How To Remove Hair Color From Black Hair: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

Are you regretting that recent hair color experiment? Did the color not turn out as you imagined, or are you simply ready for a change? If so, you're not alone. Many people with black hair find themselves wanting to remove their hair color at some point. But how does one go about this?

Fret not, we've got you covered. In this simple step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of removing hair color from black hair. With our help, you'll be back to your natural color or ready for your next hair adventure in no time!

What is black hair dye?

We talked about black hair dye at length above. It’s safe to say that many people know about this specific product because it’s so popular. But, what does it mean to dye your hair black? If you have hair that’s blonde, red or any other shade of hair color, you’ll want to leave your hair at a medium to dark blond shade.


The artificial color won’t affect lighter hair, and since it’s darker than your natural color, you won’t need to go blonde to lighten it. Should you choose to remove all the black dye, you’ll need to use black hair dye to darken your tone and remove the highlights and dark undertones from the darker tone.

What To Remember Before You Start?

What to remember before you start?

It will take multiple applications over a few days, so if you decide to do this, be sure to start slow. You should have enough baking soda for at least three applications.


  • Wait at least two weeksafter your dye job begins. Your hair will be much stronger if it’s two weekspost-treatment. 
  • If you’re planning onusing this method on black hair, make sure you have enough time to allow thechemicals to work their way into your hair. 
  • Use your fingers or a brush to apply the baking soda (not scrub or sponge) and mix it thoroughly until it’s completely mixed. 
  • Rub the baking soda onto your roots and work your way up. Wash in a regular shampoo and conditioner wash after each application.

How To Remove Black Hair Dye

How to remove black hair dye

When your hair is dyed black, and you want to remove it, you’ll want to follow a few steps. First, apply the clay mask. It helps cleanse the hair and keep the dye from fading. Next, wait for 10-15 minutes to let the clay work its magic. After the clay has done its job, rinse off with cold water. Try not to apply the clay mask to wet hair. You’ll want to allow the clay to dry on the hair. If you use the mask when it’s wet, it will make the hair feel greasy. Once the clay is dry, run a warm towel over the hair. This will help the clay fully absorb into your hair.

Wash Your Hair With A Clarifying Shampoo

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo

This will clear away any product residue left on your hair while dyeing it and give you a few minutes to cleanse your scalp. Apply baking soda. Although baking soda may not work the way a professional hair salon would, you can still use it to remove dye when you’ve used hair dye. Most hair dye contains acidic ingredients. Dip your head in cool water.


Allow the baking soda to sit on your head for 5-10 minutes. Then, gently rub the baking soda on your head in a circular motion, first starting at the root of your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Rinse with warm water, then condition your hair with a moisturizing, protein-rich conditioner like KMS Moist Repair Shampoo and Conditioner.

Rinse Hair With Cold Water

Rinse hair with cold water

Next, rinse hair with cold water. This will make the dye color wash out much faster, allowing you to follow the rest of the steps below then. (You should then shampoo, condition, and style as usual.) 


Step 1: Rinse the hairthoroughly with cold water

Step 2: Shampoo andcondition as usual

Step 3: Bleach with bleach(or use dry shampoo)

Step 4: Rinse with coldwater

Step 5: Apply dry shampoo(optional)

Step 6: Dry shampoo(optional)

Step 7: Use a color-safehair dye remover

Step 8: To lighten the shade of your hair after dyeing it, you’ll need first to bleach your hair, then apply a color-safe hair dye remover on top. We recommend Redken Blonde Magic or the Color Proof line.

Wash Hair With A Hair Dye Remover

  • Spray hair dye remover
  • Soak hair color in asolution of 4 to 6 cups of vinegar
  • Apply solution with a rag
  • Soak hair color in the keyof 1/2 cup of baking soda
  • Apply solution with a rag
  • Leave on for two to fourhours
  • Once it’s dry, wash hairwith shampoo, warm water, and conditioner
  • Wash hair with shampoo, warm water and conditioner once more.

Rinse hair

Rinse hair

First things first, rinse your hair as best as you can. Hair dyes don’t appear easily as the other bleaching or coloring methods. It may take several rinses to get the job done, and your hair will be quite dirty afterward. Your hair will feel dull and also probably smell pretty awful. Hopefully, this is a onetime use for your hair dyes, but if it’s not, it could be a good idea to give your hair a bit of a wash right before going out.


Black hair dye is oily (think: sun-dried or natural oils that seep into the hair shaft). The oil helps hold the color in, but it can also clog your hair follicles, making the dye much more challenging to remove. This also means that your hair may be too dirty if you try to go through a rigorous rinsing process.

Tips For Removing Hair Color From Black Hair

Tips for removing hair color from black hair

The best way to remove black hair dye can be difficult and time-consuming because it depends on the type and amount of hair dye you’re removing. While any method that turns your hair back to its natural color can be helpful, here is the secret to hair color reversal that applies to all of them.


It doesn’t matter if you rinse it off in the shower or use a baking soda-based method. You can’t just mask the dye over with your natural color. This is an exception, so hair dye removal is usually very time-consuming and exhausting for black hair.

Safely Remove Hair Color

So, why is this method so dangerous? Well, it is possible to damage your hair. First, take the time to find a brand that will safely remove hair color without damaging the hair. You can buy one at most beauty stores or look in our guide to the best hair color removers.


With that said, however, there are a few things to remember before attempting this technique. Remember, you need to be careful that you don’t put too much baking soda into your hair. If you use too much, you may damage the hair or scalp. If you get the baking soda in your hair, you might have to make an appointment with your stylist to remove it. While baking soda is a very safe product, you mustn’t put too much in your hair.

Recipes For Removing Hair Color

Recipes for removing hair color

The beauty of a good hair mask or hair scrub is that you can use it as both a mask and a scrub for your hair. The one we’ve chosen to show you today is the simple and effective recipe below:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Almond Oil (make sure thisis an organic and vegan almond oil) 
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
  • 3 Tbsp. Coconut Paste
  • 4 tsp. Golden Oregano Oil (as muchas you can find from the place you got it. Mix in a pinch of Kosher Salt.Optional – add 1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt if you prefer it to have a bit more of asalty flavor.)
  • 1/2 cup Dye Free PowderPulse all the ingredients in the food processor until finely chopped.
  • Wash your hair like usual, then apply the “dye-free” mixture on the ends of your hair.

Methods To Remove Hair Color Of Black Hair?

Methods to remove hair color of black hair?

Before you dive into the hair dye removal process, you want to make sure you’re using the right method and product for your hair color. What is the best way to remove black hair dye from black hair? The answer is often to use baking soda. Baking soda is a great product to use on your hair for many reasons. It’s free, it doesn’t damage your hair, and it doesn’t cost you anything.

The First Step To Removing Hair Dye

The first step to removing hair dye

After looking at all the different ways to get rid of dye from black hair, you’ll probably ask yourself, “Do I want to try these methods?” If you have sensitive hair, especially if you’re a light-skinned woman, and you’re worried about permanent damage, it’s probably best to steer clear.


Not only can an acidic substance such as baking soda or vinegar damage your hair over time, but it can also be a tremendous pain to deal with. Instead of baking soda, the best thing to use is cold-pressed coconut oil. It can be washed out easily, and it also neutralizes the hair color so that it won’t absorb more color. All the other methods rely on either a chemical product that makes the hair break up the dye or heat, which can permanently color your hair.

The Second Step To Remove Hair Dye

What’s the problem with making this change? The problem is that the baking soda strips off the hair dye and leaves your hair with a slightly dull look. If you’ve had a dye job, the color should have gone from bleached blonde to black. Since the dye may still be visible, the baking soda can also remove it, which is bad news because your graying locks won’t look neat. Once you’ve determined that you want to permanently remove the dye from your hair, try these excellent hair removal options.

The Theory That Baking Soda Can Remove Hair Dye From Black Hair

The theory that baking soda can remove hair dye from black hair

Baking soda is a naturally occurring substance that is available in pretty much every household. However, it’s not skin or anything of the sort. Instead, baking soda is used to clean things. Sometimes you use it to clean out your toothpaste tube or to deodorize the bathtub.


But, what many people cannot realize is that it can remove hair dye from black hair. Powder usually clings to your hair like glue. Therefore we cannot get rid of black powder-like residue from our hair as quickly as some people do. The baking soda will pull it off, but only in areas where there is not enough powder.

Using Baking Soda To Remove Hair Dye From Black Hair

There are a couple of ways to approach this, depending on how quickly you want the dye to come off. The basic idea behind this method is that baking soda is alkaline, meaning that it will help break down the chemical bonds that hold the dye to the hair.


The more you use baking soda, the quicker the color will fade away from your hair. You can first wash your hair with shampoo and then follow up by rinsing it with cold water and conditioning as you usually would. You should then take a dime-size amount of baking soda and gently scrub the scalp area. The baking soda will loosen up the dye, and the cold water will help the process along.

What Are The Risks Of Baking Soda?

In this instance, it’s the same as the other methods we’ve mentioned so far: you risk clogging up your hair’s natural pores. The skin on your scalp is the hair’s natural drainage system. Baking soda mixed with water causes a massive problem for the oils in the scalp, causing your hair to stick together and potentially dry out even more.


On a lighter note, if you follow this procedure correctly, it could also be a great way to lighten your hair naturally. What’s not to love about a two-for-one deal? How Do I Use Baking Soda To Get Rid Of Hair Color From Black Hair? And now we’re back to the basics.

Removing My Hair Color | Blonde To Black

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. Why would I want to remove hair color from my black hair?
You may want to remove hair color from your black hair for several reasons. Perhaps you're not satisfied with your current hair color, you want to change your look, or your hair color has faded and looks uneven. Removing the existing color allows you to start fresh, ensuring the best possible results when you re-dye your hair.

2. Is it possible to remove hair color without damaging my black hair?
Yes, it is possible to remove hair color without causing significant damage to your black hair. However, it requires careful planning and execution. Always use hair color removal products that are designed to be gentle on your hair, and follow the instructions closely. It's also essential to nourish your hair with deep conditioning treatments before and after the process to minimize damage.

3. What products can I use to remove hair color from my black hair?
There are many products available on the market designed to remove hair color. Some popular options include Color Oops, Color Zap, and Color B4. These are color strippers that work by shrinking the dye molecules in your hair, allowing them to be washed out. You can also use a DIY method with ingredients like vitamin C or baking soda, but these methods may not be as effective and can be more drying to your hair.

4. How can I remove hair color from my black hair at home?
To remove hair color from your black hair at home, you'll need a hair color remover kit. Follow the instructions provided in the kit. Typically, this involves mixing the color remover solution, applying it to your hair, leaving it in for a specified amount of time, and then rinsing your hair thoroughly. After rinsing, apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture to your hair.

5. How long does it take to remove hair color from black hair?
The amount of time it takes to remove hair color from black hair can vary depending on the type of hair color used (permanent, demi-permanent, semi-permanent), the color of the dye, and the condition of your hair. With a hair color remover, the process usually takes about an hour, not including the time for deep conditioning afterward.

6. Can I re-dye my hair after removing the color?
Yes, you can re-dye your hair after removing the color. However, it's recommended to wait at least a few days to a week to allow your hair to recover from the color removal process. This delay also gives your hair time to absorb the new color more effectively.

7. Will hair color removal change my natural hair color?
Hair color removal should only remove the applied dye and not alter your natural hair color. However, in some cases, the process may slightly lighten your natural color, especially if you've used the color remover multiple times.

8. Can I use hair color remover on relaxed or permed hair?
It's generally advised not to use hair color remover on relaxed or permed hair, as both processes alter the hair's structure and can make it more susceptible to damage. If you must remove color from chemically treated hair, consult with a professional stylist to minimize potential damage.

9. Is it safe to use hair color remover on sensitive scalp?
While most hair color removers are designed to be gentle, they can still cause irritation on sensitive scalps. If you have a sensitive scalp, perform a patch test before applying the product to your entire head. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult with a professional stylist or dermatologist.

Conclusion

There’s no better way to get out of a hair color fiasco than to handle it head-on. If you’re unwilling to explore all options, I suggest consulting with a professional stylist specializing in black hair. There are several reasons you may have run into issues with hair dye, and that stylist is likely the expert you need.

You can also call a hair dye company to get a second opinion or speak with your dermatologist. The first step to removing a couple of months of dark roots is to understand that your hair dye rarely fell out when you were exposed to the sun. Hair dye is a chemical compound, so any sun exposure will damage your hair more than simply applying lighter hair dye and letting it sit. Next, don’t think that your hair is always black.