How to Get Rid of Rust in Hair

Use a blow dryer to get rid of rust in hair.

Rust can accumulate in the hair when iron in well water oxidizes during a shower or bath. This oxidation may result in reddish, rust-colored hair. Luckily, there are a few easy tips that can help remove rust deposits from your hair. Prevention is usually easier and less expensive than repairing damaged hair, and showering at other locations or using store-bought water can remove the rust from the equation completely.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Cream of Tartar
• Lemon Juice
• Platinum Blond Shampoo
• Baking Soda
• Hair Bleach

Instructions

1. Mix two parts cream of tartar with one part vinegar to form a paste. Apply liberally to hair and let set for 10 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly to get rid of rust in hair. The cream of tartar and vinegar work as a natural bleaching agent that can remove rust without damaging the hair.

2. Soak hair in lemon juice, then wrap with a towel. Allow the lemon juice to set on the hair for five to 10 minutes. Remove towel from head and rinse hair thoroughly. The acidity of the lemon juice helps break down rust build-up in hair.

3. Purchase a platinum blond shampoo from a beauty store. This shampoo has temporary blue and purple dye that counteracts the red rust color. Before applying to hair, mix with 1 tbsp. of baking soda and form a healthy lather. Let it set for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat as necessary.

4. Dry your hair immediately after showering or bathing. Because rust forms when the iron deposits in hair get wet, keeping hair wet as little as possible reduces the rust build-up in hair. Blow drying is typically unhealthy for hair, but is recommended in this situation.

5. Bleach hair as a last result. Bleach is harmful to hair, but it opens the hair follicles enough that the rust color can come out. After bleaching, avoid hair rust again by installing a water filter on the shower head and avoiding harsh hair treatments, as they can damage hair and leave it exposed to rust.

Tips & Warnings

• Add 1 tbsp. of baking soda to your regular shampoo once a week to help remove any mineral build-up.