It is a natural alternative to harsh chemicals. You don’t have to chop your hair or color it jet black. This simple ingredient can help fade the hair dye naturally. Plus, unlike chemical treatments that are harsh on your hair, baking soda acts as a slightly gentler alternative. Many people have found success with this method, making it a go-to option for those wanting a more natural way to lighten their color without heavy damage. Want to know more? Keep reading to learn how to use baking soda to remove hair color.

How To Remove Hair Color With Baking Soda

Note: These methods can help get rid of semi-permanent hair dyes. However, if you have used permanent hair color and are unhappy with the results, please consult a hair specialist. Also, most of these methods are not backed by scientific evidence. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that they can help remove hair color.

1. Wash Hair With Baking Soda To Remove Hair Color

Baking soda and vinegar are excellent deep cleansing agents (1). This mix is likely to dry out your hair a little, but it will also help fade your hair color to a certain extent.

2 tablespoons baking soda 1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 5 drops fragrant essential oil (whichever you prefer)

2 minutes 10 minutes 3-4 consecutive days.

2. Dish Soap And Baking Soda To Remove Hair Color

This method effectively fades semi-permanent hair color. The dishwashing soap’s harsh detergents will considerably strip color after the first wash.

3 tablespoons baking soda 4 tablespoons anti-dandruff shampoo 1 tablespoon dishwashing soap Shower cap/Plastic bag

2 minutes 20 minutes 2-3 consecutive days.

3. Baking Soda And Shampoo To Remove Hair Dye

Anti-dandruff shampoos have strong clarifying properties, which can help strip the color from your hair. In combination with baking soda, it will remove a considerable amount of color without causing as much damage as bleach would. McGee, a blogger, gently faded her hair color by using a mixture of shampoo and baking soda. She said, “I have noticed adding baking soda had a pretty good impact on removing a little extra color (i).” She only uses a tablespoon or so to reap its benefits. She further adds, “I only used it every other treatment due to the drying effect it has.”

1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon anti-dandruff shampoo

2 minutes 20 minutes 3-4 consecutive days.

4. Baking Soda And Lemon Juice To Remove Hair Color

Lemon has strong bleaching properties and is a natural clarifier, which will help strip your hair of color. You may use it for bleaching hair or hair lightening. In combination with baking soda, it will help clarify your hair while also fading the color.

2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons baking soda

2 minutes 20 minutes 3-4 consecutive days.

5. Baking Soda And Epsom Salt To Remove Hair Color

Using Epsom salt is one of the most effective ways of color stripping from your hair. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.

1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon Epsom salt 1 cup water

2 minutes 20 minutes 3-4 consecutive days.

6. Vitamin C And Baking Soda To Remove Hair Color

Using crushed vitamin C supplements is a popular way of stripping hair color. The presence of anti-dandruff shampoo and baking soda in this method makes it all the more effective.

2 tablespoons anti-dandruff shampoo 5-10 crushed vitamin C tablets 1 tablespoon baking soda

2 minutes 30-60 minutes 2-3 consecutive days.

7. Baking Soda And Peroxide To Remove Hair Color

Peroxide is a bleaching agent that can strip most of the dye’s color out of your hair. While this process can dry out your hair, it is not as harsh as using strong hair bleach.

6 tablespoons baking soda 3 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide 1 tablespoon conditioner Shower cap

2 minutes 1 hour 1-2 times a week. While baking soda can be an effective natural remedy for removing hair color, it is important to take some precautions to ensure you do not damage your hair in the process. Scroll down to learn some simple precautionary tips.

Safety Precautions For Using Baking Soda To Remove Hair Color

Here are some simple and easy tips:

Always dilute the baking soda with water before applying it to your head. Always do a patch test at the back of your head before completely applying baking soda to your scalp. This helps to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Baking soda can be drying, so do not overuse it. Overuse can lead to brittle, dry hair that is prone to breakage. Avoid rubbing the baking soda on your hair and scalp in a harsh manner, as this may lead to minor cuts and scrapes and hair breakage. If you are concerned about the health of your hair or unsure how baking soda will affect it, it is always a good idea to consult with a hairstylist or professional.

Follow these tips to use baking soda safely without compromising the health of your hair. You can use baking soda in combination with other ingredients to remove hair color. But can it damage your hair? Find out in the next section.

Can Baking Soda Damage Your Hair?

Baking soda is a great ingredient with multiple uses. But one should exercise caution when using it as its high alkaline content may damage your hair and scalp in the following ways:

Strip The Natural Oils: It is abrasive and may remove the natural scalp oils, resulting in dry and brittle hair. Affect Hair Health: The gritty texture of baking soda can damage your hair’s protective outer layer, making it more prone to breakage. Cause Scalp Irritation: Baking soda can throw off your scalp’s pH balance, causing dryness, itching, and irritation.

If your hair is already dry and brittle, avoid using baking soda altogether to protect your hair from further damage. Can baking soda remove all types of hair color? Baking soda works best for fading semi-permanent hair colors. However, it may not completely remove permanent dyes, especially darker shades. You may need to use it a few times or pair it with other methods to get effective results. What happens if baking soda residue remains in the hair? Baking soda residue in hair may cause an itchy, dry, and sensitive scalp. Therefore, it is best to clean the hair thoroughly after using baking soda. Can baking soda cause hair breakage? Regular use of baking soda may strip off the natural oils from your hair and make the hair brittle. It may cause hair breakage and hair damage. Therefore, if you are using baking soda for hair, it’s important to use it properly, in adequate amounts, and follow other safety precautions. Are there any alternatives to using baking soda to remove hair color? Yes. There are several alternatives to baking soda to remove hair color. You may use clarifying shampoo or hot oil treatment to remove hair color. Washing your hair frequently can fade out the color faster. You may also use vinegar to remove hair dye by mixing equal parts hot water and vinegar and cooling it down before using it as a wash. Can baking soda be used to remove hair color from all hair types? While it can be used to remove hair color from many hair types, it may not be suitable for everyone. People with dry, or fine hair should exercise caution when using baking soda, as it can strip natural oils from the hair and cause breakage. Also, those with sensitive scalps may experience irritation.

Illustration: How To Remove Hair Color With Baking Soda

Looking to change your hair color? Watch this informative video to know how to effortlessly remove hair dye using baking soda in combination with simple ingredients.  

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