How to Color your Hair back to Natural

If an at-home hair color goes wrong, or you've decided you don't want artificial hair color anymore, you may be wondering how to get your natural color back. Hair color removers like L'Oreal Colorzap color remover, Effasol and Color Oops can remove the artificial pigment and leave your hair its natural color. However, if you've used bleach or peroxide in the process, you've permanently changed the color of your hair until it grows out, so you will have to use a hair dye closer to your natural hair color to mask the lightened hair.

Things You'll Need

• Hair color remover
• Temporary hair color

Instructions

1. Purchase a hair color remover. Color Oops doesn't use bleach or peroxide in the process, so if you've colored your hair without bleach, this is the best one to use. It won't lighten your hair past its natural shade, and it won't further damage your hair. If you have used bleach on your hair already, then Colorzap will work the best for you. It uses peroxide to lighten your hair and remove the artificial color. With Colorzap, your hair will be left between light orange to pale yellow, and ready to be recolored.

2. Follow the included instructions carefully. Pay attention to how you should apply the product to your hair, how to protect your scalp, skin and clothing, how long the product should stay on your hair, and how to rinse, shampoo and/or condition after the product has processed.

3. Purchase a temporary hair color that closely matches your natural hair color, if your hair has been bleached previously. A temporary hair color will work better on your hair when it's been bleached. A permanent color may have too many red or green tones, depending on the color. If it has not been previously bleached, your hair should be its natural color.

4. Follow the included instructions carefully. Like the hair color remover, pay attention to how to apply the product, how to protect your hair, scalp and clothing, how long the product should stay on your hair, and how to rinse, shampoo and/or condition after the product has processed.

5. Repeat as often as needed until your hair has grown out.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow manufacturer's instructions exactly.

• If you have any doubt, visit your favorite stylist and have your hair done professionally.

References

• Developlus: What is Color Oops?
• L'Oreal Technique: Colorzap Color Remover
• Lamas Beauty: Peter Lamas: Beauty Magazine: Professional Hair Color: An Insider's Guide to What it All Means: Getting Rid of Color