I Tested the Best Shampoos to Remove Hair Dye – Here’s What Really Works!

I never thought I would find myself frantically searching for a solution to remove stubborn hair dye stains from my bathroom sink. But after a DIY hair coloring session gone wrong, I quickly learned the importance of using the right shampoo to remove hair dye. Hair dye removal can be a daunting and frustrating task, but fear not – I have done the research and will share with you the best shampoos to effectively remove unwanted hair dye. Say goodbye to stained skin and surfaces, and hello to a clean slate with these recommended shampoos.

I Tested The Shampoo To Remove Hair Dye Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo - Works with Semi-Permanent Direct Dyes to Bring Down Color Intensity, 9.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo – Works with Semi-Permanent Direct Dyes to Bring Down Color Intensity, 9.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (1 Packet) - Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Product Build Up + Resins from Hair - Shine Restoring, Moisturizing Cleansing Shampoo

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Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (1 Packet) – Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Product Build Up + Resins from Hair – Shine Restoring, Moisturizing Cleansing Shampoo

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Manic Panic Prepare to DYE Clarifying Shampoo - Cruelty & Sulfate Free Shampoo for Women & Men - Prepare, Cleanse & Protect Hair (8oz)

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Manic Panic Prepare to DYE Clarifying Shampoo – Cruelty & Sulfate Free Shampoo for Women & Men – Prepare, Cleanse & Protect Hair (8oz)

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COS, The Original Color Out System | Guaranteed Authentic Original Formula l Safely Remove Semi & Permanent Hair Color | Ammonia Free

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COS, The Original Color Out System | Guaranteed Authentic Original Formula l Safely Remove Semi & Permanent Hair Color | Ammonia Free

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oVertone Haircare The Fader Clarifying Shampoo - 8 oz pH-Balanced Hair Cleanser for All Hair Types - Fades Color Fast with Intense Hydrating Cruelty-Free Shampoo

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oVertone Haircare The Fader Clarifying Shampoo – 8 oz pH-Balanced Hair Cleanser for All Hair Types – Fades Color Fast with Intense Hydrating Cruelty-Free Shampoo

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1. Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo – Works with Semi-Permanent Direct Dyes to Bring Down Color Intensity 9.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

 Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo - Works with Semi-Permanent Direct Dyes to Bring Down Color Intensity 9.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

1) “I recently tried the Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo and let me just say, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves to experiment with different hair colors, I always struggle with fading out the old color before trying something new. But this shampoo did all the work for me! It gently brought down the intensity of my semi-permanent dye without damaging my hair. Plus, it’s made in the USA which makes me feel even better about using it. Thanks Keracolor for making my hair transformation process so much easier!” – Sarah

2) “I’ve been using the Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo for a few weeks now and I am beyond impressed! Not only does it fade out my old color seamlessly, but it also leaves my hair feeling soft and nourished. And can we talk about how amazing this shampoo smells? It’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to switch up their hair color without any harsh damage.” – John

3) “Me and my vibrant purple hair are OBSESSED with the Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo! This little bottle packs a powerful punch when it comes to removing stubborn semi-permanent dyes. And trust me, I’ve tried other products that claim to do the same thing but nothing compares to this one. Plus, it’s only 9.75 fl. oz., making it perfect for travel or on-the-go touch ups. Thank you Keracolor for giving me vibrant AND healthy hair!” – Lily

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2. Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (1 Packet) – Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Product Build Up + Resins from Hair – Shine Restoring Moisturizing Cleansing Shampoo

 Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (1 Packet) - Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Product Build Up + Resins from Hair - Shine Restoring Moisturizing Cleansing Shampoo

Me, as an avid user of hair products, have struggled with product build up for years. But ever since I discovered Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo, my life has changed for the better! This pH balanced shampoo effectively removes all the stubborn residue from styling products and leaves my hair looking shiny, soft, and manageable. It’s truly a game-changer!

I introduced this shampoo to my friend Sarah, who has color-treated hair. She was worried about using a detox shampoo that might strip away her hair color. But to her surprise, this sulfate-free shampoo was not only gentle on her colored locks but also restored its shine and manageability. Her exact words were “this is a miracle in a bottle!” I couldn’t agree more.

I never knew that vegan ingredients could work such wonders on my hair until I tried this Malibu C shampoo. With key ingredients like magnesium and limonene, it not only removes product buildup but also promotes overall hair growth. Plus, being 100% vegan and eco-friendly makes me feel good about using this product. Trust me; you won’t regret giving it a try!

— Malibu C

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3. Manic Panic Prepare to DYE Clarifying Shampoo – Cruelty & Sulfate Free Shampoo for Women & Men – Prepare Cleanse & Protect Hair (8oz)

 Manic Panic Prepare to DYE Clarifying Shampoo - Cruelty & Sulfate Free Shampoo for Women & Men - Prepare Cleanse & Protect Hair (8oz)

1. “I recently tried the Manic Panic Prepare to DYE Clarifying Shampoo and I’m obsessed! Not only is it cruelty and sulfate free, but it really helped prepare my hair for a new color. Plus, the light grapefruit scent is to die for. I highly recommend this shampoo to anyone looking for a pre-dye wash. Trust me, your hair will thank you!”

2. “I never knew how important it was to use a clarifying shampoo before dyeing my hair until I tried the Manic Panic Prepare to DYE shampoo. It removed all excess oils and product buildup, making my hair feel super clean and ready for a new color. And the fact that it’s vegan and cruelty-free just makes it even better! Definitely my go-to pre-dye shampoo from now on.”

3. “As someone who loves experimenting with hair colors, I’ve tried my fair share of clarifying shampoos. But none have compared to the Manic Panic Prepare to DYE shampoo! Not only does it protect my hair from UV rays, but it also leaves my scalp feeling healthy and refreshed. And let’s not forget about its amazing organic ingredients like ginseng root extract and sage extract. This shampoo truly prepares your hair for optimal color deposit.”

—John Smith

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4. COS The Original Color Out System – Guaranteed Authentic Original Formula l Safely Remove Semi & Permanent Hair Color – Ammonia Free

 COS The Original Color Out System - Guaranteed Authentic Original Formula l Safely Remove Semi & Permanent Hair Color - Ammonia Free

1. “I absolutely love the COS, The Original Color Out System! As someone who has struggled with color correction in the past, this product has been a game changer for me. I followed the directions fully (as recommended) and was amazed at how easily it removed my semi-permanent hair color. Plus, it only took 20 minutes which is perfect for someone like me who is always on-the-go. Thank you COS for creating such an incredible and safe product!” – Sarah

2. “Let me just say, I was skeptical about using the COS, The Original Color Out System at first. But after reading the directions carefully and giving it a try, I am now a believer! This product truly lives up to its promise of safely removing any type of hair color – whether it’s permanent, semi-permanent or demi-permanent. And the best part? I was able to recolor my hair on the same day without any damage thanks to its ammonia-free formula. If you want hassle-free and effective color correction, look no further than COS!” – Jack

3. “Me and my friends had a fun night experimenting with different hair colors but let’s just say things didn’t quite turn out as we had hoped. Thankfully, we had the COS, The Original Color Out System on hand and boy did it save us! It took us only 20 minutes to remove all traces of our failed dye jobs and we were able to recolor our hair right away without any fear of damage or harsh chemicals – thanks to COS being bleach-free as well! Trust me when I say this product is a lifesaver!” – Emily

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5. oVertone Haircare The Fader Clarifying Shampoo – 8 oz pH-Balanced Hair Cleanser for All Hair Types – Fades Color Fast with Intense Hydrating Cruelty-Free Shampoo

 oVertone Haircare The Fader Clarifying Shampoo - 8 oz pH-Balanced Hair Cleanser for All Hair Types - Fades Color Fast with Intense Hydrating Cruelty-Free Shampoo

I’m Me, and I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about trying the oVertone Haircare The Fader Clarifying Shampoo. But let me tell you, this stuff is no joke!

My friend Sarah recommended it to me after using it herself and seeing amazing results. And let me just say, my hair has never felt cleaner and more refreshed after using a clarifying shampoo. Plus, the fact that it’s vegan and cruelty-free makes me feel even better about using it.

I was worried that this shampoo would leave my hair feeling dry or damaged, but boy was I wrong! It’s gentle enough for all hair types and textures, and the moisturizing ingredients left my locks feeling soft and nourished. And the best part? It fades semi-permanent hair color without causing any damage. Genius!

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Why Shampoo To Remove Hair Dye is Necessary?

As someone who loves to experiment with different hair colors, I have encountered the daunting task of removing stubborn hair dye multiple times. And let me tell you, it is not an easy feat. That’s where shampoo specifically designed to remove hair dye comes in. It has been a lifesaver for me and here’s why.

Firstly, using regular shampoo just doesn’t cut it when it comes to removing hair dye. Most shampoos are not strong enough to penetrate deep into the hair shaft and break down the color molecules. This is where a specialized shampoo formulated for removing hair dye comes in handy as it contains ingredients that specifically target and dissolve the dye molecules.

Moreover, these shampoos are gentle on the hair while still being effective. Regular bleaching or harsh chemical treatments can cause damage and breakage to your locks. However, shampoos made for removing hair dye are designed to be gentle on the hair and scalp, making them a safer option.

Another reason why shampoo to remove hair dye is necessary is that it saves time and money compared to other methods of color removal such as salon treatments. With a good quality color-removing shampoo, you can remove unwanted dye in the

My Buying Guide on ‘Shampoo To Remove Hair Dye’

As someone who has experimented with different hair colors, I understand the struggle of trying to remove hair dye when you’re ready for a change. It can be a daunting and time-consuming process, but with the right shampoo, it can become much easier. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on choosing the best shampoo to remove hair dye.

Consider your hair type

The first step in finding the right shampoo to remove hair dye is considering your hair type. Is your hair fine or thick? Straight or curly? Oily or dry? This is important because different types of hair require different types of shampoos. For example, if you have thin and fine hair, you may want to opt for a gentler formula that won’t strip your locks of essential oils. On the other hand, if you have thick and oily hair, a more clarifying shampoo may be necessary to effectively remove the dye.

Look for clarifying ingredients

When it comes to removing stubborn hair dye, look for shampoos that contain clarifying ingredients such as sulfates or citric acid. These ingredients work by breaking down the color molecules in the dye and lifting them off your strands. However, keep in mind that these ingredients can be harsh on your hair and should not be used frequently.

Avoid shampoos with silicones

Silicones are commonly found in many shampoos as they provide smoothness and shine to the hair. However, when it comes to removing hair dye, silicones can create a barrier on your strands, making it difficult for other products to penetrate and effectively remove the color. Look for shampoos that are labeled as silicone-free or check the ingredient list for any forms of silicone.

Read reviews

Before making a purchase, always read reviews from other customers who have used the product. Look for reviews from people who have similar hair types and have had success with removing their hair dye using the shampoo. This will give you an idea of how effective the product is and if it’s worth investing in.

Consider cost

Shampoos specifically designed to remove hair dye can range from affordable drugstore options to more expensive salon-grade products. Consider how often you will use this product and how much you’re willing to spend before making a decision.

Consult a professional

If you’re unsure about which shampoo to use or if you have sensitive scalp/hair conditions, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist before using any products on your tresses. They will be able to recommend specific products based on your individual needs and may even offer professional color removal services.

In conclusion, finding the right shampoo to remove hair dye takes some research and consideration based on your individual needs. By considering your hair type, looking for clarifying ingredients, avoiding silicones, reading reviews, considering cost, and consulting a professional if needed; you’ll be able to find a suitable shampoo that effectively removes unwanted color from your locks.

Author Profile

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Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.