Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel and by How.com.vn staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon.
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If you’ve recently dyed your hair, but it came out too dark, there are some effective home remedies and products you can try to lighten up the color. Try washing your hair with apple cider vinegar and water or baking soda and shampoo. While it won’t turn jet-black hair into blonde, it can lighten your hair a few shades. Use this guide for alternative hair color-removing options!
Things You Should Know
- Lighten dyed hair naturally with household items like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Use store-bought hair color removers, like Color Oops, to lighten your hair to your desired color and redye with boxed dye or professional services.
- If your hair dye is too dark, combine equal parts of bleach, developer, and shampoo to create a mixture that may lighten your hair.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow can you lighten your hair naturally?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistLemon juice and honey are gentle and effective lightening agents. Vinegar will also add natural highlights. - QuestionCan you lighten your hair with box color?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYou can lighten your hair with box dye only if it hasn't been previously colored. Follow the instructions on the box. - QuestionCan you use toner on dark hair?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistToner is translucent and won't show up on dark hair colors. It is designed specifically for use on light hair.
Video
Tips
- Seek a hairstylist's advice if coloring damages your hair.Thanks
- Some stores sell color-removing shampoo or other products to help remove color.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- For dark hair colors, try pouring coffee over your hair and leaving the conditioner on for 10-15 minutes. It may help strip dark hair coloring.
- Add deep conditioning to the Vitamin C process to keep your hair smooth and healthy.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide in the sun. It can damage your hair follicles.
References
- ↑ https://www.md-health.com/lightening-dark-brown-hair-dye.html
- ↑ Michael Van den Abbeel. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.
- ↑ https://www.myhdhair.com/pages/applying-colour-remover
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0g7G3mT3mg&t=54s
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a47544/how-to-get-hair-dye-off-skin/
- ↑ https://theshade.com.au/colouring/lightening-your-colour-how-to-bleach-wash-your-hair/
- ↑ https://betternatured.com/blogs/the-good-clean-fun-blog/how-to-choose-the-right-hair-color-developer
- ↑ http://www.md-health.com/Lightening-Dark-Brown-Hair-Dye.html
- ↑ https://thegreendivas.com/2014/04/30/6-ways-naturally-lighten-dyed-hair/
- ↑ https://www.tomsofmaine.com/good-matters/natural-products/how-remove-permanent-hair-dye-naturally
- ↑ https://thegreendivas.com/2014/04/30/6-ways-naturally-lighten-dyed-hair/
- ↑ https://thegreendivas.com/2014/04/30/6-ways-naturally-lighten-dyed-hair/
- ↑ https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-remove-color-from-hair
- ↑ https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-remove-color-from-hair
About This Article
To lighten dyed hair immediately after dyeing, take a hot shower and wash your hair with a non-color-safe clarifying shampoo. The hot water will open your hair cuticles and help to release the dye. After you've washed your hair, condition it thoroughly to avoid over-drying. If you are wanting to lighten dye that's been in your hair for a while, mix together baking soda and clarifying shampoo. Apply this mixture to your damp hair, letting it sit for 5-15 minutes before rinsing it out. For more ways to lighten dyed hair from our Cosmetologist reviewer, read on!
Reader Success Stories
"I colored what was to be medium blonde, but it turned out to be dark brown. Oops. So I turned to this site and was delighted to find instructions about using clarifying shampoo and baking soda, which I had on hand. Thank you for the help. Keep up the good job!"..." more
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