How To Remove Pink Hair Dye: DIY Guide to Get the Pink Color Out

There are many lovely shades of pink hair dye, from soft pastel pink to bold, hot pink. And when you try out one of these magical shades on your hair, you instantly fall in love.

Yet, no matter how much you initially like your new hair color, chances are you’ll want to switch it up down the line. So, in this article, you’ll learn how to remove pink hair dye and finally get the pink color out of your hair. Keep reading to find out!

How To Remove Pink Hair Dye: 7 Step-by-Step Methods

Use a Hair Color Remover

A color remover is a “go-to” remedy for getting rid of unwanted color. It’s formulated to gently remove semi-permanent dyes and even permanent color without altering your natural hair color.

The average color remover has an off-putting odor, so you’ll need to mentally prepare yourself for that. 

Most times, it only takes one try to remove hair dye using a color remover, but that’s not always the case. And the number of times you’ll need to use a color remover varies depending on which brand you buy.

Many of them can be used 2 or 3 times to lift the color from your hair if needed. However, it’s best to check the instructions included with the product for the best results. The following tips can also help:

1. Wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo (e.g., Head and Shoulders Dandruff Defense) or a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup of oil or hair products. Do not condition yet. 
2. Dry your hair naturally, not with a hairdryer.
3. Mix the ingredients per the included instructions and apply the color remover to your hair as evenly as possible.
4. Pile your hair on top of your head and cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap.
5. Sit in an area away from both heat and cold for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
6. Wash your hair repeatedly using your regular shampoo. It could take up to 30 minutes to remove all of the product from your hair and achieve the maximum level of color removal. 
7. Apply a deep conditioner to replace the moisture and nutrients lost from the color remover and repeated shampooing.

Bleach Bath

A bleach bath (or bleach wash) is one of the most effective methods for removing hair dye (pink or any other color). But in the interest of full disclosure, we want you to know that there is a downside to this color removal option.

It requires the same potentially damaging bleach powder that you’d use to lighten your hair.

Thankfully, this mix also includes shampoo, which reduces the bleach’s strength and the chances of damage. It doesn’t eliminate the risk of damaging your hair cuticles, though, so this method is best used when no other option works.

Despite the risk, a bleach bath can lighten the pink color significantly and possibly remove it altogether, depending on the brightness of the shade.

For a bleach bath, you’ll only need a few ingredients. These include bleach powder, 20 volume developer, and shampoo. The process is simple, using the following steps:

1. Mix equal parts bleach powder and developer and stir.
2. Add the same amount of shampoo to the mixture and stir again.
3. Apply the mixture to your hair, avoiding your skin, eyes, and clothing.
4. Every 5 minutes, check the color to see how faded the pink shade is. You can leave the mixture on for up to 30 minutes. 
5. Wash your hair with only shampoo to remove the bleach mixture.
6. Apply a deep conditioner and leave it on for around 15-30 minutes to repair, rejuvenate, and moisturize your hair. 

Fade It Gradually

Fading the pink color gradually is another option. In fact, it is one of the least damaging methods of all. 

For this method, you’ll switch out your usual shampoo for a stronger one. You can try a clarifying shampoo, which strips away all the oil, hair products, and even color from your hair. It may take a few washes, but the color will fade significantly after a while.

Clarifying shampoos can be extremely drying, so follow each use with a deep conditioner or hair mask to keep your hair moisturized. You should only use strong shampoos a few times a week max to prevent irreparable hair damage.

Swimmer’s shampoos and anti-dandruff shampoos are also good options for this color removal method. They include cleansing ingredients that can help fade your unwanted shade fast.

Leaving them on your hair for a few extra minutes can help fade the pink color even quicker. Use conditioner after each use to maintain your hair’s moisture levels, no matter which shampoo option you choose.

Some ladies have also had success using Dawn dish soap as a shampoo replacement with this method.

Vitamin C Wash

Many swear by vitamin C, which is known to fade hair dye. You need to be careful with it, though, since it can be somewhat drying to the hair. Apply a deep conditioner after the vitamin C treatment for damage control.

Choose from 1000 mg vitamin C tablets or ascorbic acid vitamin C powder. Either one will work, but if you choose tablets, you’ll have to crush them. You’ll also need a dye-free clarifying shampoo.

1. Pour 15 crushed tablets or ½ cup of powder into a bowl.
2. Squirt some shampoo into the bowl and mix it with the vitamin C.
3. Apply it immediately to your hair, avoiding your eyes and skin.
4. Leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Rinse the mixture from your hair.
6. Condition your hair as usual.

Vinegar

A vinegar mask can remove semi-permanent pink dye within a few uses. It is somewhat corrosive, so it’s best to dilute it with a moisturizing shampoo or other liquid. It is also a bit intense, so be prepared to deal with a sour odor for a few days.

1. Combine equal parts white or apple cider vinegar with a moisturizing shampoo.
2. Dampen your hair with water from a spray bottle, then apply the mixture evenly.
3. Lather and then let it work for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly.
5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

Shampoo and Baking Soda Mixed

Baking soda is an excellent remedy for removing dark pink semi-permanent dye. It is more aggressive than other treatments since it penetrates the hair shaft.

You can mix it with either water or shampoo to make a paste that you can apply to your hair. We’ll be covering the baking soda and shampoo method here: 

1. Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of shampoo and mix them thoroughly.
2. Dampen your hair and apply the mixture evenly.
3. Work it into a lather to distribute it throughout your hair. Be sure to keep it out of your eyes.
4. Wait 20 to 30 minutes (about a half hour).
5. Use cold water to rinse the mixture from your hair.
6. Use a moisturizing oil or deep conditioner to restore the hair’s moisture.

Bath Salts

Bath salts are one of the easiest and most relaxing methods for getting rid of semi-permanent pink hair. All you need to do is run yourself a normal bath with your favorite bath salts sprinkled in. Then lay in the tub with your hair submerged. The longer you stay in the water, the faster the color will fade.

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Pink is a fun color for hair, but this doesn’t mean you want to sport it forever. Luckily, as you’ve seen in this article, there are several ways that you can remove the color from your hair fast.

Of course, some of these methods are more damaging than others, so choose your method carefully to ensure the healthiest hair outcome. Good luck!