A Complete Guide To Get Rid Of Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Bid 'goodbye' to that unwanted color on your mane with some natural ingredients.

Reviewed by Shantella Rios, Cosmetologist Shantella Rios Shantella RiosCosmetologist insta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Last Updated on

Semi-permanent hair dye is easy to color your hair without damaging hair cuticles as these molecules will not penetrate the hair. This is an easy way to color your hair, and you can experiment with various colors as they are easy to get rid of. Semi-permanent hair dyes are becoming popular as a substitute for permanent hair colors. Read this article to know how to remove semi-permanent hair dye at home. Scroll down.

What Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Woman getting semi-permanent hair dye
Image: Shutterstock

Semi-permanent hair color is a great way to switch up your hair color without damaging the strands. Along with other hair treatment products, semi-permanent hair dye can be used to achieve unique and creative hairstyling looks. Unlike permanent colors, this hair product does not penetrate your hair but rather coats it. It does not contain harsh chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, which can damage your hair and affect your health.

Semi-permanent dyes are generally applied after shampooing and drying the hair. The product is kept on the hair for about 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Semi-permanent hair dyes are safe formulations and do not require a developer. They can be used immediately after relaxers and perming treatments.

Since it fades with each wash, getting rid of semi-permanent hair dye is not too hard. Here are some ways to remove semi-permanent hair color at home.

Simple Ways To Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Color

1. Shampoo And Baking Soda

Baking soda to remove semi-permanent hair dye
Image: Shutterstock

You can remove hair color with baking soda. Baking soda helps cleanse product buildup from the hair. Since semi-permanent hair colors sit on your strands rather than seeping in, this ingredient works perfectly to remove them.

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon of shampoo

Directions

  1. Mix the baking soda and shampoo.
  2. Apply this mixture to wet hair.
  3. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

Note: Whether you require less or more of this mixture, remember to add the ingredients in equal parts.

Claire Lancaster, a blogger, recounted her experience of using baking soda and dandruff shampoo to remove hair dye in her blog. She said, “As I was washing the paste off my hair, I noticed the water had turned pink, and I could literally see the paste stripping my hair of the pink hair dye. I found it really effective and after doing this to my hair every time I washed my hair for about 3 days, my hair was basically back to blonde (i).”

2. Vitamin C And Warm Water

Vitamin C tablets for removing semi-permanent hair color
Image: Shutterstock

Powdered vitamin C is a popular hack used by beauty bloggers to lighten the hair color.

You Will Need

  • Vitamin C tablets
  • Warm water

Directions

  1. Crush the vitamin C tablets and mix them with warm water.
  2. Apply this paste to your hair and let it sit for an hour.
  3. Wash your hair thoroughly with room temperature water.
  4. Repeat the process after two days.

Note: You can also add crushed vitamin C tablets to your shampoo.

3. Vinegar Rinse

Bottle of apple cider vinegar beside a hairbrush
Image: Shutterstock

Using vinegar to remove hair dye is a natural method that can help fade unwanted color while being gentle on your hair. Washing your hair with vinegar helps eliminate buildup and hair dye, leaving your scalp clean and refreshed. An apple cider vinegar rinse can add shine to your hair and make it healthy.

You Will Need

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Warm water

Directions

  1. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and warm water.
  2. Shampoo and condition your hair.
  3. Saturate your dyed hair with the mixture.
  4. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse your hair.

4. Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos may not completely get rid of the color, but they can help lift it from your hair and fade it without causing damage or breakage. Make sure to follow up with a conditioner as these shampoos can strip the natural oils of your hair and make it dry.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Semi-permanent dyes give only 30% coverage and for a subtle, natural finish. If unsatisfied with the outcome, immediately switching to another color won’t damage the hair.

Infographic: How To Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Color

If you are unhappy with your semi-permanent hair color and are looking for easy DIY solutions to remove it, follow the simple and effective homemade recipes listed below. Check out the following infographic to learn some easy DIY recipes that you can use to bid farewell to those unwanted shades.

easy diy recipes to remove semi permanent hair color (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Semi-permanent hair dye, which is free from harmful chemicals, does not penetrate the hair cuticles but only coats the strands. Hence, it does not harm your hair. The color keeps fading with each wash, so it is easy to get rid of it. Ideally, with its long-lasting formula, this type of dye lasts between six and eight weeks, depending on your hair type, enabling you to try different colors. However, if you want to learn how to remove semi-permanent hair dye sooner, use shampoo and baking soda, vitamin C and warm water, or rinse your hair with vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does semi-permanent hair dye last?

Semi-permanent dyes last for about a month to 45 days with the right hair care routine, and as a temporary option these dyes give people the flexibility to experiment with various hair styling options and the latest fashion trends.

Which is better: permanent or semi-permanent hair dye?

Permanent dyes last longer but contain harsh ingredients that damage your tresses. Semi-permanent dyes are a healthier alternative as they have fewer harsh ingredients.

Which lasts longer: semi or demi-permanent hair color?

While demi-permanent hair dyes last for about 30-35 hair washes, semi-permanent dyes last for about 6-10 washes.

How often can you dye your hair with semi-permanent dye?

Semi-permanent hair dyes do not penetrate your hair strands and can be reapplied as often as every other week.

Is toner the same as semi-permanent hair color?

No, a toner removes brassy orange and yellow tints from your hair color.

Key Takeaways

  • Semi-permanent hair color allows you to dye your hair without harming the cuticles because the molecules do not permeate the hair.
  • Semi-permanent hair dye is commonly used after shampooing and drying the hair. The product should be left on the hair for around 20 minutes before rinsing.
  • Some methods for removing semi-permanent hair color at home include shampoo and baking soda, vitamin C and warm water, and a vinegar rinse.
  • It is important to note that some color may remain on the hair. Also, people should follow up with a hydrating conditioner or hair mask to soften and smooth the cuticles.

Learn how to remove semi-permanent hair dye quickly and easily with this helpful tutorial! Get rid of that unwanted color and restore your hair’s natural look with the video below. Give it listen now!

Personal Experience: Source

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Shantella Rios
Shantella RiosCosmetologist
Shantella Rios is a licensed cosmetologist, who prides herself on the ability to deliver high quality services to clients with all hair types and textures.  She is a natural hair care enthusiast who specializes in identifying and treating scalp disorders.

Read full bio of Shantella Rios
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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