Whether you’re correcting a color mistake or ready for a fresh start, using the best color removers for hair can help you gently strip away unwanted dye without harsh damage.
Unlike bleach, these products are specially formulated to lift artificial pigments while preserving your hair’s health and texture.
Ideal for both at-home use and salon touch-ups, hair color removers work on permanent, semi-permanent, and even vibrant fantasy colors.
In this guide, we’ll explore top-rated options that effectively remove hair dye while minimizing dryness, breakage, and brassiness, so you can reset your color journey with confidence and ease.
1. Hair Bleach, Professional Grade for Hair Highlights & Lightening
Hair Bleach, Professional Grade, is a 45g formula designed for achieving bold fashion hues or stunning natural tones, lifting pigments from dark to bright platinum in just 20-30 minutes.
Enriched with keratin and coconut oil, it protects hair, reducing breakage and dryness for a smooth, shiny finish. Mix 1:1 with developer for uniform application.
Its oxidation-stable formula prevents fading, keeping color vibrant, and it’s safe for all hair types, perfect for balayage highlights and creative color corrections.
Best For: Those seeking to achieve vibrant fashion colors or natural highlights while maintaining hair health and shine.
Pros:
- Damage-free formula that nourishes hair with keratin and coconut oil, reducing breakage.
- Quick application time, lifting hair from dark to bright platinum in just 20-30 minutes.
- Compatible with all hair types and ideal for various coloring techniques, including balayage.
Cons:
- Requires mixing with developer, which may not be convenient for all users.
- Professional-grade may be intimidating for beginners without prior experience.
- Results may vary based on initial hair color and condition, necessitating caution.
2. ForPro Advanced Hair Color and Stain Remover (11.8 Ounces)
ForPro Advanced Hair Color and Stain Remover is an essential tool for salon professionals, hair colorists, and estheticians, effectively tackling unwanted stains.
This versatile, ready-to-use remover works wonders on skin, scalp, and clothing, ensuring a clean finish after color applications.
Users appreciate its ease of use and effectiveness, though some noted mixed results on tougher stains. Simply saturate a cotton pad for skin or massage into porous hair ends for quick results, suitable for both professional and home environments.
Best For: Salon professionals, including hair colorists, estheticians, and anyone needing to remove hair color stains from skin, scalp, or clothing.
Pros:
- Effectively removes stubborn stains from various surfaces including skin and clothing.
- Easy to use with straightforward application instructions, requiring no mixing.
- Suitable for both professional and home use, making it versatile for different users.
Cons:
- Some users reported mixed results with particularly tough stains.
- A slight odor is noted, which may be off-putting for some, although it dissipates after washing hands.
- Limited effectiveness compared to expectations for certain stain types, according to some reviews.
3. Clarifying Heavy Metal Detox Pre Shampoo Scrub
The Clarifying Heavy Metal Detox Pre Shampoo Scrub is a sulfate-free formula for rejuvenating hair and scalp health. It deeply cleanses, removing product buildup, dirt, and hard water deposits without damaging color-treated hair.
This scrub nourishes follicles, soothes irritation, and boosts circulation for healthier growth. Users report reduced dryness and breakage, appreciating its gentle nature, especially for sensitive scalps. It’s an ideal detox solution for scalp issues, revitalizing locks.
Best For: Individuals seeking to detoxify their hair and scalp, particularly those with color-treated, curly, or oily hair.
Pros:
- Deeply cleanses without damaging color-treated hair, removing buildup, dirt, and hard water deposits.
- Nourishes hair follicles and boosts circulation for healthier hair growth while soothing scalp irritation.
- Gentle formulation suitable for sensitive scalps, including children’s hair.
Cons:
- Some users found the scent unappealing and noted a chemical-like or gummy texture.
- May cause dryness if used too frequently, requiring caution in usage.
- Price concerns were raised regarding the product size relative to its cost, with some users seeking better value options.
4. Color Oops Extra Conditioning Hair Color Remover
Color Oops Extra Conditioning is an excellent choice for safely stripping away permanent or semi-permanent hair dye without ammonia or bleach.
It processes in just 20 minutes on dry hair, though total time is around 45 minutes. Effective on brown, black, red, and orange hues, it struggles with bold shades like pinks or blues.
Expect a strong chemical smell and potential temporary brittleness. Waiting a few days before recoloring is recommended.
Best For: Individuals looking to safely remove permanent or semi-permanent hair dye without ammonia or bleach.
Pros:
- Effectively removes unwanted colors from brown, black, red, and orange dyes.
- Affordable alternative to professional hair color removal services.
- Easy application process that takes around 20 minutes.
Cons:
- Strong chemical odor during and after application.
- Mixed results with some users experiencing uneven color removal.
- Temporary brittleness of hair noted during the washing process.
5. Salerm Color Reverse
Salerm Color Reverse safely removes stubborn artificial hair dyes without damaging hair, effectively lifting unwanted colors like black and red while preserving natural structure.
Many users report satisfactory results after one or two applications, often ending with softer, healthier hair. The application involves mixing with a 10 volume developer and using a shower cap.
Be aware of a strong odor during use, though it fades quickly. Overall, it’s a highly recommended choice for color removal.
Best For: Individuals looking to safely remove stubborn artificial hair dyes while maintaining hair health and structure.
Pros:
- Effectively lifts unwanted colors, including black and red, with minimal damage.
- Leaves hair feeling soft and healthy after use.
- Quick application process with satisfactory results often achieved in one or two applications.
Cons:
- Strong, unpleasant odor during application, comparable to perm solutions.
- Results can vary based on the developer used, influencing the final color outcome.
- May require multiple applications for optimal results, depending on hair type and color.
6. COS Original Color Out System for Hair Color Removal
The COS Original Color Out System is ideal for safely removing semi and permanent hair color without ammonia or bleach. This product effectively lifts color in just 20 minutes, allowing recoloring the same day.
Apply carefully to clean, unconditioned hair, noting results may vary based on hair history and color type. Deep conditioning is recommended post-treatment to combat potential dryness.
Despite mixed reviews, many users appreciate its effectiveness as a cost-effective alternative to salon services.
Best For: Anyone seeking a gentle and effective way to remove semi and permanent hair color without ammonia or bleach.
Pros:
- Ammonia and bleach-free, making it a safer option for hair health.
- Quick application and rinsing process, taking only 20 minutes.
- Allows for recoloring on the same day, providing flexibility for hair color changes.
Cons:
- Results may vary significantly based on individual hair history and color types.
- Some users report a strong odor and potential dryness after use.
- Lacks necessary tools like an applicator bottle and gloves, requiring users to provide their own.
7. Color Oops Bold Remover for Hair Dye
Color Oops Bold Remover is your go-to solution for stubborn semi-permanent or bold hair dyes, safely fading vibrant shades like purples, blues, and reds.
It conditions hair with bond-rejuvenating proteins, ensuring minimal damage and leaving hair soft and healthy. This product includes two applications, effective for ultra-stubborn colors or long hair, and allows re-coloring the same day.
Users praise quick results with minimal damage, though it contains bleach, making it unsuitable for bleach-free options.
Best For: Those looking to safely remove stubborn semi-permanent or bold hair dyes while maintaining hair health.
Pros:
- Effectively fades vibrant shades like purples, blues, and reds with minimal effort.
- Enriched with bond-rejuvenating proteins, ensuring hair remains soft and healthy post-application.
- Allows for re-coloring on the same day, making it convenient for quick transformations.
Cons:
- Contains bleach, making it unsuitable for those seeking a bleach-free option.
- Some users reported dissatisfaction with results on darker shades, leading to unexpected hair colors.
- Thick hair may require multiple boxes for complete coverage, increasing cost.
8. Roux Clean Touch Hair Color Stain Remover 11.8 Oz
Roux Clean Touch Hair Color Stain Remover is essential for frequent hair dyers, quickly erasing tint from skin and removing excess color from hair ends. Users rave about its effectiveness, with stains vanishing in under five minutes.
Recommended by professionals, it works seamlessly on both skin and fabric. For best results, apply immediately with a tiny toothbrush. Its efficiency and versatility are highly regarded, despite some inconsistencies in bottle fill levels.
Best For: Those who frequently dye their hair and need a quick solution for removing color stains from skin and hair.
Pros:
- Highly effective in removing dye stains quickly, often within five minutes.
- Recommended by experienced professionals in the hair industry.
- Versatile; works on both skin and various fabric stains.
Cons:
- Some users have reported inconsistency in the fill levels of the bottles.
- A few negative experiences indicate it may not work for everyone on skin.
9. Punky Colour Hair Dye Remover Kit
The Punky Colour Hair Dye Remover Kit is an all-in-one solution for efficiently eliminating unwanted hair color, from temporary to permanent dyes.
It includes a 20 Volume Colour Off Developer, Activator, and an Intrabond Hair Repairing Complex Mask, ensuring hair health.
Mix equal parts of activator and developer, apply, and let sit for 10-40 minutes. Many users report effective results, but caution about uneven lightening, especially at roots. For longer hair, consider two boxes for best outcome.
Best For: Those seeking to remove unwanted hair color, from temporary to permanent dyes, while maintaining hair health.
Pros:
- Effectively removes a variety of hair dyes, often better than traditional bleach.
- Includes a hair repairing mask to help maintain hair health during the process.
- Convenient all-in-one kit with all necessary tools for application.
Cons:
- Results may vary, with some users experiencing uneven lightening or residual color.
- Contains a 20 volume developer, which can still cause dryness or damage to hair.
- Not recommended for overly damaged hair; caution advised when applying to roots.
10. Roux Clean Touch Hair Color Stain Remover, 11.8 oz (Pack of 4)
Roux Clean Touch Hair Color Stain Remover, in a convenient 11.8 oz pack of four, is an essential tool for busy salon professionals.
It swiftly eliminates hair color stains from skin and surfaces with minimal scrubbing, ideal for quick touch-ups. Hairstylists highly praise its effectiveness and reliability in busy salon environments.
Its long-standing reputation ensures trust in keeping workspaces spotless. Simply follow with a wet towel for best results.
Best For: Salon professionals seeking an effective and quick solution for removing hair color stains from skin and surfaces.
Pros:
- Highly effective at removing stubborn hair color stains with minimal scrubbing.
- Convenient 11.8 oz pack of four ensures a continuous supply.
- Positive feedback from hairstylists highlights its reliability and performance in busy salon environments.
Cons:
- Some users may still need to scrub for particularly stubborn stains.
- Limited information on specific ingredients and warnings without checking the manufacturer’s website.
- May not be suitable for personal use outside of salon settings due to professional-grade formulation.
