If you decide to go with the newest look with a unicorn, mermaid, or rainbow hair color, then what happens if you find out that it is not for you? Did your sister mix up the bottles of dye and give you the wrong shade of red? When you need a remover that will get out deep reds or intense colors, then not every product will do the trick.
In this guide, we give you the top advantages and disadvantages of our five favorite hair color removal products. We hope that the information and answers we provide will help you make the best choice for your situation.
When should I use Color Remover?
Sometimes I see in my salon that a client is not happy with their new hair color. Then I have to use Color Remover because it is the easiest way to remove color from hair. It also works for other reasons. For example, it helps prepare the hair, for example, to change the color tone from warm to cool or to remove color that has accumulated due to frequent and deep coloring. In addition, hair can be dull, lacking in shine, dry, heavy looking, and even if you use the same color, your hair will look darker. And color remover in this case is the real solution. It can reverse signs of concentrated color, such as growths and matted ends.
Color Remover vs. Bleacher
The color remover is not the same that bleaching agent. The color remover enters the hair and removes any artificial color pigment, but your natural pigment remains untouched. This will leave your natural hair color intact and will not damage your hair. In contrast, bleaching agents enter the hair fiber and remove both, all artificial and natural color pigment, leaving no pigment in your hair. This will leave the hair dry, brittle and damaged.
Dye removar might not be a complete problem fixing. In some cases, dyes will restore the hair to its original color. It always depends on what happened to your hair during the previous coloring process. When you change your natural hair color with oxidative dye, dyes cannot restore your original hair color. This is because any peroxide-based hair dye is likely to lighten your natural hair color, masking the shade you chose to color. The more you dye, the more permanent and irreversible your natural color will be. In these cases, after removing the dye, you will see a light yellow or bronze result, which is now your true natural shade. What to do about it? If you don’t mind a lighter color, you can get rid of the warm tones of the toner. If not, we recommend dyeing your hair back to your chosen shade.
Hair Color Remover: Buyer’s Guide
So, if your daughter wants to dye her hair dark to be a witch for Halloween, then you might find that one of our top five removers can help get rid of it afterward. The products may get her hair back to normal before school on Monday.
Our choices for hair color remover include options that use conditioning agents and those without oils. The top five products offer a variety of features giving you options depending on your needs. Some products use harsher chemicals than others, so we suggest using no bleach and ammonia products for people with thin hair, sensitive scalps, and problems breathing.
I also recommend plenty of ventilation when using any hair dye removal product. You may find that one of these five options will become a staple if you color your hair a lot or like to switch shades often.
FAQ
What color eraser is best when you have fine hair or frizzy ends?
The One’n Only Color Fix is helpful for those with thin hair because it has no tough chemicals to damage your locks. Bleaching can damage hair that already looks unhealthy because of excessive coloring and styling. If you must use a bleaching process to get rid of mermaid colors or intense dark hues, then we recommend the Joico Color Intensity Eraser. It has Argan oil and bio-advanced peptides that help protect your hair.
Which products are best for going all gray?
For older individuals who want to get the gray process over with and done, we suggest using the Color Oops remover. This extra-strength eraser comes in a two-pack for people with dark colors and thick hair. Because this remover lightens your hair to the lightest of your natural color or your dye color, you might want to be sure that you want to go that light. We think our favorite part about this product is that you can change your color the same day you get rid of dull locks if you choose to add an even gray color to your hair.
What hair dye eraser is best for someone with breathing problems?
As long as you can get past the rotten egg smell of color removers with sulfates, then you may want to go with the non-bleach options on our list. Color Oops is one of these removers. The One’n Only Color Fix is also ammonia and bleach-free, but it does use sulfates. Sulfur compounds can smell like rotten eggs, but you might find that using a fan in an open window is enough ventilation to use this remover comfortably. As with any chemical, we suggest you stop the application and rinse out the product should you begin to have trouble breathing. You may want to seek medical assistance if the problem continues.
How can you get rid of the bluish-green shades that tend to leave a green tint to your hair?
L’OREAL Effasol Color Remover is our top pick for these hues. You may like that this item removes the dye completely without leaving a hint of the old color. This erasing agent does require enough time to get rid of intense tones like midnight blue, coal-black, and teal. It may be necessary to leave this product on for the full one-hour time limit to get rid of stubborn colors.
What should you use to get rid of a light color like a honey blonde?
All of these products will work well on light hair dye colors, but we think that Colour B4 may be the best option. We like that this product has adjustable timing so that you can leave it on as little or as long as you want. For lighter shades, you can get rid of color in as quick as 20 minutes. If you are in a bigger hurry, then you might also want to use L’OREAL Effasol Color Eraser. It can help in as little as ten minutes, but this is only for splotchy removal, not the entire head. Color Oops only takes 20 minutes to work, so it may be a good item to keep at home for quick access.
What is the best product to keep at home in case of emergencies?
Whether you have a mix-up in hair colors, bad fading, or color you hate, then we think that you might like to hold onto the Color Oops. This product and the One ‘n Only Color Fix are both free of bleach, will work on dark and light hair colors, and work for thin hair. So, if we have to pick one product as a go-to, then it would have to be our Editor’s Choice pick. Color Oops has a gentler formula, low processing time, and it is safe enough to allow you to dye your hair again the same day.
1. Color Oops Extra Strength Hair Dye Remover – Editor’s Choice
1,558 Reviews
Developlus Color Oops Color Remover (Extra Strength) (Pack of 2)
Extra strength formula
One 20 minute application
No matter what problem occurs, you may want to have a go-to product that will work in any situation. By using Color Oops, you might appreciate that there are no harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia. This product is safe for use on people with sensitive skin, and it might be easier for individuals with breathing problems to use.
When you need a fast fix that will let you get rid of a bad color, then we think you might prefer this color stripper. Our Editor’s Choice pick for best hair color remover is Color Oops because you can go back to your lightest shade in as little as 20 minutes. If your hair dye is lighter than your original color, then this product will make your hair the lightest of the two.
Pros
Same day recolor
No toner required for red tones
Works for any shade including exotic and hard to remove colors
Cons
Runny application
Smells like bad eggs
When you have an important conference the following day, then you need to look and feel your best. If you color your hair, and it does not turn out, then this product could be a huge help. This remover is also a great choice for individuals looking to get rid of any spotty color and go all gray.
2. Color X-Change Phase-Out Gentle Dye Decolorizer + Intensive Hair Mask – Ideal Color Change
3,200 Reviews
Color X-Change Phase-Out Gentle Dye Decolorizer + Intensive Hair Mask , 2 Count (Pack of 1)
PPD, ammonia, peroxide and paraben free
Contains no fragrance, peroxide, ethyl alcohol or sulfates
Vegan, gluten free, cruelty free; Made in the USA
Are you super busy? We understand how frustrating it is to dye your hair, then wait to remove it, and then wait again to recolor it. That reason is why we like Color X-Change. We think you might find this remover a professional one. When you want to go from one extreme to the next, then you may discover that this treatment works the best. You can easily remove black hair and go blonde the next morning with the conditioning treatments in the Color X-Change.
This remover does not contain sulfates and ammonia. It is absolutely vegan and is free of gluten and cruelty. We think you may like that this remover has conditioners to help your hair stay shiny and beautiful after using it.
3. L’OREAL Effasol Color Remover – Best for Removing Mermaid and Indigo Colors
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Are you the fashionista who knows that trying every hair color option is a must? Are the teal, aqua, and royal blue colors the ones you currently rocking? The latest trend is the rainbow hair colors. We feel that you may find the L’OREAL Effasol Color Remover a helpful item because it works on multiple shades of permanent hair dye.
The small packet lets you take this product anywhere you need to go. You may like that you can take it to your friend’s house after work without carrying a bunch of extra stuff all day long. Lighter colors and splotchy hair dye might come out in as little as ten minutes. For the black hair, this product works best when using it for the full hour.
Pros
Removes the most intense colors effectively
Use as a touch-up or full head application
Cons
Contains bleach
Requires deionized water or creme developer
When your hair color experiment turns out wrong, then this color stripper can help you fix things fast. We think you might like this product is made for hard to remove colors like indigo and royal blue. When you have work the next morning, then you might find that this product can help you even out your color or get it ready for a more appropriate choice.
This powder mixes best with warm water. You may notice that the heat evens out the mixture letting you apply it to remove color uniformly. We do not recommend using the second application before 24 hours is up if you feel you need extra. You may find that L’OREAL hair products like this remover are more affordable than most erasers.
4. Colour B4. Extra Strength – Professional Remover for Red or Dark Colors
1,365 Reviews
Colour B4. Hair Colour Remover Extra Strength
Do you love red hair color? We do too! Removing this tone is not always a quick process. When you dye your hair, you want to have a backup plan in case the hue you like in the store turns out very different when it is on your head. Colour B4 might be your top eraser when you need to get out a stubborn shade that tends to hold on tight with other bleaching agents.
The box is quick to spot in the beauty supply store. It is gray with gold hair on the front. It has a bright, green label that states World No. 1 Best Seller in the upper right corner. For darker shades, we suggest using this product for the full hour to get rid of all the hair dye.
Pros
Variable timing
Top choice for colors that normally require toner
No bleach or ammonia
Cons
May take full processing time for stubborn colors
Dries out hair – you may want to use a hot oil treatment after applying the remover
Has a smelly odor like eggs because of the sulfates
Video Review
If you have a thick head of hair, then you may want to purchase two of these removers to be sure that you get a smooth coat. We recommend this product for anyone with sensitive skin or stubborn hair color. You may like that you can dye your hair again the following day with the Colour B4 Extra Strength Remover.
5. L’Oreal – ColorZap Haircolor Remover – Ideal for All Color Corrections
Sale
1,437 Reviews
L'Oreal - ColorZap Haircolor Remover, Removes all Unwanted Permanent Color
Removal of unwanted dark shade, muddy or uneven results or color build-up
Ideal for all color corrections
Allows any desired color changes
Are you the one who wants a different hair color every month? You might like that the L’Oreal – ColorZap Haircolor Remover lets your hair be re-colored just after removing unwanted color.
L’Oreal – ColorZap Haircolor Remover softens your hair and protects it during the erasing process. You may like that this item will remove light and dark color applications. It will also remove permanent colors including stubborn reds and blues.
We hope that this Top Five Best Hair Color Remover Buyer’s Guide gives you the in-depth information you need to choose a color eraser. We know it is not fun to have a coloring mishap that leaves you unhappy and feeling less than your best. When you want to avoid these issues, then we suggest keeping one or two of these hair color removers in your bathroom closet.
You never know when an emergency meeting or impromptu event will interrupt your time off from work. When you need to get rid of an experiment fast, then having an option like Color Oops at the ready might make things better.
When your Friday impulse buys do not look as good at work as they do in the club, then you may want to use a color remover. By choosing an option that lets you recolor your hair the same day, then you can get rid of embarrassing colors fast.
Read the instructions!
We recommend reading all the manufacturer’s instructions before using any of the five products on our list. You may also want to have vinyl or nitrile gloves and plastic containers and tools handy specifically for coloring or removing dyes. These items may be helpful when you change colors frequently or plan to change styles. We recommend using these products after Halloween when temporary dyes do not come out as easy as the package states. Keeping a box of hair color remover in your cabinet may give you the boost you need to try out a color you think is outrageous yet fun.
We have also prepared some reviews about the proper hairstyles for different shapes of face
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
