Your Guide to Hair Color Removal

Dyeing your hair can be a great way to change up your look. Jealous of all your redheaded friends? Go ahead and color your hair a beautiful crimson shade! Loving all those models who are rocking platinum blonde hair as of late? Give a trendy ice-white hair color a test drive! The only issue is...what if you don’t like your new hue? Well, if you colored your hair at home (with an at-home hair color kit) and are unhappy with the outcome—or are simply ready to move on to another shade—there are steps you can take to help correct your color. Keep reading for our best color correction tips, including how to use hair color remover.

HAIR COLOR REMOVAL 101

Not sure you want to stick it out with your new color? With a little know-how, you can remove your color and start anew. The secret? A color-fading shampoo or hair color remover. Today, we’re walking you through your options and helping you find the best hair color remover for your locks.

THE BEST HAIR COLOR REMOVER FOR TEMPORARY HAIR COLOR

Good news, you have it easy! If you used the L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Spray to switch up your hair color, all you have to do is wash your hair like normal—once! Easy-peasy. Afterwards, you can dry your strands and move right along to trying your next color.

THE BEST HAIR COLOR REMOVER FOR SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

If you used the L´Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color to color your hair, you can use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Haircolor Remover to help remove the color. In a few simple steps, this hair color remover will remove unwanted tones from naturally blonde and bleached blonde hair. To use, be sure to closely follow the included directions.

THE BEST HAIR COLOR REMOVER FOR PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

Despite the name, if you colored your hair with permanent hair dye and aren’t thrilled with the result, you aren’t permanently stuck with hair that color—we know a solution! Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets™ Haircolor Remover, which helps remove unwanted permanent hair color in a simple step. The best part is, your hair will be ready to color again immediately after use. Make sure to follow the included instructions for best results.

One more thing to keep in mind: You’ll want to purchase your next hair color at the same time as the remover since it won’t restore your hair to its natural shade. Consider using a dye from the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference, or L’Oréal Paris Féria lines, all of which are available in a variety of stunning shades.

Editor’s note: Keep in mind that you can also visit a salon and have a professional colorist correct your hair color. A pro will have an arsenal of tools they can employ in terms of hair color correction, so that’s always a solid option.

HOW TO CARE FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR

Once you’ve corrected your hair color and are happy with your dye job, it’s important to pay attention to how you’re caring for your hair. Incorporate these simple steps into your hair care routine:

1. Use the right shampoo and conditioner. Switch to a system of hair care products—including a shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask—that are safe for color-treated hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hair EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Hair EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm.

2. Cut back on heat styling. We love curling irons and straighteners, but after coloring, it doesn’t hurt to limit how frequently you break out your heat tools. Plus, it’ll give you the opportunity to embrace your natural hair texture.

3. Use protective hairspray. Have you ever considered that colored hair might require a different type of hair spray? Swap your favorite for the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold with UV Filter for Color-Treated Hair.

Now that you know how to correct your hair color, it’s time to learn another hair color skill. Check out our article, How to Bleach Your Hair at Home, to find out how to lighten your hair without hitting up the salon.