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How to Remove Red Hair Dye: 10 Effective Ways & Tips

If you search “how to get red out of hair,” you’ll find countless results, highlighting how common this issue is. Red hair dye is a popular choice across various hair types—whether long, short, straight, curly, or wavy. But red hair is more than just a color; it’s a bold statement. Those with red hair are often seen as fun, confident, and ready to take on any challenge. If you’re considering a red hue, you’re in good company.

Red hair can complement many skin tones and comes in a range of shades, from copper and strawberry blonde to auburn and burgundy. While these colors can be stunning, they are notoriously difficult to remove. Red dye often leaves behind a brassy, orange tint, which can take considerable effort to fade.

If you’ve dyed your hair before, you may be familiar with the term “brassiness,” which refers to unwanted warm tones in hair color. The type of brassiness depends on your hair’s original shade. For example:

Platinum or blonde hair may develop a yellow tint.

Brunettes often see orange or brassy tones.

Dark brown or black hair may fade into a reddish hue over time.

This guide will walk you through 10 effective methods to help remove red hair dye, ensuring you can eliminate those unwanted hues and achieve the look you desire.

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions and expert tips on how to remove red from your hair.

Methods for Removing Red Hair Color

Red hair color is a bold choice, but there may come a time when you want to switch to a different shade. Here are several methods you can use to remove red dye from your hair:

1. Use a Color Stripper

Color strippers are designed to lift artificial dye from your hair. They work effectively on red tones, but only if your hair has been dyed. If your natural hair color is red, a color stripper won’t be effective.

2. Bleach

If a color stripper isn’t sufficient, bleaching is another option. Bleach works by lifting the pigment from your hair.

It’s often best to try a color stripper first to remove as much red as possible before applying bleach, as bleaching can be harsh and potentially damaging to your hair.

3. Use a Color-Removing Product

There are many color-removing products available that function similarly to hair dye.

These are formulated to strip unwanted color, but some may contain strong chemicals that could dry out or damage your hair.

Choose a product carefully, ideally from a trusted pharmacy or beauty store, and be aware of the potential for damage.

4. Wash Hair with Dish Soap (Natural Method)

Dish soap contains high levels of sulfates, which can help strip color from hair over time. While not as potent as other methods, washing your hair with dish soap can gradually fade the red dye.

Use it in place of shampoo, washing your hair daily until the color fades.

5. Use Vitamin C Powder

Vitamin C is a less damaging way to remove red hair dye. Crush about a dozen Vitamin C tablets and mix the powder with two parts clarifying shampoo.

Apply the mixture to damp hair, work it into a lather, and cover with a shower cap.

Let it sit for about an hour before rinsing. This process can be repeated multiple times until the color fades.

6. Using Green Shampoo to Neutralize Red Tones

Green shampoo works similarly to products that neutralize green tones in blonde hair.

This method is effective when your hair has red undertones rather than being fully red.

Based on the principles of the color wheel, green is the opposite of red, so using a green-tinted shampoo will help neutralize the unwanted red tones in your hair.

7. Let the Red Color Fade Naturally

If you’re not satisfied with your red hair color, one option is to let it fade naturally.

While waiting for the color to fade or for new hair growth can be frustrating, it is a solution if you’re avoiding chemical treatments.

Hair grows at an average rate of six inches per year, so it may take some time. If you’ve used semi- or demi-permanent dye, the color will fade faster, but permanent dyes require you to wait for the hair to grow out.

8. Removing Red Dye Quickly

If you’ve recently dyed your hair red and are unhappy with the result, it’s important to act fast.

Removing the dye within 48 hours of application gives you the best chance to reverse the color.

If the dye has been in your hair for weeks or months, it becomes much harder to remove the color, especially if you’ve used permanent dye.

Consult a Professional

For the safest and most effective way to remove red hair dye, consult a professional hair colorist.

A professional can safely remove the dye using specialized products that minimize damage to your hair, ensuring a better outcome than DIY methods.

How to Remove Red from Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are several methods to remove red tones from hair, depending on the desired outcome. Choosing the right approach and following through with consistency is essential for achieving the best results.

Options include applying a darker color to cover the red or using a bleach bath. While red hair dye tends to fade more quickly than other colors, it often leaves behind lingering tones or highlights that may require additional steps to neutralize.

Using Green Toning Shampoo to Neutralize Red

Green toning shampoo is one of the most effective solutions for removing red tones from hair.

You can purchase a green toning shampoo at a local store, or make a DIY version by adding a few drops of green food coloring or green dye to regular shampoo.

The green pigments in the shampoo help counteract and neutralize the red tones in your hair.

Step 1: Dampen Hair and Apply Shampoo

Start by dampening your hair. Apply the green toning shampoo evenly throughout your hair, dividing it into four sections to ensure thorough application.

For curly hair, make sure to fully coat the curls for even toning. If using homemade green shampoo, leave it in for about 5 to 10 minutes. For store-bought products, follow the instructions on the bottle.

Step 2: Rinse Hair

After allowing the shampoo to sit for the recommended time, rinse your hair thoroughly. Check if the red tones have faded.

If some red remains, repeat the process and let the shampoo sit for a few more minutes before rinsing again.

Step 3: Condition Hair

Once the red tones have been neutralized and you’re happy with the results, apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture to your hair.

This step is especially important after any toning treatment to prevent dryness. Style your hair as desired.

Important Tip:

If making your green shampoo at home using food coloring, use it sparingly. Excess green coloring can leave a tint that may be difficult to remove.

Ash Color Hair: How to Remove Red Tones and Maintain Your Color

Ash hair shades are often used for their calming tones and ability to neutralize red hues in hair.

Using a permanent or semi-permanent ash dye can effectively remove unwanted red tones.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it, along with tips for maintaining your color afterward.

How to Apply Ash Hair Dye to Remove Red Tones

1. Prepare the Area

Apply Vaseline along your hairline to create a barrier between your skin and the dye.

Wear an old t-shirt and gloves to protect yourself from any dye spills.

2. Shampoo Your Hair (If Using Semi-Permanent Dye)

For semi-permanent ash color, shampoo your hair first and do not use conditioner afterward. This keeps the hair cuticles open, helping the dye absorb better.

If using a permanent dye, you can skip this step.

3. Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into four to six sections for easier and more even application.

4. Mix the Ash Dye

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the ash hair dye correctly.

5. Apply the Dye

Begin by applying the dye from the tips of your hair, working your way up to the roots. Ensure all strands are evenly covered.

6. Process the Dye

Cover your hair with a processing cap and let the dye sit for the time specified by the manufacturer.

7. Rinse and Style

Thoroughly rinse your hair to remove all the dye. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner if recommended by the dye manufacturer. Dry your hair and style it as desired.

Tips for Maintaining Your Hair Color After Removing Red Tones

To keep your hair healthy and maintain the color after neutralizing red tones, follow these tips:

Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Switch to shampoos that are free of parabens and sulfates. Opt for products with natural cleansers to prevent further damage.

Condition Weekly: Use a conditioner suited for your hair type, and deep condition your hair at least once a week to keep it moisturized.

Moisturize Regularly: Apply natural oils like almond, castor, coconut, olive, or lavender to your hair to keep it hydrated.

Gentle Styling: Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair before drying. Avoid heat styling as much as possible, and don’t wear overly tight hairstyles that stress your hair.

Avoid Overwashing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, so try to limit how often you shampoo.

Trim Split Ends: Schedule a trim every six to eight weeks to keep your hair healthy and free of split ends.

Things to Consider When Removing Red Tones

Choosing the Right Ash Tone: Use ash blonde for lighter hair or ash brown for darker hair to neutralize red tones.

Dye Permanence: Use a temporary or semi-permanent ash dye to match the permanence level of the original red dye you used.

Multiple Applications: Depending on the intensity of the red dye, more than one application of ash dye may be needed.

Use Clarifying Shampoo: Clarifying shampoos can help remove red tones and are made with natural ingredients that prevent damage from mineral build-up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it difficult to remove red tones from hair?

Yes, red hair color is more persistent and doesn’t fade as quickly as other shades, making it harder to remove.

Does clarifying shampoo help remove red tones?

Yes, clarifying shampoo is one of the best options to remove red tones from hair.

Can green shampoo remove red tones?

Green shampoo can help neutralize red hues. However, if you’re a natural redhead, bleaching may be more effective.

How long does red hair color last?

Red hair color typically lasts about four weeks before fading.