Dark hair dye can be stubborn. Whether you regret going too dark or just want a change, making that dark hair dye fade faster can be done with some quick and effective methods. Below are the best ways to fade dark hair dye quickly without causing too much damage to your hair.
1. Clarifying Shampoo: A Quick Fix
One of the easiest and most effective ways to strip color from your hair is by using a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are designed to remove buildup from hair products, but they also work wonders in fading dark hair dye.
- How to Use:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply a generous amount of clarifying shampoo and massage it into your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes to allow the shampoo to work its magic.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times a week until you achieve the desired level of fading. Be sure to follow up with a deep conditioner to prevent dryness.
2. Baking Soda: The Natural Lightener
Baking soda is a natural and gentle abrasive that can help fade dark hair dye quickly. It’s often used in combination with clarifying shampoo for an extra boost.
- How to Use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with your regular shampoo.
- Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on areas where the dye is darkest.
- Massage thoroughly, then leave the mixture on your hair for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Frequency: Use this method every other wash until you see the dye fading. Again, follow with a deep conditioner to keep your hair healthy.
3. Vitamin C Treatment: Gentle Yet Effective
Vitamin C is another safe and gentle way to fade dark hair dye. It’s particularly effective on semi-permanent dyes, but can also work on permanent color over time.
- How to Use:
- Crush 10-15 vitamin C tablets into a fine powder.
- Mix the powder with enough clarifying shampoo to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to damp hair and massage it in thoroughly.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse well and condition your hair.
- Frequency: This can be done 2-3 times a week. The acidity of vitamin C helps to break down the dye molecules without harming your hair.
4. Hot Oil Treatment: Moisturizing and Fading
A hot oil treatment not only nourishes your hair but also helps in fading dark hair dye. The heat opens up the hair cuticles, allowing the oil to penetrate deeply and lift some of the color.
- How to Use:
- Heat 1/4 cup of olive or coconut oil until warm (not hot).
- Apply the oil to dry hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
- Massage the oil into your scalp and hair.
- Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let it sit for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to remove the oil and some of the color.
- Frequency: Use once a week for best results. The hot oil will not only fade the dye but also leave your hair feeling soft and conditioned.
5. Dish Soap: A Harsh But Effective Option
Dish soap can be harsh, but it’s highly effective in stripping color from hair. This method is best for those in need of rapid fading.
- How to Use:
- Apply a small amount of dish soap to wet hair.
- Massage it in thoroughly, concentrating on the areas with the most color.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.
- Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture.
- Frequency: Use this method sparingly, no more than once a week, as it can be drying. Make sure to deep condition afterward to maintain hair health.
6. Lemon Juice: Natural and Accessible
Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help lighten hair color over time. This method is best for those who prefer a gradual fade.
- How to Use:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle.
- Spray the juice onto damp hair, focusing on areas with the darkest dye.
- Sit in the sun for 30-60 minutes to activate the lemon juice.
- Rinse out the juice and condition your hair.
- Frequency: Repeat this process once a week. While this method is slower, it’s gentle and leaves your hair with a natural fade.
7. Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Bath: A Dual Action Fader
Combining Epsom salt with baking soda in a hot bath can help fade dark hair dye while giving you a relaxing experience.
- How to Use:
- Fill your bathtub with hot water.
- Add 1 cup of Epsom salt and 1 cup of baking soda to the water.
- Soak your hair in the bath for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with warm water and follow with a clarifying shampoo.
- Frequency: This method can be used once a week. It’s a relaxing way to help your hair color fade, but it’s important to follow up with a conditioning treatment.
8. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: An Unexpected Solution
Anti-dandruff shampoos contain strong ingredients that can strip away hair color. They’re a popular choice for those looking to fade dye fast.
- How to Use:
- Wet your hair and apply the anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Lather well and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
- Condition your hair to prevent dryness.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times a week for best results. This method works faster than regular shampoo but is still gentle enough for frequent use.
9. Swimming Pool Chlorine: A Fun Way to Fade Dye
If you’re a swimmer, you’ve probably noticed that chlorine can fade hair color. While not the healthiest method for your hair, swimming pool chlorine can help if you’re looking for a fun way to fade your dye.
- How to Use:
- Simply swim in a chlorinated pool.
- Rinse your hair afterward with clean water and a clarifying shampoo.
- Frequency: The more you swim, the faster the fade. Be sure to condition your hair after swimming to counteract the drying effects of chlorine.
10. DIY Hair Mask: Nourishing and Fading
A DIY hair mask with ingredients like honey, olive oil, and cinnamon can help fade dark hair dye while nourishing your hair.
- How to Use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon into a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask to damp hair, focusing on the dyed areas.
- Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let the mask sit for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse out the mask with warm water and shampoo.
- Frequency: Use this mask once a week. It’s a slower method but adds the benefit of nourishing your hair while gently fading the color.
11. Honey and Olive Oil Treatment: A Gentle Fader
Mixing honey with olive oil not only nourishes your hair but also helps to lighten and fade the dye.
- How to Use:
- Combine 1/4 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of olive oil.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Shampoo as usual.
- Frequency: This method can be repeated once a week. It’s a gentle way to fade your color while keeping your hair hydrated.
12. Avoid Heat Styling: Let Your Hair Breathe
Heat styling can lock in the dye and make it harder to fade. By avoiding heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, you allow your hair to fade more naturally.
- How to Use:
- Let your hair air dry whenever possible.
- If you must use heat, keep it on the lowest setting.
- Frequency: Continue avoiding heat styling until you reach your desired fade level. Your hair will thank you with better health and quicker fading.
Conclusion
Fading dark hair dye doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right methods and consistency, you can achieve a lighter look without causing too much damage to your hair. From clarifying shampoos to DIY treatments, there are plenty of ways to get your dark hair dye to fade fast.