Is Color Oops damaging to your hair? You might have been asking this question if you have any hair-dyeing disaster stories to share.
The question “Why not?” pops into your head as you peruse the box of dyes at the drugstore.
It cannot be that bad, can it? But, when you eventually get it, you are less than thrilled to see your blonde hair that looks more orange.
Thankfully, you do not have to spend your year hiding out in a cave just because of a hair-dyeing disaster.
Color Oops is here to help, and you know it really works. But, as usual, it leads you to one question, “Does Color Oops damage your hair?”
No, it does not damage your hair, not nearly as much as bleach does because it is free of ammonia and many other harmful ingredients.
Tip: Limit heating tools, like curlers or hot irons before and after using Color Oops to limit the damage.
Is Color Oops Damaging to Your Hair or Not?
Many people wonder if it is safe to use Color Oops, and in a way, the answer is yes.
The type of dye you used and the current condition of your hair can help determine if it is going to damage your hair.
It is Free of Ammonia
Exposure to ammonia can cause the cuticle to become damaged and porous, resulting in a loss of moisture.
After regular exposure, your hair becomes brittle, dry, and frizzy.
Unlike many other color removers on the market, Color Oops does not contain ammonia. So, that is a good thing and helps prevent hair damage.
What about Other Ingredients?
Since it lacks ammonia, it does not carry serious risks of damage to your hair. But, is it completely safe? Probably not.
It still contains many other strong chemicals, without which it would have been impossible to strip the color from your dyed hair.
Again, the excessive use of this product may leave your hair feeling brittle, and it may break off easily.
What to Consider?
With Color Oops, a lot depends on the condition of your hair. Using this on already damaged hair will just make things worse.
However, a single use of this will not injure your hair if it is already in good condition.
Therefore, it is a good idea to use a deep conditioning treatment after using it to repair a botched dye job or remove hair color.
It is recommended to practice some caution.
So, if you are unsure whether or not to use hair color remover, it is best to consult a professional hair stylist first.
Tip: Be sure to follow all the instructions and never leave Color Oops for too long in your hair to lower the risk of damage.
How Do You Use Color Oops Safely?
You can use Color Oops to restore hair color after it has been over-processed.
It can undo the damage done by dyeing blonde hair brown by accident.
Similarly, it can also benefit hair that has been lightened artificially but has taken on an unnatural tone.
The question is, how do you prevent Color Oops damage hair and still manage to get rid of unwanted dye?
Perform a Patch Test First
You should always do a skin test before you try this hair color remover, just in case your skin reacts to the product.
The best way to do this is to apply the product to a small skin area and wait 24 hours to see if you have any reaction.
If you do not get a response of any kind, it appears as if you can go.
Before using this product, familiarize yourself and follow all applicable safety instructions and cautions.
Furthermore, as we have already mentioned, you should probably avoid this product if your hair is already too damaged.
Tip: Be sure to cover your hair to protect it from hot saunas and the sun, and wear a cap before going into heated swimming pools.
How to Correct Hair Oops Damage and Orange Hue after Use
If your hair is not already in good condition, Color Oops is likely to worsen it. But, if you absolutely have to use it, go ahead.
But, if you experience any damage or are left with that dreaded orange hue, you can always try the following options.
Go With an Ash Brown Dye
If you have used Color Oops and now have orange hair, ash brown dye is the best solution.
With the ash brown dye, the orange will be toned down, giving you a more subdued look.
You can choose from a range of ashy tones, considering how strong the orange hue is in your hair.
A lighter brown ash or chocolate can mask oranges of a lighter shade.
How Do You Apply It?
The application process is quite straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
Step #1: Get All Your Stuff
Get some gloves, a plastic bowl, a tinting brush, some hair conditioner, and some developer.
All these things can be found in a hair dye kit, which you can purchase separately.
Step #2: Do Some Prep Work
Wear some old clothes so you do not have to worry about ruining your good clothes.
Do not wear anything you care about, because the dye will leave a stain on your clothes just like it does on your hair.
You may wish to use some old towels to prevent any stains on your counter or floor from dye spills.
Step #3: Mix Up the Dye
If you go with a permanent box dye, you will need to use the components provided to combine the dye and developer.
Using a tinting brush, combine the hair color and developer at a ratio of 1:1 if you bought them separately.
Although a developer is not required for semi-permanent hair dye, mixing the color in a plastic bowl is still best to avoid any lumps.
Step #4: Apply It
You should apply the color to your entire head, coating each hair strand individually to guarantee uniform coverage.
Keep the color away from your scalp if at all possible.
Step #5: Wait for Long Enough
After applying the color to your hair, wait the allotted time before washing it out.
This typically takes between 25 and 35 minutes, however, this time frame can be significantly altered by the color you use.
At this point, removing any excess dye from your skin is especially important to prevent stains.
Step #6: Rinse Well
When the allotted time is complete, you should give your hair a thorough rinsing until the water is clear.
Finally, use a moisturizing conditioner, either the one supplied in the box of dye or one you like.
After letting it sit for a while, you should rinse your hair well again.
Make Use of a Blue Shampoo
To tackle damage done by Color Oops and deal with orange hues, you can always make use of some blue shampoo.
Using a blue shampoo can possibly get rid of the orange undertones that sometimes show up in blonde or light brown hair.
Even if you bleach your hair too much and wind up with an orange hue, the blue shampoo will still clean your hair.
It is important to remember that this is not a quick fix.
Applying the shampoo once a week for a few weeks is required for noticeable results.
The application of blue shampoo is the same as that of regular shampoo. After shampooing your hair and waiting a few minutes, you should rinse it thoroughly.
Only Wet Wash When Necessary
Wet washing can do more harm than good to damaged hair. It is the case even if you use lukewarm water, conditioners only, moisturizing products, or diluted products.
You should not treat your hair to frequent wet washing unless it absolutely requires it.
Keep your wet washing to a minimum, no more than once or twice a week.
Do not abandon it completely because keeping the scalp clean and the hair free of any damaging substance is also important.
Consider Cutting Damaged Ends
To limit the damage caused by extensive use of Color Oops, you may have to consider cutting off damaged sections.
Remember, sometimes, chemically damaged hair cannot be restored by applying masks, conditioners, or any other remedies.
In this case, it is best to just admit defeat and get the damaged hair snipped off.
Hair does and can grow back. It needs your attention while it heals and grows back.
Tip: Consider using a light oil, like organic jojoba oil to hydrate your hair and help reverse any damage from Color Oops.
Takeaway
Following the instructions to the dot is the key to success and saves you from asking, “Is Color Oops damaging to your hair?”
Many people find that Color Oops effectively removes the permanent dye from their color-treated hair with minimal damage.
But, if you notice some damage, try some remedies and talk to a stylist for assistance.