflattering contrast or clash with your skin.

The first step is to determine your skin tone. There are three main categories: warm, cool, and neutral. If you’re not sure what your skin tone is, try the following test:

  • Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they look greenish, you have a warm undertone. If you can’t tell, you may have a neutral undertone.
  • Consider how your skin reacts to the sun. Those with cool undertones tend to burn quickly and rarely tan, while those with warm undertones tan easily.
  • Hold up a piece of white paper to your face. If your skin appears yellowish or sallow, you likely have a warm undertone. If it looks pink or rosy, you probably have a cool undertone. Neutral undertones will have a mix of both.

Once you’ve determined your skin tone, it’s time to consider which shades of pink and purple will work best for you.

For those with warm undertones, opt for warmer shades of pink and purple such as coral, peach, or magenta. These hues will create a harmonious balance with your skin and enhance your natural warmth.

If you have cool undertones, look for cooler shades of pink and purple such as lavender, lilac, or fuchsia. These tones will complement your skin’s natural coolness and add a pop of color without overwhelming your features.

Neutral undertones have the most flexibility when it comes to choosing shades. You can experiment with both warm and cool shades to find the perfect match for your skin. Consider shades like dusty rose, rose gold, or mauve for a subtle, natural look.

When it comes to placement, consider your hair’s base color and your personal style. Balayage is a popular technique that involves hand-painting the highlights onto the hair in a way that looks effortless and natural. If you prefer a more dramatic look, opt for foiling, which creates a more defined contrast between the highlights and your base color.

Preparing Your Hair for Coloring

To achieve the best results from your pink and purple highlights, it’s essential that your hair is properly prepared before coloring. This means ensuring that your hair is healthy and strong so that it can withstand the dyeing process.

One way to prepare your hair is by utilizing a deep conditioning treatment at least a week before coloring. This will help to nourish and strengthen your hair, making it less prone to damage during the coloring process. Additionally, avoid washing your hair for a few days leading up to your appointment, as this can help to protect your scalp and hair follicles from irritation.

Choose the right hair dye: Look for a high-quality hair dye that offers vibrant shades of pink and purple. It’s important to choose a dye that is specifically formulated for blonde hair, as these dyes will help achieve the desired color without causing damage or unwanted tones. Semi-permanent or temporary dyes are also recommended, as they are less damaging than permanent dyes.

Prepare your hair: Before applying any hair dye, it’s important to prepare your hair by washing it with shampoo and conditioner. This will remove any buildup or oils that could interfere with the dye’s effectiveness. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a blow dryer on low heat.

How to Dye Your Hair 

Now comes the fun part – dyeing your hair! You can either choose to visit a salon or dye your hair at home. If you’re going the DIY route, make sure to follow all instructions on the packaging carefully.

Dyeing your hair pink and purple highlights can be a fun and creative way to change up your look. However, achieving this look on blonde hair requires some preparation and attention to detail. Here are the steps you can follow to dye your hair pink and purple highlights in blonde hair: 

Section your hair: Divide your hair into small sections using hair clips. This will make it easier to apply the dye evenly and avoid missing any parts.

Apply the dye: Using a tint brush or applicator bottle, apply the pink dye to one section of hair at a time, starting from the root and working your way down to the ends. Repeat the process with the purple dye on other sections of hair. Be sure to saturate each section thoroughly to ensure vibrant color.

Process the dye: Follow the instructions on the hair dye packaging for processing time. This will vary depending on the brand and type of dye used. Most semi-permanent or temporary dyes require 20-30 minutes of processing time.

Rinse and condition: After the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Use a color-safe conditioner to prevent fading and damage to your hair.

Style your hair: Once your hair is dry, style it as desired. You can use a styling tool like a curling iron or flat iron to add some texture and dimension to your new pink and purple highlights.

Maintain the color: To keep your pink and purple highlights looking vibrant, avoid washing your hair too often and use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Also, avoid using hot tools too frequently, as heat can cause the color to fade more quickly.

Caring for Your Pink and Purple Highlights

Once you’ve achieved your perfect pink and purple highlights, it’s important to take proper care of them to maintain their vibrancy and prevent fading. To do this, avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can cause the color to fade more quickly. Additionally, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to help preserve the color.

You can also use color-depositing shampoos and conditioners in shades of pink and purple to enhance the color over time. And don’t forget to protect your hair from the sun and chlorine in pools, as both can cause damage and fading.

Conclusion

Adding pink and purple highlights to your blonde hair can be a fun and exciting way to switch up your look. With the right preparation and care, you can achieve a bold and beautiful new style that is uniquely yours. So why not give it a try and see how these fun colors can bring some excitement to your life?