Will Apple Cider Vinegar Remove Hair Color?
Apple cider vinegar is a kitchen favorite that’s popped up in beauty hacks too. Some say it can strip hair color, making it a cheap fix for dye mishaps. This article dives into whether apple cider vinegar will remove hair color, how it works, and what to expect.
Let’s sort out the facts so you can decide if it’s worth a try.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, comes from fermented apples. It starts with apple juice turning into alcohol, then into acetic acid with bacteria.
That acid—around 5%—gives it a sharp, tangy kick. It’s golden and often cloudy if unfiltered with “the mother.”
It’s this acidity that sparks talk about hair color removal.
Why People Think It Works
ACV’s acid is the key player here. It might lift some dye by breaking down color molecules on the hair’s surface.
Folks use it to fade unwanted shades or lighten overdone dye jobs. Will apple cider vinegar remove hair color completely? Not quite—it’s more about softening than stripping.
It’s a natural option that’s got people curious.
How It Might Affect Hair Dye
The acid in ACV can open hair cuticles a bit. That lets it loosen semi-permanent or temporary dyes clinging to the outer layer.
Permanent dye, sunk deep into the hair shaft, is tougher to budge. It might fade a shade or two, but don’t expect a full reset.
Results depend on the dye type and how long it’s been set.
Types of Hair Color It Targets
Semi-permanent dyes—like bright pinks or blues—fade easiest with ACV. They sit on the surface, so acid can lift them some.
Temporary sprays or chalks wash out fast too. Permanent colors—think box dyes—resist more since they’re locked in.
Natural shades like henna might shift slightly but hold strong.
How to Use It
Mix equal parts ACV and water—say, half a cup each. Pour it over your hair after shampooing, focusing on dyed spots.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Follow with conditioner—ACV can dry hair out.
Repeat a few times if you need more fade.
What to Expect
Don’t count on drastic change. Semi-permanent dye might lighten a bit—say, from bold red to soft pink.
Permanent color could lose some vibrancy but stay put overall. Will apple cider vinegar remove hair color fast? Nope—it’s slow and subtle.
You’ll see more with repeated tries over days.
A Quick Results Table
Here’s how ACV might hit different dyes:
| Dye Type | Effect | Fade Level |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary | Fades a lot | High |
| Semi-Permanent | Lightens some | Medium |
| Permanent | Slight fade | Low |
| Natural (Henna) | Barely shifts | Very Low |
This shows its limits and strengths.
Why It’s Not a Full Stripper
ACV isn’t bleach—it can’t lift dye like salon chemicals. Bleach breaks color bonds deep in the hair; vinegar just nibbles the edges.
It’s gentler, so it won’t turn your dyed black back to blonde. That’s why it’s hit-or-miss for big changes.
It’s more tweak than transformation.
Adding Boosters
Some mix in baking soda for extra oomph. A paste of 2 tablespoons each ACV and soda might lift more dye.
Dish soap—about a teaspoon—can help too, cutting through color buildup. These combos fade faster but dry hair more.
Test small first—hair hates surprises.
Hair Health Impact
ACV’s acid can strip natural oils, leaving hair dry or brittle. That’s worse if you overdo it or skip conditioning.
It might make dyed hair feel rougher too. Use it sparingly—a once-a-week shot won’t wreck your locks.
Balance is key to avoid a straw-like mess.
Why People Try It
This trick’s big because it’s cheap and natural. A bottle of ACV costs less than a salon trip or color remover kit.
It’s easy—mix, rinse, done—no pro skills needed. Plus, it’s gentler than bleach for small fixes.
That DIY vibe keeps it buzzing online.
When It Works Best
Fresh dye—applied in the last day or two—fades easiest with ACV. The color hasn’t fully set into the hair yet.
Lighter shades like pastels lift more than dark ones. It’s a quick fix for “oops” moments right after coloring.
Older dye clings tighter and resists more.
Things to Watch Out For
ACV can sting if it hits your eyes or scalp sores. Dilute it well—straight vinegar is too harsh.
It might shift your natural hair tone too, especially if lightened. And that smell? Strong but fades after rinsing.
Go easy to dodge the downsides.
Other Fade Options
Clarifying shampoo works faster on semi-permanent dye. It’s made to strip buildup and color in one wash.
Vitamin C tablets crushed with water lift more than ACV. For permanent dye, salon-grade removers are the real deal.
Each beats vinegar for speed or power.
Why Not Always Use It
Will apple cider vinegar remove hair color every time? Nope—it’s too weak for some jobs.
Permanent dye needs stronger stuff to vanish. And overusing ACV dries hair out—no one wants that.
It’s a helper, not a hero, for color fixes.
How Often to Try
Once or twice a week is plenty. Start with one rinse—say, 15 minutes—and check the fade.
If it’s working, repeat every few days till you’re happy. More than that risks damage without much gain.
Patience gets you further than pouring it daily.
Stories from Users
Online, folks share mixed results. One said their purple faded to lavender after two ACV rinses.
Another tried it on black box dye—barely a dent. Some love the shine it adds, even if color stays.
It’s a gamble, but the wins keep it alive.
Why It’s Not Salon-Grade
Pros use chemicals like peroxide or ammonia to strip dye fast. ACV’s acid can’t match that deep-clean power.
It’s a home fix for small tweaks—think fading, not erasing. Salons reset hair; vinegar just nudges it.
Know what you’re aiming for before you start.
Where to Get It
ACV’s at any grocery store—filtered or unfiltered, both work. A bottle runs $3-$5 and lasts ages.
Grab a cheap mixing bowl or cup from home. You’re set with stuff you probably already have.
It’s an easy pickup for a quick try.
Final Thoughts
Will apple cider vinegar remove hair color? It can fade some dyes—especially semi-permanent ones—but won’t wipe them out. It’s a gentle, cheap option for small color tweaks, not a full strip. Mix some up and test it—your hair might thank you for the soft approach.
Give it a shot if you’re after a subtle change.
FAQ
Does it work on permanent dye?
It might fade it a little—think a shade lighter. Permanent dye’s too deep for a full strip.
Will it dry out my hair?
Yes, if you use it a lot—acid strips oils. Condition after and keep it to once a week.
How long should I leave it on?
10-15 minutes per rinse is enough. Longer won’t lift much more but might dry hair.
Can it change my natural color?
Slightly, especially if lightened already. It’s subtle—more fade than full shift.
Is it better than store-bought removers?
No, it’s weaker and slower. Commercial stuff strips faster; ACV’s for gentle fading.
