Can Olive Oil Remove Permanent Hair Dye? How to Use 2023

Are you tired of having permanent hair dye that just won't fade? Have you tried countless hair products with no success? Look no further than your kitchen pantry. That's right, olive oil(1), a common household ingredient, might just be the solution to your problem. 

In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of olive oil in removing permanent hair dye and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use it. Say goodbye to harsh chemical products and hello to natural, affordable, and effective hair dye removal with olive oil.

Can Olive Oil Remove Permanent Hair Dye?

Does olive oil remove hair dye? Yes, olive oil can remove permanent hair dye in an all-natural and safe way. Olive oil has the ability to penetrate hair strands and work its way into the cortex, filling in the empty spaces left behind by the dye. 

When the molecules of olive oil pierce through the hair strands, the larger molecular density of the oil shoves the molecules of the dye from the hair, effectively removing the hair dye. 

The best type of olive oil to use for hair dye removal is extra virgin olive oil that has been cold-pressed, as it contains more nutrients, fatty acids, and antioxidants than other types of olive oil. However, pure virgin olive oil or refined olive oil can also work. 

The olive oil hot oil treatment is a simple DIY solution that does not require the use of harsh chemicals or bleach that can strip the hair of its natural moisture. Moreover, olive oil is a nutrient-packed oil that offers numerous benefits to the hair, including improving hair strength and alleviating dryness.

How to Remove Permanent Hair Dye with Olive Oil

Here's a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to removing permanent hair dye with olive oil:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil (enough to cover your hair)
• Plastic wrap or shower cap
• Towel
• Clarifying shampoo
• Conditioner

Step 1: Start with dry hair. Apply olive oil generously to your hair, covering all areas from root to tip. Make sure that you saturate your hair entirely with olive oil. Comb through your hair to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Once you have applied the olive oil, cover your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap. This will help trap heat and aid the olive oil in penetrating your hair shaft. Then, wrap a towel over the plastic wrap or shower cap to keep your head warm.

Step 3: Leave the olive oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, but it is recommended to leave it overnight. This will allow the olive oil to work its way into the hair shaft and break down the dye.

Step 4: After leaving the olive oil in your hair for the recommended time, rinse it out with warm water. Then, use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair. The clarifying shampoo will help to strip any remaining dye from your hair. Make sure to massage your scalp and hair thoroughly.

Step 5: Rinse your hair with cool water to help close the hair cuticle and seal in moisture. After rinsing, use a conditioner to restore any lost moisture from the clarifying shampoo. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.

Step 6: Dry and style your hair as usual.

Tips and Precautions:

• Olive oil may not remove all permanent hair dye, especially if the color has been in your hair for a long time.
• Do not use hot water to rinse out the olive oil as it can damage your hair.
• Avoid getting olive oil on your clothes as it can stain.
• If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before using olive oil on your hair.
• If you have any scalp irritation, consult a dermatologist before trying this method.
• Always use a clarifying shampoo and conditioner after using olive oil on your hair.

By following these simple steps, you can remove permanent hair dye with olive oil at home naturally and gently.

Benefits of Using Olive Oil for Hair Dye Removal

There are a plethora of benefits(2) for both the hair and scalp when opting for olive oil as a hair dye removal solution.

Natural and Safe

Olive oil is a natural ingredient that does not contain any harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for hair dye removal. Harsh chemicals in hair dye removers can damage the hair and scalp, causing dryness, breakage, and irritation. Olive oil is gentle on the scalp and hair and is a natural alternative to chemical-based hair dye removers.

Nourishes Hair

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats that nourish the hair and promote hair health. The antioxidants in olive oil protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals, which can cause hair breakage, split ends, and dullness. The vitamins and healthy fats in olive oil strengthen the hair, making it less prone to breakage and promoting overall hair health.

Softens Hair

Olive oil has emollient properties that help to soften and smoothen hair strands, making them easier to manage. These emollient properties help to reduce frizz and tangles, making the hair easier to comb and style. Soft hair also feels more pleasant to the touch and gives a smoother appearance to the hair.

Moisturizes Hair

Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer that helps to hydrate dry and damaged hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Dry hair can be brittle, making it prone to breakage and damage. Olive oil helps to restore moisture to the hair, making it less prone to damage and breakage. The moisturizing properties of olive oil also give the hair a healthy shine.

Promotes Hair Growth

The antioxidants in olive oil help to improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth. Improved blood circulation to the scalp ensures that hair follicles get enough oxygen and nutrients, which are essential for healthy hair growth. Olive oil also helps to keep the scalp moisturized, preventing flakiness and dandruff that can block hair follicles.

Effective in Removing Hair Dye

Olive oil has been found to be an effective ingredient for removing permanent hair dye, particularly when combined with other natural ingredients such as baking soda or lemon juice.

Olive oil penetrates the hair shaft, breaking down the pigment molecules in the hair dye and making it easier to wash out. When combined with other natural ingredients, olive oil can help to remove even stubborn hair dye without damaging the hair or scalp.

Available and Cost-Effective

Olive oil is a common household ingredient and can be easily found in grocery stores, making it a convenient option for hair dye removal. Additionally, Compared to professional hair dye removal treatments or products, olive oil is a cost-effective option.

Potential Side Effects

It's however important to be aware of the potential side effects before starting your olive oil treatment.

Clogged Pores

Olive oil can penetrate the hair shaft and clog the pores on the scalp, leading to hair becoming greasy and slowing down hair growth. The oil may also build up on the scalp, causing dandruff and irritation. 

To prevent clogged pores, it is essential to thoroughly remove all traces of olive oil during shampooing and use a scalp brush to exfoliate and remove any buildup.

Greasy Hair

If you have naturally greasy hair, using olive oil to remove hair dye can cause your hair to become even greasy. The oil can sit on the outside of the hair, weighing it down and making it look flat and oily. 

To avoid this, it is best to use less fatty oils like jojoba or almond oil, or to use only a small amount of olive oil.

Hot Oil Burns

Overheating olive oil can cause burns on the scalp, leading to redness, inflammation, and even blistering. To prevent this, it is crucial to heat the oil slowly and carefully, and always test the temperature on the back of your hand or a spoon before applying it to your scalp.

Skin Breakouts

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, the excess oil from the olive oil treatment may trigger breakouts, particularly around the forehead or hairline. It is best to keep the oil away from your face as much as possible and to wipe it off immediately if any oil drips onto your skin.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) oil alternative or to patch test the olive oil on your skin before applying it to your scalp.

The Bottom Line

Olive oil can be an effective and natural alternative to harsh chemicals for removing permanent hair dye. By following the tips and guidelines discussed in this article, you can safely and effectively use olive oil to remove hair dye while promoting healthy hair and scalp. However, it is important to keep in mind the potential side effects and take necessary precautions to avoid them. 

References

1. Kiritsakis, A. and Markakis, P. (1988). Olive Oil: A Review. Advances in Food Research, {online} pp.453–482. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0065-2628(08)60170-6.

2. Gouvinhas, I., Machado, N., Sobreira, C., Domínguez-Perles, R., Gomes, S., Rosa, E. and Barros, A. (2017). Critical Review on the Significance of Olive Phytochemicals in Plant Physiology and Human Health. Molecules, {online} 22(11), p.1986. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111986.