Funky Tip #2: Removing semi-permanent hair colors

So you wanna wash off your Manic Panic/Special Effects/Punky hair color?

The FASTEST but MOST HARSH method is to bleach out the color.
Mix bleach powder and developer (6% or 9%) and apply the mixture into the hair. Let it process in hair for 15-30 minutes. Do not process beyond 45 minutes or risk damage to hair and scalp. Wash off bleach completely with shampoo and conditioner.

There are other, MILDER methods, but these TAKE LONGER to remove color.
(1) Wash hair frequently with anti-dandruff shampoo or other deep cleaning shampoos and warm water. Some laundry detergent can be mixed in the shampoo for more effective color removal, but note that it will sting and potentially darken skin! Frequent washing can cause hair to be dry, so don't forget to use conditioner afterwards.

(2) Take a swim in the pool or at the beach. Chlorinated pool water and sea water cause dyes to drastically fade from hair, especially when under the sun.

(3) Do a soap cap or bleach bath. It's less harsh than actual bleaching, but also slower at color removal. Mix approximately 1 tsp. bleach + 2-3 tsp. shampoo. (There are some who add 6% developer to the mix, which strengthens color removing ability but also makes it harsher to hair and skin. Use this additional ingredient with caution.) Wet hair and wash this mixture into hair. Add more shampoo for more foam, if needed. Let the shampoo sit for 5-15 minutes, then rinse off. This can cause hair to be dry, so don't forget to use conditioner afterwards.

(4) Use color remover products. These type of products can remove some of the vegetable dye (like Manic Panic, Special Effects, and Punky) from hair but not all. This is because most color removers available in the market are formulated to be effective at removing permanent dyes (e.g. boxed hair dyes like Bigen, L'oreal, Kolour, etc.). 


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Bleaching hair is the fastest way to remove semi-permanent hair colors. But it is also the harshest that can leave hair very dry and brittle.

Shampoo is the major enemy of hair dyes, so use it often if you want to remove hair colors. Don't forget to condition hair afterwards!

Pool water and sea water causes dyes to drastically fade from hair.