When nothing seems to work to get rid of the red dye you’ve just applied, you may think, “Does Color Oops work on red hair, or does it fail to handle darker dyes?”
So many people go for red and other darker shades. But, redheads can also confirm how tricky it essentially becomes to remove it and switch to another color.
Before you copy that Demi Moore looks in G.I. Jane and go bald, be sure to give Color Oops a try.
Yes, Color Oops works on red hair, but you have to follow all the instructions and use it correctly to remove darker colors.
What Makes it Hard to Remove Dark Red Dye?
When it comes to hair dyes, it’s all about those pigments. Interestingly, purple, red, blue, and black are the most challenging pigments to remove.
The molecules in red pigment are quite large. Therefore, the color doesn’t penetrate fully the first few times you try it.
As a result, you might notice a lot of fading at first and then get the desired hue.
Most permanent dyes are made up of smaller molecules. But, they combine to generate larger molecules, which is how the dyes get their distinct and rich colors.
The larger the molecules, the more difficult it is to remove that color.
Can Color Oops Restore Hair to Its Original Shade?
It’s possible, but only in a few certain cases. Ultimately, the results of a hair color remover depend on how you treated your hair during the last coloring sessions.
The “Oxidizing” Effect
If you use oxidizing hair color on your natural hair color, a color remover will not be able to return your hair to its previous natural shade.
This is due to the fact that any hair color that is based on peroxide has a high probability of bleaching your original hair color.
When you color your hair more frequently, you risk permanently and irreversibly lightening or removing some of your natural pigmentations.
In these instances, applying the color remover will provide a result that is lighter and more yellow or copper in tone.
This color will represent your genuine natural shade. What are you supposed to do with this?
Toner can be used to remove the warm tones from the hair if you don’t mind the lighter hue it leaves behind.
However, if this is not possible, we recommend recoloring the hair with an appropriate shade.
Tip: Always consider the condition of your scalp and hair and avoid repeating the treatment more than 2-3 times.
How Color Oops Try to Fix Your Red Hair?
Color Oops, or any other hair color remover for that matter, works in one of two ways:
- It works by oxidation and removes electrons
- It works by reduction and adds electrons
The majority of hair dye removers rely on oxidation as their primary mechanism, whereas Color Oops uses reduction instead.
Because of this, it is able to eliminate even the darkest tints.
Are there Other Types of Hair Color Removers?
As mentioned, some hair color removers work by oxidation while others rely on reduction. But, you can also further divide them into two categories:
Removers that Contain Bleach
Color removers that contain bleach are likely to be less damaging to the hair than directly applying bleach to the strands of hair.
If you absolutely need bleach, we suggest going in this direction.
Removers that Don’t Contain Bleach
Some color removers are effective in removing semi-permanent hair color without the use of bleach.
They accomplish this by reducing the size of dye molecules and rendering them small enough to be rinsed away.
Why Some People Find Color Oops Ineffective Against Red Hair?
Hydrosulfite, found in Color Oops, degrades the pigment molecules rapidly without the need for ammonia or peroxide.
Color Oops works by reversing the oxidation process and breaking up the pigment, resulting in a lighter color.
Now, the question is that if it’s so good, why some people say that Color Oops on dark red hair fails miserably?
What Renders Color Oops Ineffective?
The truth is that it’s not because the product is ineffective; rather, it is because you have utilized it in an inadequate manner.
The efficacy of this remover is directly proportional to the thoroughness with which it is rinsed out.
And it’s regardless of the color you’re attempting to remove (red, black, or any other).
Does Color Oops Work on Red Hair and How?
You have to follow all the instructions, whether applying Color Oops or trying to remove it from your hair.
Be Sure to Rinse it Thoroughly
You must carefully rinse and wash your hair after applying the product and waiting the allotted length of time afterward.
Keep in mind that the color will first become lighter after using the color remover.
To put it another way, using the color remover on black hair will result in a dark brown hue first.
Ultimately, the color remover breaks down the pigment molecules into smaller pieces, but you still need to rinse your hair to get rid of the color.
Tip: Rinse your hair until you remove all small pigment molecules and no "rotten egg" smell is left.
Consider the Temperature of the Water
The temperature of the water you use to rinse your hair will have a role to play as well.
If you color your hair, you know that it’s recommended to wash it in cold water to preserve the vibrancy of the dye. Since cold water does not bleach your hair, this is the case.
However, you should follow the reverse instructions when using a color remover. Make it as hot as you can tolerate easily.
Pick Your Color Properly
Once you’ve removed the red from your hair, pick your next color carefully. It’s a good idea to buy a dye a few shades lighter than the color you desire.
Why may Lighter Color Help?
Due to the repeated use of hair colors and bleach, hair can become extremely porous.
Moreover, porous hair absorbs dye quickly, making for a deeper tint overall. Therefore, using a lighter shade first can make the final shade a lot darker than what’s depicted on the package.
Should You Dye Immediately after Color Oops?
No, you shouldn’t.
Wait three days after dying your hair. If you have the discipline to wait, giving your hair a three-day break will do wonders for its health.
As a result, your hair will be all set for its next coloring session after it has had time to repair and rebond with the rest of its natural color.
Tip: NEVER allow the product to be in there for more than twenty minutes.
How to Make Color Oops More Effective for Red Hair?
Trying a few remedies before using Color Oops can make it more effective. In fact, you might not need Color Oops at all after using specific tips.
For instance:
Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Baking Soda
Choose an effective anti-dandruff shampoo, which is stronger than conventional shampoos.
It comes with selenium sulfide, a component that speeds up the hair color fading process. Baking soda can effectively remove dirt and grime.
How Do You Use It?
- Combine baking soda with a small amount of anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Use this solution as a shampoo and leave it in for 5 minutes.
- Wash it out thoroughly to quickly lighten your hair color.
A Mixture of Vitamin C and Water
The hack comes straight from Kim Kardashian and may work for you depending on the dye you’ve used.
How Do You Use It?
- Get some vitamin C tablets (500mg)
- Crush them up to add to your regular shampoo
- Combine the two, and then use it on your hair.
- Let it sit for 20 min and remove it completely under running water
Dish Washing Soap and Shampoo
Does that strike you as frightening? However, this is a good choice if you’re in a pinch and need to wash out some old dye.
The good idea is to moisturize your hair with coconut or olive oil afterward to avoid any straw-like strands.
How Do You Do It?
- Combine two squirts of your regular shampoo with four drops of dishwashing liquid
- Apply the mixture to the hair and create a thick lather
- Rinse it out fully until the water becomes clear
Tip: Apply a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to your hair to wash out the color.
Takeaway
Color Oops may stink but may be an excellent option to remove unwanted hair color. Does Color Oops work on red hair, you may ask?
And the answer is in yes. But, remember, the results depend heavily on how you apply it to your hair and how effectively you manage to rinse it out.
Follow the instructions to the dot, and Color Oops will surprise you, irrespective of the color of your dye.
