Your hair is turquoise.
You were super excited to have mermaid hair but now your hair color looks dull or you’re bored of it and just want to get the turquoise out of your hair.
You need to be very careful and based on your hair type and the color you’ve used, the method to get turquoise out of hair will vary.
Some methods damage or dry out the hair, and we need to avoid making these mistakes.
In this post, I will talk about the best ways you can remove the turquoise color from your hair.
Let’s begin.
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Ensure that you’ve used a direct dye
There are 2 types of hair dyes:
- Semi-permanent hair dye (also known as direct dye)
- Permanent hair dye
Semi-permanent hair dye (aka direct dye) has the largest molecular structure compared to other colors and usually sits on the outer layers of hair (the hair cuticle).
This means they are easy to take off as compared to permanent dye.
Direct dyes usually are creme-like conditioners (many add nutrients to avoid drying) with color. They mostly are cream based.
Examples of direct dyes include Punky Color, Arctic Fox, Pravana, etc.
Permanent hair dye on the other hand has small and colorless molecules but once it is mixed with a developer and applied to the hair, it enters the hair shaft and imparts the dye inside the hair cortex (this is the center-most layer in the hair) and the hair cuticle closes around that, thus sealing the hair color inside.
How to remove turquoise from hair (without Bleach or Ammonia)
1. Use a color-stripping product (this removes turquoise out of hair without bleach)
If you have used a direct dye, then you can use a color stripping product like DDL aka a Direct Dye Lifter.
Mix the DDL with water or a 20-volume developer and it will reduce the hair color just like a lightener.
It will break the disulfide bonds in the hair color and lighten the natural base color.
I suggest the Extra Oops Color Remover to help you get turquoise out of your hair.
It has aloevera extracts and soy proteins to provide conditioning for your hair and doesn’t dry the hair, so if you have off-tone hair that has become turquoise after being blue or green for a while, then this is perfect.
You can remove the turquoise color and reapply a new color on the same day.
The only con of this product is that it has a nasty smell and it can be really unpleasant.
I highly suggest conditioning your hair after using the product just to ensure that your hair is soft and smooth.
2. Use coconut oil
This method will fade the color, not remove it entirely.
But if you want something natural, then this is definitely something you can try.
First apply coconut oil onto your hair and leave it in for at least 2 hours. The coconut oil will get absorbed into your hair and mix with the color molecules, loosening the color molecules.
Then soak your hair in shampoo and apply a plastic cap like this over it before warming it with a hairdryer.
The shampoo will help open the cuticles and the coconut oil and color molecules will come out when you rinse with the shampoo.
This method will definitely dry out your hair but if you don’t have funds to buy other products, then you can give this a shot. It’s safe and you’re not using any ammonia or bleach.
3. Baking Soda + Shampoo
Baking Soda is a fantastic product that can also remove harsh smells from hair. But it can also fade the turquoise from your hair.
Simply mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a clarifying shampoo like this and apply it on your hair for 20 minutes before washing it off.
Don’t use more than 2 tablespoons of baking soda because it is incredibly alkaline (it has a high pH) and will dry your hair.
The aim is to remove the turquoise out of your hair without drying it heavily.
4. Use Vitamin C and Baking Soda
In this method, you’re going to want to use a small bowl and add:
- 5 vitamin C tablets (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons of clarifying shampoo
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
Mix well and apply it to your hair for 30-45 minutes.
Wash it off normally afterward.
While doing this, if you feel your scalp is burning or itching in any way, immediately wash it off. Vitamin C doesn’t agree with many people and can even cause burning and blisters on the scalp.
Vitamin C removes the color molecules but it also dries the hair and makes it vulnerable to breakage.
You will want to use caution while using this method.
I highly recommend this as your last resort.
How to remove the turquoise (with Bleach at home)
Make sure your hair is dry.
Apply coconut oil to your hair and let it sit for at least 2 hours.
Then in a bowl, mix
- 8 tablespoons of clarifying shampoo
- 2 tablespoons of bleach powder
- 1 teaspoon organic olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Apply this paste to your already-oiled hair. And massage it thoroughly into your hair. Put a plastic cap over it and using a hairdryer, just warm the whole cap for 10 minutes.
Once you’re done, shampoo your hair with warm water using a clarifying shampoo.
After that, please condition your hair with a good conditioner so that your hair is soft and smooth.
I highly recommend using this shampoo and conditioner combination.
Is turquoise hard to get out of hair?
Turquoise (or blue tones) are the toughest colors to get rid of from hair.
So sometimes, depending on what color your hair was before you did the color and what condition your hair is in, you may need 2-3 applications or more to remove the color completely.
Please use caution with any of these methods. Make sure your hair isn’t damaged before doing this.
Your hair should be dirty or have natural oils when applying any color removal process.
The oil is good and will protect your hair, so don’t do this on freshly shampooed or clean hair.
Wait 3-4 days till your hair is a little greasy from the natural oils in your scalp.
This will ensure less drying and damage to your hair.
