Ask Me Help Desk - Removal of too dark dye

I have naturally medium brown hair and for years have had lighter goldish highlights. Last week I decided to go darker for the winter. I went to a salon and they did some low-lights (which I don't mind) and put a semi-permanent dark brown dye over the rest. I REALLY don't like the dark brown color and find it's way too severe for me. I'd love to go back to my natural color. SO my question is how long does it take to fade the semi-permanent dye? Are we talking weeks, months, more? And what can I do to speed it up without damaging my hair.. it is very fragile and the reason I went darker in the first place was to try to get it healthy. I don't want to bleach it or otherwise strip out the color. Is Prell or Dandruff shampoo a gentle option?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloe2

I have naturally medium brown hair and for years have had lighter goldish highlights. Last week I decided to go darker for the winter. I went to a salon and they did some low-lights (which I don't mind) and put a semi-permanent dark brown dye over the rest. I REALLY don't like the dark brown color and find it's way too severe for me. I'd love to go back to my natural color. SO my question is how long does it take to fade the semi-permanent dye? Are we talking weeks, months, more? And what can I do to speed it up without damaging my hair..it is very fragile and the reason I went darker in the first place was to try to get it healthy. I don't want to bleach it or otherwise strip out the color. Is Prell or Dandruff shampoo a gentle option?

well, I don't know exactly.. but my sisters are always dying their hair, and it starts fading pretty quick.. for them anyway, so just let it run its course. =]

Semi Permanent hair color will only slightly penetrate the hair shaft and will last 6-12 shampoos. But if the semi permanent color that was used on your contains some peroxide, it will take longer to wash you. Prell or dandruff shampoo will not damage your hair, these can help fade hair color. If the color doesn't wash out, you can use a hair color remover designed to remove semi-permanent color, and then re-color your hair.