Almost 75 percent of American women and men color their hair. If you're one of them, there's a chance that you might not be completely satisfied with the result. No matter whether it’s a post-salon job that you’re not excited about or a DIY hair coloring situation gone horribly wrong, hair color snafus can and do happen. That’s where hair color removers come in, essentially acting as magic erasers to strip out the unwanted dye. The big caveat here? In an ideal world, it’s always best to have a professional do any kind of color removing and/or correction, cautions colorist Kristen Fleming, color director of 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago, who notes that it’s a complicated process even for the pros. That being said, if you are going to take matters into your own hands, here’s what you need to know.

This three-step system is customizable, allowing you to mix as much as needed based on the density and length of your hair. (There are also instructions for mixing it with shampoo if you need only slight color correction, rather than a complete one.) Just keep in mind that it’s specially formulated to remove unwanted permanent color, so if you’re trying to get rid of semi- or demi-permanent dye, it may not be as effective. Add one part Vitamin C to two-part Shampoos and mix into a paste. Wet your hair and got to lathering rubbing each strand through your finger. Next step cover your hair with a shower cap for about one hour. Both experts recommend this particular product. “It’s affordable and gentle, and even though your hair may feel dry after, it won’t be damaged,” notes Fleming. (Credit the addition of moisturizing soy proteins and aloe in the formula.) It works in just 20 minutes and is effective for removing both semi-permanent and permanent color. Conditioner:AQUA (WATER, EAU), GLYCERYL STEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, CETYL ALCOHOL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRIC ACID, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, PANTHENOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, PANTOLACTONE, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, LINALOOL. This hair colour remover works only on permanent hair colour. It is not effective on temporary dye nor will it remove cuticle staining.Because the removal process is harsh enough as it is, you’ll want to give your hair a little bit of a break and some extra TLC before continuing to bleach it, says Fleming. This means waiting anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the condition of your hair. After de-colouring your hair you can re-dye it immediately without any problem. What we like about it: This can be a good option for anyone wanting to get rid of more bold colors, such as blues, pinks, and purples, says Fleming. The bleach- and ammonia-free formula removes not only color but also product build-up and pollution and also nourishes the hair while it lifts the color, she adds, thanks to hydrating baobab oil. It works on permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary colors, not to mention it is super affordable, too.

You may ask yourself do DIY really work ( baking soda and vitamin C) can you trust these products or the home ingredients you have?A colour remover (Not stripper, that’s a different thing) will NOT lift your hair colour. If you find your natural roots are darker after using a colour remover than the hair that had the colour removed. Its because most permanent colours are a 6% peroxide. This means when you pop them on your hair and process them they can lift 1-2 shades. Although you could even be adding a darker shade on there, when removed your hair could be lighter. So again, no blaming the colour remover for doing this. Its the peroxide from the colour you applied before. You’re in the right place for affordable at-home hair colour, with two ranges of semi-permanent hair colour to choose from.

I want to also add, DO NOT put a permanent colour straight on top of your hair after using a colour remover. It will only go dark again. Use a semi permanent preferably (One that lasts only a few shampoos). Products that last up to 24 washes (Clairol Nice n Easy non permanent and L’Oreal Casting Creme Gloss) are best left till a while after as they often will take the hair too dark.

Frequently asked questions

Start off with a deep-cleaning shampoo that is high in sulfates, this will help loosen the color. Do this washing process for 4 times in a row then one more time but this time leave in on the hair for 20 minutes with a shower cap.

The problem with many of these DIY methods is that they don’t work very well. They’ll remove only some of the colour and even when they get most of it out, they leave your hair looking terrible. To prepare my hair for a future colour – I advice waiting at least 48 hours after doing a colour removal to see what you are left with. Oxidisation after colour removers can occur up to 48 hours after. Leaving you with a darker result. It’s important to thoroughly wash out all the dye. If even a little is left behind, it could start re-colouring your hair again. That’s why many hair colour removers recommend rinsing for 20 minutes or more. Every time color is removed from your hair you run the risk of damage, so I recommend looking for one that’s gentle, moisturizing, and free of bleach and ammonia,” advises Fleming. Los Angeles-based colorist and owner of Highbrow Hippie salon Kadi Lee agrees: “If these two ingredients are present, you’re just asking for more trouble.” Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo, which will help remove some of the dyes and enhance the results of the remover, says Fleming. It’s also imperative to follow the directions of the particular product you’re using to a T—now is not the time for creative license.

Pharmacy product

Does not include these two bad ingredients bleach and ammonia-free. This nourishing product rids your hair of color builds up.