How to Remove Rust From the Hair Naturally

Rust occurs in hair when iron content is high in water. This is most common with well water. Rust can therefore continue to be a problem in hair unless a water filter is put in place or the water pipes are changed. If rust has seriously damaged the hair, it is recommended that the hair is cut off rather than trying to repair the damage. Getting hair trimmed regularly and using clarifying shampoos can also help prevent excessive rust stains. Lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar are three natural ways to get rust out of hair.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda
• Clarifying shampoo
• Regular shampoo
• Measuring cups
• Tarter sauce
• Small bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Depending on amount of rust damage to hair, measure 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar and pour into a small bowl. Measure 2 or 3 tablespoons of tarter sauce and add to bowl. Mix well.

2. Apply mixture to damaged hair and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse out with warm water.

3. 

   Lemon juice helps to take rust out of hair.

   Repeat steps as necessary. Lemon juice can be substituted for the vinegar/tarter mix; apply juice to damaged hair for 10 minutes and rinse.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a shampoo that removes minerals from hair to keep rust out; look for shampoos that say "removes build up" or "clarifying." Adding baking soda to regular shampoo can also be used for rust removal. Leave shampoo and a tablespoon of baking soda in hair for about 5 minutes. This can be done on a monthly basis or weekly if needed.

• Shampoos designed for gray or platinum blond hair will temporarily take rust out of hair due to a blue/purple color in these shampoos. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to shampoo and leave on for 10 minutes.

• Do not bleach hair to remove rust. Bleach is very hard on hair and will do little to remove the rust; it only opens the cuticle of the hair so that some rust is washed out.

References

• ILoveIndia.com: How to Remove Iron and Rust From Hair
• The Gloss: Rust Stains In Your Hair

Resources

• Ask a Scientist: Hair Color and Rusty Water