🎨 Removing Faded or Stubborn Hair Color: Which Method Is Right for Your Hair?
Ever found yourself wanting to say goodbye to an old hair color?
Maybe you had red hair all winter, but now that the flowers are blooming again, you’re craving something bright and bold? 🌸🌈
This article walks you through the four main ways to remove hair dye residue and how to choose the one that fits your plans and your hair.
👩🎨 Why your next color matters
Before we dive in, think about your color direction:
Are you switching to something in the same color family or going for a big contrast?
💡 The bigger the color jump, the stronger the method needs to be.
🎨 Wait… colors have families?
Yes, they do! Welcome to the color wheel by Itten:
Yellow → Yellow-Orange → Orange → Red-Orange → Red → Red-Violet → Violet → Blue-Violet → Blue → Blue-Green → Green → Yellow-Green → back to Yellow
👉 Example: If your current color is red, its neighbors are red-orange and red-violet.
Going from red to pink = easy.
Going from red to green = harder (they’re opposites!).
🧼 4 Ways to Remove Leftover Hair Color
1️⃣ Mildest Option: Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This gentle method fades dye gradually especially if only a little color is left.
🫧 The more you wash, the more color comes out.
But be kind to your scalp: don’t overwash! Every few days is plenty.
2️⃣ Stronger Option: Clarifying Shampoo
Designed to remove buildup from styling products, this method is a bit more drying.
Use sparingly -> great for moderate color residue but not ideal for frequent use.
3️⃣ Even Stronger: Bleach Wash
This is a mix of diluted bleach and shampoo.
It’s more effective but also more damaging.
💡 Only use if your hair is healthy and you really need a clean base.
4️⃣ Strongest (and harshest): Full Bleach
If you’re making a major color change (e.g. from purple to yellow or black to silver), this is the most effective method, but it’s also the riskiest for your hair’s health.
🧠 Which method is right for you?
That depends on:
The current state of your hair (healthy or already damaged?)
How faded your current color is
How big the color shift will be
❌ If your hair is already damaged:
Avoid full bleach or bleach washes.
Sometimes, patience is your best friend. Let the color fade naturally and give your hair time to recover.
💬 Still unsure?
Ask yourself:
Does the current color still cover well or is it already fading?
Am I staying in the same tone or going for a complete change?