Hair salons won’t tell you this. 8 hacks for turning hair back to original color at home

Many people enjoy changing their look with hair dye. But sometimes, you just want to go back to your natural hair color. Maybe you’re tired of the upkeep, or you simply want to embrace your own natural beauty. Whatever the reason, returning to your original color can be a very satisfying process. While hair salons offer professional services to help with this, there are also many easy and affordable ways to do it yourself at home. These methods often use simple, natural ingredients and can help you avoid harsh chemicals.

How Hair Color Actually Works

To understand how to remove hair dye, it’s helpful to know how hair is colored in the first place. Your natural hair color comes from a pigment called melanin. There are two types: eumelanin (which creates black and brown colors) and pheomelanin (which creates red and yellow colors).

When you dye your hair, the dye molecules go deep inside the hair shaft and deposit new color. This process can change your natural melanin. The goal of removing hair dye is to get rid of the artificial color without damaging the natural pigments underneath.

Simple Home Remedies for Fading Hair Dye

Here are eight simple ways you can use to help fade hair dye and return to your natural color.

1. Use Baking Soda and Shampoo: Baking soda is a great natural cleaner that can help strip away hair dye. To use it, mix equal parts baking soda and a clarifying shampoo. Put the mixture on wet hair, focusing on the dyed parts. “Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.” You might need to repeat this a few times over several weeks to see a big difference. Always remember to use a good conditioner afterward to keep your hair from getting dry.
2. Try a Vitamin C Treatment: Vitamin C is known for its ability to lighten hair dye by breaking down the dye molecules. Crush several vitamin C tablets into a fine powder and mix them with a clarifying shampoo to make a thick paste. “Apply this mixture to damp hair and cover with a shower cap.” “Leave it on for 30-60 minutes before rinsing out.” This method works especially well for semi-permanent dyes and can be done weekly until you get the color you want.
3. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a natural acid that can help fade hair dye. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water. After you shampoo your hair, use this mixture as a rinse. “Leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing with water.” This not only helps with color but also adds shine and helps balance the pH of your scalp.
4. Make a Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice Mix: Coconut oil is great for moisturizing, and lemon juice has natural lightening properties. “Mix equal parts of coconut oil and lemon juice and apply to the hair.” “Leave it on for a few hours or overnight for best results.” This is a gentle way to gradually lighten dyed hair while also keeping it nourished and healthy.
5. Apply a Honey and Cinnamon Mask: Honey has a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a natural lightener, and cinnamon can boost this effect. Mix honey, cinnamon powder, and a little bit of olive oil to create a paste. Apply the mask to damp hair and cover it with a shower cap. “Leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing.” This method works slowly but is very gentle, which is great for sensitive hair.
6. Try a Chamomile Tea Rinse: Chamomile tea is well-known for its lightening effects, especially on lighter hair colors. Brew a strong pot of chamomile tea and let it cool completely. “Use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning.” “Leave it in and allow hair to air dry in the sun for enhanced effects.” This is a gradual method that works best with regular use.
7. Use Coffee or Black Tea for Darker Hair: If you have darker hair, coffee or black tea can help you get back to your natural shade and cover up any faded dye. Brew a strong pot of either coffee or black tea and let it cool. “Apply it to clean, damp hair and leave it in for at least an hour before rinsing.” You can repeat this every week to keep your color rich and dark.
8. Switch to a Clarifying Shampoo: Clarifying shampoos are made to remove product buildup from your hair, and they are also very effective at fading hair dye. “Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to gradually strip away artificial color.” Since these shampoos can be a bit drying, it’s very important to follow up with a deep conditioner to keep your hair from feeling brittle.

Embracing Your Natural Color

After you have successfully returned to your natural hair color, taking care of it is crucial. Regular trims, using shampoos without sulfates, and deep conditioning treatments will help keep your hair healthy and looking its best. Going back to your natural hair color can be a great experience, allowing you to appreciate your own unique beauty without the need for constant maintenance.