If you’ve ever dyed your hair red, you know that it can be tough to get rid of the color, especially if you want to go back to a lighter shade. Red hair dye molecules are large and cling to the hair shaft, making them difficult to remove. However, there are a few things you can do to fade the red out of your hair without damaging it.
One option is to use a color remover. Color removers are designed to break down the dye molecules in your hair, making them easier to wash away. However, color removers can be harsh, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and to do a strand test first to make sure your hair can tolerate it. Another option is to use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove product buildup and dirt from your hair, and they can also help to fade red dye. Clarifying shampoos are less harsh than color removers, but they may need to be used several times to get the desired results.
Finally, you can also try using natural methods to fade the red out of your hair. One popular method is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, and it can help to lighten your hair color. To use lemon juice, simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse it out. You can repeat this process several times until you get the desired results.
Understanding Hair Color Theory
To effectively neutralize red hair tones, it’s essential to understand the underlying principles of hair color theory. The color wheel, a fundamental tool in this field, serves as a reference guide for understanding color relationships and their interactions.
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors
The primary colors of the color wheel are red, yellow, and blue. These colors cannot be created by mixing any other colors. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors. For example, red and yellow combine to create orange, while blue and yellow produce green, and red and blue create purple.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are colors that lie directly opposite each other on the color wheel. When paired, these colors neutralize each other, resulting in a more neutral or toned-down effect. For red hair, the complementary color is green. Applying green-tinted hair products can help counteract the red tones.
| Primary Colors | Secondary Colors | Complementary Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Orange | Green |
| Yellow | Green | Purple |
| Blue | Purple | Orange |
Home Remedies for Removing Red Pigment
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle yet effective way to remove red pigment from hair. It neutralizes the pH of the hair, which helps to lift the dye molecules. To use baking soda, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly and repeat as needed.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural way to remove red pigment from hair. It contains citric acid, which is a mild bleach. To use lemon juice, mix 1 cup of lemon juice with 1 cup of water. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly and repeat as needed.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful bleach that can be used to remove red pigment from hair. However, it is important to use hydrogen peroxide carefully, as it can damage your hair if it is used too often or for too long. To use hydrogen peroxide, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly and repeat as needed.
Caution: Always test a small area of hair before applying any of these remedies to your entire head.
Color-Correcting Products to Combat Redness
Color-correcting shampoos are available to neutralize unwanted redness in your hair. These shampoos contain color-depositing pigments that work to counteract the opposite hue on the color wheel. In this case, green-pigmented shampoos directly correct any unwanted red tones in your hair.
If you want to minimize the brassiness without changing the base color too much, consider a color-correcting conditioner. This type of product works similarly to a color-correcting shampoo, but it deposits less color, leaving you with a more natural-looking result.
Color-Correcting Mask
Color-correcting masks are another option for neutralizing unwanted red tones in your hair. These masks are typically more concentrated than shampoos or conditioners and can be left on for a longer period of time to achieve more intense results.
| Product | Description | Price |
| Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | Intensive hair treatment that strengthens, repairs, and restores damaged hair | $28 |
| Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask | Hydrating mask that deeply conditions, nourishes, and protects hair | $42 |
| Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask | Ultra-moisturizing mask that restores softness, shine, and strength to damaged hair | $36 |
Managing Redness in Natural Hair
Natural hair can sometimes develop a reddish tint due to factors such as sun exposure, chlorine in swimming pools, or chemical treatments. Here are some tips for managing redness in natural hair:
1. Use Color-Correcting Shampoo
Color-correcting shampoos are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in hair. Look for shampoos with green or blue undertones, as they counteract red hues.
2. Apply a Red-Toning Mask
Red-toning masks contain pigments that deposit cool tones into hair, helping to reduce redness. Apply the mask according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically leaving it on for 10-15 minutes.
3. Protect Hair from Sun Exposure
UV rays from the sun can cause hair to fade and become brassy or reddish. Protect hair by wearing a hat or scarf when outdoors for extended periods.
4. Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine in swimming pools can strip hair of its natural oils and cause it to turn reddish. Rinse hair with fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine.
5. Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning provides moisture and nourishment to hair, helping to prevent dryness and brassiness. Use a deep conditioner 1-2 times per week to keep hair healthy and reduce redness. Consider using conditioners with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil, which are known for their moisturizing and color-protecting properties.
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Blue Shampoo | Neutralizes orange tones |
| Red-Toning Mask | Deposits cool tones |
| UV Protectant | Shields hair from sun damage |
| Chlorine Rinse | Removes chlorine |
| Moisturizing Conditioner | Prevents dryness and brassiness |
Preventing Redness in Bleached Hair
After bleaching your hair, it’s normal to experience some brassiness or unwanted red tones. Here’s how to prevent redness from developing:
1. Use a Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones, helping to prevent redness.
2. Apply Toner
A toner is a semi-permanent hair color applied after bleaching to correct unwanted tones. Blue or green toners are effective in canceling out red.
3. Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling can damage bleached hair and make it more prone to redness. Limit the use of hot tools and use heat protectant spray when styling.
4. Protect Hair from Sun Exposure
UV rays from the sun can cause hair to lighten and turn brassy. Protect your hair with a hat or UV protectant spray.
5. Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Regular shampoo and conditioner can strip away color and make hair more susceptible to damage. Use color-safe products specifically designed for bleached hair.
6. Consider Using a Color Correction Kit
If home remedies haven’t helped, consider using a color correction kit specifically designed to neutralize red tones in bleached hair. These kits typically contain a blue or green pigment that works to cancel out unwanted colors.
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| **Purple Shampoo** | Neutralizes yellow and orange tones, preventing redness. |
| **Toner** | Corrects unwanted tones after bleaching, including red. |
| **Color Correction Kit** | Contains pigments specifically designed to neutralize red tones in bleached hair. |
Addressing Redness from Coloring Mishaps
If your hair turned out redder than you intended, there are several methods you can try to correct the issue.
Toners
Toners are semi-permanent hair dyes that can be used to neutralize unwanted tones. Green toners are particularly effective at counteracting red tones.
Color-Correcting Shampoo and Conditioner
Color-correcting shampoos and conditioners contain pigments that gradually neutralize unwanted tones. Blue or purple-toned products can help to reduce red tones.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo removes product buildup, which can sometimes lead to unwanted color changes. Using a clarifying shampoo can help to remove any leftover red dye that may be responsible for the redness.
Hair Mask with Ingredients That Neutralize Red Tones
Certain ingredients, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and honey, can help to neutralize red tones in hair. You can create a hair mask using these ingredients and apply it to your hair for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it out.
Color Remover
Color removers are chemical products that can strip away unwanted hair color. However, it’s important to note that color removers can also be damaging to hair, so it’s best to use them as a last resort.
Professional Color Correction
If you’re unable to correct the redness on your own, you may want to consider visiting a professional colorist. A professional can assess your hair and recommend the best course of action to achieve your desired color.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Toners | Temporary solution, less damaging | Can fade quickly, may not completely neutralize all red tones |
| Color-Correcting Shampoo and Conditioner | Gradual solution, less damaging | May take multiple applications to see results |
| Clarifying Shampoo | Removes product buildup, can improve overall hair health | May not be effective on all types of hair, can be drying |
| Hair Mask with Ingredients That Neutralize Red Tones | Natural solution, can be gentle on hair | May not be as effective as chemical treatments, can be time-consuming |
| Color Remover | Can remove unwanted color quickly | Can be damaging to hair, may not be suitable for all hair types |
| Professional Color Correction | Customized solution, professional results | Can be expensive, may require multiple appointments |
Shampoos and Conditioners for Minimizing Red Tones
There are several shampoos and conditioners formulated specifically to minimize red tones in hair. These products often contain blue or purple pigments, which neutralize the red pigments in the hair. Some popular options include:
| Shampoo | Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Fanola No Orange Shampoo | Fanola No Orange Conditioner |
| Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Shampoo | Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner |
| Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo | Matrix Total Results So Silver Conditioner |
When using these products, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Leaving them on for too long can result in excessive toning and a dull, ashy appearance.
In addition to shampoos and conditioners, there are also temporary hair color correctors that can be used to neutralize red tones. These products are typically applied to dry hair and left on for a short period of time before being rinsed out.
Professional hair stylists can also perform color correction services to remove unwanted red tones. These services may involve using a toner, a glaze, or a permanent hair dye.
It’s important to note that all hair color correction methods can potentially damage the hair, especially if they are used too frequently. It’s always advisable to consult with a professional hair stylist to determine the best approach for your specific hair type and color goals.
How To Get The Red Out Of My Hair
If you’re not happy with the red tint in your hair, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. One option is to use a color-correcting shampoo or conditioner. These products are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair, and they can be very effective at removing red.
Another option is to use a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are designed to remove build-up from your hair, and they can also help to remove red tones. However, it’s important to note that clarifying shampoos can be drying, so it’s important to use them sparingly.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of red tones in your hair, you can try using lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, and it can help to lighten red tones in your hair. To use lemon juice, simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it out.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to be patient. It may take several applications to completely remove red tones from your hair. However, with a little time and effort, you can achieve the hair color you’ve always wanted.
People Also Ask About How To Get The Red Out Of My Hair
What is the best way to get red out of hair?
The best way to get red out of hair is to use a color-correcting shampoo or conditioner. These products are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair, and they can be very effective at removing red.
Can I use purple shampoo to get red out of my hair?
Yes, you can use purple shampoo to get red out of your hair. Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones in your hair, and it can also help to remove red tones.
How long does it take to get red out of hair?
It may take several applications to completely remove red tones from your hair. However, with a little time and effort, you can achieve the hair color you’ve always wanted.
