Have you ever dyed your hair a vibrant shade, only to find yourself longing for your natural color? Or perhaps you’re tired of the brassy tones that have crept into your blonde locks. You’re not alone! Many people seek ways to gently remove unwanted hair color, and the answer might lie in your shampoo bottle.
The question “what shampoo pull color out of hair” is a common one, and the truth is, there isn’t one magic shampoo that works for everyone. But, there are specific types of shampoos formulated to help fade color and brighten your hair. This blog post will delve into the world of color-removing shampoos, exploring different options and how they work.
Understanding Hair Color Removal
Before we jump into specific shampoos, let’s understand how hair color removal works. When you dye your hair, the color molecules penetrate the hair shaft, changing its pigment. Removing this color involves breaking down these molecules, gradually fading the dye.
Clarifying Shampoos: The Gentle Approach
Clarifying shampoos are a good starting point for those looking to remove color from their hair. These shampoos contain powerful cleansing agents that remove product buildup, dirt, and impurities from the hair shaft. While they won’t strip color completely, they can help fade color over time, especially if you use them regularly.
How They Work: Clarifying shampoos contain ingredients like sulfates (sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate) that effectively remove dirt, oil, and any residue left behind by styling products or hair treatments. These agents can also help lift out some of the color molecules, making your hair appear slightly lighter.
Who Should Use Them: Clarifying shampoos are best for those with oily hair or those who use a lot of styling products. They are also suitable for people with color treated hair who want to gently remove some of the color over time.
Color-Removing Shampoos: The Targeted Solution
For a more targeted approach to color removal, consider color-removing shampoos. These shampoos are specifically designed to lighten or remove unwanted color. They contain ingredients that break down the color molecules, gradually fading the dye.
How They Work: Color-removing shampoos often contain ingredients like vitamin C, citric acid, or other gentle acids that help lift the color molecules from the hair shaft. They may also contain clarifying agents to remove product buildup and impurities.
Who Should Use Them: Color-removing shampoos are ideal for those who want to remove stubborn color or brighten their hair. They are particularly effective for removing brassy tones from blonde hair.
Purple Shampoos: The Brassiness Buster
Purple shampoos are a staple for blonde hair, and they can be a valuable tool for color removal as well. These shampoos contain violet pigments that neutralize yellow and brassy tones, making your blonde hair appear cooler and brighter.
How They Work: Purple shampoos use a color-correcting technique. The violet pigment in the shampoo cancels out the yellow and orange tones in your hair, resulting in a more balanced and vibrant blonde shade.
Who Should Use Them: If you have blonde hair that’s become brassy or you want to maintain a cool blonde tone, purple shampoos are your best friend. They can also be helpful for removing some of the yellow color that can occur after bleaching your hair.
Deep Cleansing Treatments: The Intensive Approach
For a more intensive approach to color removal, consider deep cleansing treatments. These treatments are designed to remove impurities, product buildup, and color molecules from the hair shaft, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.
How They Work: Deep cleansing treatments often contain a blend of clarifying agents, chelating agents, and other ingredients that effectively remove impurities from the hair and scalp. They can also help break down color molecules, making your hair appear lighter.
Who Should Use Them: Deep cleansing treatments are ideal for those who want to remove stubborn color or refresh their hair after a long time of using styling products. However, they should be used sparingly as they can be harsh on the hair if used too frequently.
Understanding The Limitations
It’s important to remember that shampoos alone cannot completely remove permanent hair color. They can help fade color over time, but they may not be able to remove the color entirely.
The effectiveness of color-removing shampoos depends on several factors, including:
- The type of hair color: Permanent hair color is harder to remove than semi-permanent or temporary color.
- The hair’s porosity: Hair that is porous absorbs color more readily and can be more challenging to remove.
- The frequency of use: Using color-removing shampoos regularly will yield better results than using them occasionally.
A Gentle Approach: Tips for Successful Color Removal
If you’re attempting to remove color from your hair, it’s essential to be gentle and patient. Here are some tips to help you achieve your desired results:
- Start with a clarifying shampoo: This will remove any product buildup and impurities from your hair, preparing it for the color-removing process.
- Use color-removing shampoo as directed: Follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Overusing the shampoo can damage your hair.
- Condition your hair after each wash: Color-removing shampoos can be drying, so it’s essential to condition your hair to restore moisture.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week: This will help to repair any damage that may have occurred during the color removal process.
- Be patient: It may take several washes to see noticeable results. Don’t expect to remove all the color overnight.
Beyond Shampoo: Other Color Removal Options
While shampoos can be a helpful tool for color removal, they aren’t the only option. If you’re looking for a more drastic change, consider these alternatives:
- Color remover kits: These kits contain bleaching agents that can remove color more effectively than shampoos. However, they can also be harsher on the hair.
- Professional salon treatments: A salon professional can use specialized products and techniques to remove color from your hair safely and effectively.
Moving Forward: A New You
Remember, removing color from your hair is a gradual process. It may take time to achieve your desired results, but with patience and the right products, you can gently fade unwanted color and embrace your natural hue.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use color-removing shampoo on bleached hair?
A: While color-removing shampoo can help remove brassiness from bleached hair, it’s important to use it cautiously. Bleached hair is already fragile and can be easily damaged. Start with a small section of hair to test the product’s effect before using it on your entire head.
Q: How often should I use color-removing shampoo?
A: The frequency depends on the product and your desired results. Some shampoos are meant for weekly use, while others are intended for occasional use. It’s best to follow the instructions on the product label.
Q: Will color-removing shampoo damage my hair?
A: Color-removing shampoos can be drying, but they are generally safe for use. However, it’s important to condition your hair after each wash and use deep conditioning treatments regularly to prevent damage.
Q: Can I use color-removing shampoo on black hair?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use color-removing shampoo on black hair, as it may not be effective in removing the color. Black hair dye is usually permanent and requires professional salon treatments for removal.
Q: Can I use color-removing shampoo on colored hair?
A: Color-removing shampoos can be used on colored hair, but they may not be effective in removing all the color. They can help fade the color over time, especially if you use them regularly. However, they may not be suitable for removing permanent hair color.