How to Lighten Red Dyed Hair Safely and Effectively

Dyeing your hair red is a delightful way to embrace your individuality, but sometimes you might want to lighten that vibrant red hue. However, it's important to understand the process and potential pitfalls to ensure you achieve the result you desire without damaging your hair. This guide will explore the science behind red hair dye, common challenges, and effective ways to lighten red hair.

Understanding the Chemistry of Red Dye

When you apply red hair dye, it's often after a bleaching process, which can result in a light pink hue rather than complete lightening. This is because red dye is a permanent or semi-permanent pigment that doesn't neutralize with just hydrogen peroxide. If you've already bleached your hair and are looking to reverse the red dye, proceed with caution.

Potential Risks and Precautions

Two primary risks to consider are:

Damage and Breakage: Applying bleach to previously bleached hair can cause incredible damage and breakage due to further stripping of the hair's natural oils and proteins. Deepening the Dye: Applying bleach on top of hair dyed with a color requiring no hydrogen peroxide can drive the dye deeper into the hair, making it more difficult to remove.

Always perform a strand test on a small section of hair before attempting any new treatment to predict the outcome and avoid any adverse effects.

Effective Methods to Lighten Red Hair

Thankfully, there are safe and effective methods to lighten red dyed hair without causing severe damage. Here are a couple of approaches:

Color Remover Products

There are several commercial products designed for this purpose. One such product is ColorS fascinated by Sallys, and L'Oreal Color Zap Remover.3 ion Hair Color Remover. These products aim to neutralize the red dye and lighten the hair color. Application instructions typically involve cleaning the hair, applying the remover, and washing it out.

Natural Treatment with Fruit Fresh and Clarifying Shampoo

For those seeking a more natural approach, a clarifying treatment that uses ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be highly effective. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help reduce oxidized pigments and remove hard water minerals, iron, calcium, and magnesium from the hair.

Clarifying Treatment Recipe

Buy a bottle of Fruit Fresh available at grocery stores. Prepare the clarifying shampoo with the use of EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), a chelating agent that binds to metal ions, helping to remove them from the hair. Mix 1 ounce of Fruit Fresh with 1 ounce of water to make a liquid. Add 1 ounce of clarifying shampoo and mix well. Shampoo and towel dry the hair. Apply the clarifying treatment and cover with a plastic bag with a few holes. Set under a hooded dryer or heat cap for a few minutes to activate the treatment thoroughly.

Remember, the exact results can vary depending on your hair's condition and the specific dye used. Always perform a pre-test and consult with a professional if unsure.

Conclusion

Lightening red dyed hair requires a thoughtful and careful approach. Whether you opt for commercial products or natural treatments, it's crucial to start with the right tools and knowledge. With the right preparation and attention to your hair's needs, you can achieve the results you want while preserving your hair's health.