Hair Salons Won’t Tell You This: 8 Hacks for Turning Hair Back to Its Original Color at Home (Step-by-Step)

Hair dyeing can be a thrilling way to experiment with new looks, but over time, many long for their natural shade. Whether you’ve gone platinum blonde, fiery red, or jet black, returning to your natural color without professional help seems daunting—but it’s not impossible. In fact, there are several clever, lesser-known DIY techniques that can gently strip artificial color and promote the return to your original hair tone, all without a pricey salon visit.

Here are 8 proven hacks—complete with step-by-step instructions—to reclaim your natural hair color at home.

1. Vitamin C Treatment (Best for Fading Semi-Permanent Color)

Vitamin C is mildly acidic and can break down dye molecules, especially on semi-permanent or recent color jobs.

You’ll need:

  • 15–20 Vitamin C tablets

  • Clarifying shampoo

  • Shower cap

Steps:

  1. Crush the tablets into a fine powder.

  2. Mix with enough clarifying shampoo to form a paste.

  3. Apply to damp hair, focusing on dyed areas.

  4. Cover with a shower cap and let sit for 30–60 minutes.

  5. Rinse thoroughly and condition.

Repeat 2–3 times a week until desired fading is achieved.

2. Baking Soda + Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This combo creates a mild bleaching effect that lifts artificial color over time.

You’ll need:

  • 1 tbsp baking soda

  • 2 tbsp anti-dandruff shampoo (like Head & Shoulders)

Steps:

  1. Mix the ingredients until well combined.

  2. Apply to wet hair, focusing on colored areas.

  3. Lather and leave on for 10–15 minutes.

  4. Rinse and deep condition.

Use twice a week for gradual results. Avoid overuse to prevent dryness.

3. Oil Infusion Fade (Coconut or Olive Oil)

Oils help strip color while deeply conditioning the hair—perfect for dyed hair that’s also dry or brittle.

You’ll need:

  • Coconut or olive oil (unrefined)

  • Shower cap

Steps:

  1. Warm the oil slightly.

  2. Apply generously from roots to tips on dry hair.

  3. Cover with a cap and leave overnight.

  4. Shampoo thoroughly in the morning (may need 2 washes).

Repeat weekly. It won’t produce dramatic fading but works well in conjunction with other methods.

4. Lemon Juice + Conditioner (Sun-Activated Fading)

Lemon juice can naturally lighten and fade color, especially when combined with sunlight.

You’ll need:

  • Juice of 1–2 lemons

  • Conditioner

Steps:

  1. Mix lemon juice with a generous amount of conditioner.

  2. Apply to hair evenly.

  3. Sit in the sun for 20–30 minutes.

  4. Rinse and apply a hair mask afterward.

Use weekly. Works best on light-colored dye and in sunny climates.

5. DIY Color Remover (For Permanent Dyes)

Homemade color removers work by shrinking dye molecules so they can be rinsed out.

You’ll need:

  • Equal parts 20-volume developer and clarifying shampoo

  • Baking soda (optional)

Steps:

  1. Mix developer and shampoo (and a teaspoon of baking soda if extra lift is needed).

  2. Apply to damp hair.

  3. Cover with a plastic cap for 20–30 minutes.

  4. Rinse with warm water and follow with a deep conditioner.

Caution: Perform a strand test first to avoid unexpected lightening or damage.

6. Clay Hair Mask (Draws Out Residual Dye)

Bentonite clay detoxes hair by pulling out metals, toxins, and sometimes, leftover dye.

You’ll need:

  • Bentonite clay

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Water

Steps:

  1. Mix 1:1 clay and vinegar until smooth, then add a splash of water.

  2. Apply evenly to dry hair.

  3. Leave on for 20 minutes.

  4. Rinse thoroughly and condition.

Use every other week for gentle detox and color fade.

7. Coffee Rinse (For Blending Back to Dark Hair)

If you're transitioning from lighter dyed hair to your darker natural color, coffee helps bridge the tone gap.

You’ll need:

  • Strong brewed coffee (cooled)

  • Leave-in conditioner

Steps:

  1. Brew a dark roast coffee and let it cool.

  2. Mix with leave-in conditioner.

  3. Apply after washing hair and let sit for 30 minutes.

  4. Rinse and air dry.

Repeat weekly. This won’t remove color, but it will tone down brassiness and blend growth lines.

8. Let It Grow with Style (The Low-Maintenance Method)

Sometimes the best route is to stop fighting the process and manage regrowth gracefully.

Tips:

  • Get a layered or pixie cut to speed up the grow-out phase.

  • Use root touch-up powders or sprays to camouflage the line of demarcation.

  • Try balayage or highlights to blend old and new color subtly.

This method is slow but the most gentle on hair health.

Final Thoughts: Know Before You DIY

  • Do a strand test before trying any method on your whole head.

  • Don’t mix color-stripping methods on the same day.

  • Deep condition regularly to prevent dryness and breakage.

  • If in doubt, consult a color-safe stylist for a one-time consultation—then resume DIY care.

Reclaiming your natural hair color is entirely doable with a bit of patience and the right approach. While salons might not volunteer these hacks (they want your business, after all), these at-home tips give you the power—and savings—to embrace your roots, literally.