Coloring your hair can be a fun and exciting way to switch up your look. However, there may come a time when you decide that you want to remove the color from your hair. This is where clarifying shampoo can come in handy. Clarifying shampoo is a special type of shampoo that is designed to remove buildup from your hair. It can also be effective at removing color from your hair, making it a great alternative to harsher methods like bleach or color removers.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to use clarifying shampoo to remove color from your hair, including when to use it, how to prepare your hair, and aftercare tips. Whether you’re a seasoned hair dyer or a first-timer, this post will provide you with all the information you need to safely and effectively remove the color from your hair using a clarifying shampoo.
What is Clarifying Shampoo?
Clarifying shampoo is a specialized type of shampoo that is designed to remove buildup from your hair. Buildup can occur from a variety of sources, including hard water, styling products, and even the natural oils that your scalp produces. Over time, this buildup can cause your hair to look dull and lifeless, and can even make it more difficult for hair treatments to penetrate your strands.
Clarifying shampoo works by using ingredients like sulfates and citric acid to break down and remove this buildup, leaving your hair feeling clean and refreshed. Because of its ability to remove buildup, clarifying shampoo can also be effective at removing color from your hair. However, it’s important to note that clarifying shampoo can be harsh on your hair if used too frequently, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use it sparingly.
When Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Color?
Clarifying shampoo can be an effective tool for removing color from your hair, but it’s important to know when and how to use it safely. Here are some scenarios where you might want to consider using clarifying shampoo to remove color:
If you’ve recently colored your hair and the color turned out too dark or too vibrant, clarifying shampoo can help to fade the color a bit.
If you’ve been coloring your hair for a while and the color has started to look dull or brassy, clarifying shampoo can help to remove the buildup that may be causing the color to look less vibrant.
If you’ve had a hair color mishap and need to remove the color quickly, clarifying shampoo can be a gentler alternative to harsher methods like bleach or color removers.
It’s important to note that clarifying shampoo can be harsh on your hair if used too frequently, so it’s generally not recommended for daily use. Use it sparingly and always follow the instructions on the bottle.
How to Prepare for Using Clarifying Shampoo
Preparing your hair before using clarifying shampoo can help to ensure that you get the best results possible. Here are some tips for preparing your hair before using clarifying shampoo to remove color:
Brush your hair thoroughly: Before washing your hair with clarifying shampoo, it’s a good idea to brush it thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. This will make it easier to apply the shampoo evenly and ensure that it penetrates all parts of your hair.
Wet your hair thoroughly: Before applying clarifying shampoo, wet your hair thoroughly with warm water. This will help to open up your hair cuticles and make it easier for the shampoo to penetrate your hair.
Check the instructions: Different clarifying shampoos may have different instructions for use, so it’s important to check the bottle and follow the instructions carefully. Some shampoos may need to be diluted, while others may be used directly on your hair.
Protect your skin and eyes: Clarifying shampoo can be harsh on your skin and eyes, so it’s a good idea to protect them before use. Consider wearing gloves and avoid getting the shampoo in your eyes.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your hair is properly prepared for clarifying shampoo and that you get the best results possible.
How to Use Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Color
Using clarifying shampoo to remove the color from your hair is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair. Here are the steps for using clarifying shampoo to remove color:
Wet your hair: Start by wetting your hair thoroughly with warm water. This will help to open up your hair cuticles and make it easier for the clarifying shampoo to penetrate your hair.
Apply the shampoo: Apply a generous amount of clarifying shampoo to your hair, focusing on the areas where the color is the most concentrated. Use your fingers to work the shampoo through your hair, making sure to cover all parts of your hair evenly.
Let it sit: Once you’ve applied the shampoo, let it sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate your hair and break down the color.
Rinse thoroughly: After letting the shampoo sit, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the shampoo. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly, as leftover shampoo can cause buildup and damage.
Condition your hair: After using clarifying shampoo, it’s important to condition your hair to help restore moisture and prevent damage. Use a conditioner that is specifically designed for color-treated hair, as this will help to protect your hair and prevent further color loss.
Repeat as needed: If you don’t see the desired results after the first use, you can repeat the process. However, it’s important to avoid using clarifying shampoo too frequently, as this can cause damage to your hair.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove color from your hair using clarifying shampoo.
Aftercare for Using Clarifying Shampoo
After using a clarifying shampoo to remove the color from your hair, it’s important to take some extra steps to care for your hair and help prevent damage. Here are some tips for aftercare after using clarifying shampoo:
Use a hydrating mask: Clarifying shampoo can be harsh on your hair, so it’s important to restore moisture and hydration. Use a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioning treatment to help restore moisture and prevent damage.
Avoid heat styling: After using clarifying shampoo, it’s best to avoid heat styling tools like hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. These tools can cause further damage to your hair, so it’s best to let your hair air dry.
Protect your hair from the sun: UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your hair, especially if it’s been stripped of color by clarifying shampoo. Wear a hat or use a UV protection spray to help protect your hair from the sun.
Avoid styling products: After using a clarifying shampoo, avoid using styling products like gels, mousses, and hairsprays. These products can cause buildup and damage to your hair, especially if it’s already been stripped of color.
Be gentle: After using a clarifying shampoo, be extra gentle with your hair. Avoid rubbing it vigorously with a towel and avoid brushing or combing it too aggressively. This will help to prevent further damage and breakage.
By following these tips, you can help to restore your hair’s health and prevent further damage after using clarifying shampoo to remove color.
Alternatives to Clarifying Shampoo for Color Removal
While clarifying shampoo can be effective at removing color from your hair, it can also be harsh and cause damage if used too frequently. If you’re looking for alternatives to clarifying shampoo for color removal, here are some options:
Vitamin C: Crush vitamin C tablets into a powder, mix them with water to form a paste, and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse thoroughly. Vitamin C can help to break down hair color and lighten it without causing as much damage as clarifying shampoo.
Baking soda: Mix equal parts of baking soda and shampoo, apply it to your hair, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to remove the color. Baking soda can help to strip color from your hair without causing as much damage as clarifying shampoo.
Lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto your hair and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. The citric acid in lemon juice can help to lighten hair color and strip away some of the artificial colors.
Color remover: There are a variety of color removers available at beauty supply stores that are specifically designed to remove artificial hair color. These products can be more effective and gentler than using a clarifying shampoo.
Wait it out: If you don’t want to use any products to remove your hair color, you can simply wait for it to fade over time. Washing your hair with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo can help to speed up the fading process.
By trying one of these alternatives, you can remove the color from your hair without causing as much damage as clarifying shampoo. However, it’s important to remember that all of these methods can still cause some damage to your hair, so it’s best to take extra care to nourish and protect your hair afterward.
Conclusion
Using clarifying shampoo to remove the color from your hair can be an effective way to lighten and remove artificial colors. However, it’s important to use it properly and take extra care to prevent damage and nourish your hair afterward. Alternatives to clarifying shampoo, such as vitamin C, baking soda, lemon juice, color removers, or simply waiting for the color to fade over time, can also be effective options. Whichever method you choose, make sure to take good care of your hair to maintain its health and strength. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can safely and effectively remove unwanted hair color and get the results you desire.