Removing hair dye: how does a color remover work?
Hair dye that turned out much darker than on the box. A color you’ve grown tired of. Or perhaps you simply want your natural hair color back. Waiting for the dye to grow out takes months, and bleaching can damage your natural pigment. A color remover is the third way.
On this page, we explain how to remove permanent hair dye, how it differs from bleaching, how many treatments you need, and what you can realistically expect.
What is a color remover?
A color remover extracts artificial color from your hair without affecting your natural pigment. This is the main difference from bleach powder or a decolorizing emulsion: those work through oxidation and break down both the dye and your own pigment. This leaves your hair lighter than your natural color and causes significant damage.
DeCOLOR time works differently. It targets only the dye, leaves your natural pigment intact, and contains no ammonia.
How does it work?
In permanent hair dye, small color molecules are linked together by an oxidizing agent to form large molecules. These get trapped between the hair cuticles. That is why the color is permanent: it cannot escape.
DeCOLOR time does not work by oxidation, but by reduction: it breaks those large color molecules back down into small ones so they can simply be rinsed out. The set consists of three components: a reducer, an activator, and a 3% developer.
Step by step:
- Perform a sensitivity test beforehand
- Mix the reducer and activator 1:1 in a non-metal bowl using the dosing cap, and stir for one minute
- Apply the mixture immediately and leave it on for 20 minutes; leaving it on longer is unnecessary
- Rinse and wash your hair several times with shampoo
- Always finish with the 3% developer: this step is mandatory, otherwise the color will return
- Finally, apply a hair mask
How many treatments do you need?
That depends on the color currently in your hair. The manufacturer’s guidelines are:
- Blonde and bright red: 1 to 2 treatments
- Dark red and brown: 2 to 3 treatments
- Dark brown: 3 to 4 treatments
- Black: 4 to 6 treatments
Because DeCOLOR time does not affect your natural pigment, the manufacturer states that you can perform multiple treatments in quick succession. If you have long or thick hair, or are removing dark brown or black dye, count on needing more than one set.
When is it suitable?
DeCOLOR time works if:
- Your hair contains permanent, oxidative hair dye, such as standard dye from a box with a developer
- A color has turned out darker than intended
- You want to get rid of a color without bleaching or waiting for it to grow out
- You want to return to your natural hair color, or want a clean base for a new color
DeCOLOR time does not work on henna, semi-permanent dyes, color conditioners, or dyes based on metallic salts. These colors sit differently in your hair and require a different approach. The product is also not intended for eyebrows or eyelashes.
What can you expect?
Realistic expectations are important. Here is what you will notice:
- After the first treatment: the dye is visibly lighter; with light and red shades, it is often largely gone
- After subsequent treatments: even dark dye disappears step by step, until your natural color emerges
- The final result: your natural hair color, though it may not always look exactly as it did before; previous dyeing may have already partially affected your natural pigment
Expect a fairly strong smell during the treatment. This is characteristic of the active ingredient.
DeCOLOR time Color Remover
DeCOLOR time removes permanent hair dye in three steps, without ammonia and without affecting your own pigment. One 330 ml set contains a reducer, activator, and 3% developer (110 ml each), a dosing cap, and a manual in Dutch, French, German, and English.
Available at MISTER33.COM as the exclusive Benelux distributor. Read the safety information on the product page before use.
Dye stains on your skin after coloring? Try the DeCOLOR time Wipe Color Remover wipes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as bleaching?
No. Bleaching works by oxidation and removes both the dye and your natural pigment. DeCOLOR time works by reduction and targets only the artificial color.
Does it also remove henna or semi-permanent dye?
No. It is made for permanent, oxidative hair dye. It will not remove henna, semi-permanent dyes, color conditioners, or dyes based on metallic salts.
Does it contain ammonia or peroxide?
It contains no ammonia. Only the developer for the final step contains hydrogen peroxide, in a low concentration of 3%.
Why must I finish with the developer?
That final step is mandatory. If you skip it, the color will return.
Can I perform multiple treatments in a row?
Yes. Because your own pigment remains intact, the manufacturer states that you can perform multiple treatments in quick succession if one time is not enough.
Will I get my old hair color back exactly?
Not always. Previous dyeing may have already partially decolorized your natural pigment, which might make the resulting color slightly lighter or warmer than your original color.
How strong is the smell?
Fairly intense. This is due to the active ingredient, which is chosen for being mild on your hair.
Is there a Dutch manual included?
Yes, as well as in French, German, and English.