oVertone is a popular brand of color-depositing conditioners designed to add vibrant color to hair or maintain existing hues. While many love the temporary nature of oVertone, sometimes the color doesn’t fade as expected, or you might simply want to change your hair color. The question then becomes: can you remove oVertone, and if so, how? This comprehensive guide explores various methods to fade and remove oVertone, offering practical tips and advice to help you regain your natural hair color or prepare for a new shade.
Understanding oVertone and Its Staying Power
oVertone works differently than traditional permanent hair dyes. It’s a semi-permanent color that deposits pigment onto the hair shaft without penetrating deeply into the hair cortex. This makes it less damaging but also means its longevity depends on several factors.
Factors Affecting oVertone’s Fading Process
Several elements influence how quickly oVertone fades:
- Hair Porosity: Porous hair, which has a more open cuticle, tends to absorb and retain color more readily than hair with a low porosity. This means oVertone might cling to porous hair longer.
- Starting Hair Color: oVertone is designed to work best on light or pre-lightened hair. If applied to darker hair, the color payoff may be subtle but could still stain the hair, making it harder to remove.
- Color Intensity: Deeper and more vibrant shades of oVertone, like extreme purple or vibrant red, generally have more pigment and thus are more challenging to completely remove than lighter pastel shades.
- Frequency of Use: The more frequently you use oVertone, the more the color builds up in your hair, leading to a more stubborn stain.
- Hair Care Routine: Using color-safe shampoos and avoiding harsh chemicals can help prolong the life of your oVertone color. Conversely, using clarifying shampoos and heat styling tools can help fade the color faster.
Effective Methods for Fading oVertone
If you’re looking to fade oVertone, several methods can help, ranging from gentle approaches to more intensive treatments. It’s always best to start with the least damaging option and gradually increase intensity as needed.
Gentle Fading Techniques
These techniques are ideal for minimal color correction or for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove build-up from hair, including product residue and excess oils. Using a clarifying shampoo regularly can help lift some of the oVertone pigment from your hair. Be aware that clarifying shampoos can be drying, so it’s essential to follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos, especially those containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole, can be surprisingly effective at fading semi-permanent hair color. These shampoos are designed to exfoliate the scalp, and this action can also help lift color molecules from the hair shaft. Use as directed and follow with a deep conditioner.
Hot Water Washes
While hot water can strip moisture from your hair, it can also encourage color to fade faster. Washing your hair with hot water (as hot as you can comfortably tolerate) can help loosen the oVertone pigment.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can help fade hair color. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be sure to follow with a moisturizing treatment, as baking soda can be drying.
More Intensive Removal Methods
If gentle methods aren’t producing the desired results, you might need to consider more intensive treatments. These methods can be more damaging to the hair, so proceed with caution and always prioritize hair health.
Vitamin C Treatment
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help break down hair dye molecules. Crush several Vitamin C tablets and mix them with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your damp hair, cover with a shower cap, and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a deep conditioner.
Dish Soap Method
Washing hair with dish soap is a more drastic approach, as it is very stripping and drying. Dish soap is designed to remove grease and oil, and it can also strip away hair dye. Use it sparingly and only as a last resort. After using dish soap, immediately follow with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
Color Removers
Commercial color removers are specifically formulated to remove artificial hair color. These products work by breaking down the dye molecules, allowing them to be washed away. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the product to your entire head. Color removers can be drying and damaging, so always prioritize moisturizing and repairing your hair afterward.
Bleach Bath
A bleach bath is a diluted form of bleaching that can gently lift color from the hair. Mix bleach with shampoo and developer (using a low-volume developer), and apply it to your hair for a short period. This method should be used with extreme caution, as it can cause significant damage if not done correctly. It’s best to consult with a professional stylist before attempting a bleach bath.
Preventing oVertone From Staining
Prevention is often better than cure. Taking steps to prevent oVertone from staining your hair can save you time and effort in the long run.
Pre-Application Tips
- Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying oVertone to your entire head. This will allow you to see how the color takes to your hair and how easily it washes out.
- Apply to Clean, Dry Hair: Applying oVertone to clean, dry hair helps the color adhere evenly and reduces the likelihood of staining.
- Use a Barrier Cream: Apply a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly, around your hairline to prevent the oVertone from staining your skin.
Post-Application Care
- Rinse Thoroughly: After applying oVertone, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. This will help remove any excess dye that could stain your hair or scalp.
- Use Color-Safe Products: Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to help maintain your oVertone color and prevent it from fading too quickly.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Excessive heat can cause hair color to fade faster. Minimize your use of heat styling tools, such as hair dryers and straighteners.
Dealing with Stubborn oVertone Stains
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, oVertone can leave behind stubborn stains. In these cases, a combination of methods and patience may be required.
Patience is Key
Remember that removing oVertone is a process, not an instant fix. It may take several attempts and a combination of methods to completely remove the color. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
Professional Help
If you’ve tried multiple methods without success, or if you’re concerned about damaging your hair, it’s best to consult a professional stylist. A stylist can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the most appropriate course of action. They may have access to professional-grade color removers or techniques that are not available to the general public.
Re-Evaluating Your Hair Goals
Sometimes, the best solution is to work with the remaining color rather than trying to completely remove it. You could consider using a toner to neutralize the unwanted tones or opt for a new hair color that complements the existing stain.
The Importance of Hair Health
Throughout the removal process, it’s crucial to prioritize the health of your hair. Many of the methods used to fade or remove oVertone can be drying and damaging.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
After any color-removing treatment, be sure to use a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and repair damage. Look for products that contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter.
Protein Treatments
Protein treatments can help strengthen and rebuild damaged hair. Use protein treatments sparingly, as overuse can lead to protein overload, which can make hair brittle.
Avoid Over-Processing
Avoid subjecting your hair to multiple harsh treatments in a short period. Give your hair time to recover between treatments to minimize damage.
Final Thoughts on Removing oVertone
Removing oVertone hair dye can be a challenging but achievable task. Understanding the factors that affect oVertone’s staying power, employing a combination of fading techniques, and prioritizing hair health are crucial for success. Whether you opt for gentle fading methods, intensive removal treatments, or professional help, remember to be patient and prioritize the health and integrity of your hair. With the right approach, you can successfully remove oVertone and achieve your desired hair color.
What makes oVertone hair dye so difficult to remove?
oVertone deposits color pigments on the outer layer of the hair shaft, rather than penetrating deeply like traditional permanent dyes. These pigments cling tightly, making them resistant to simple washing and fading techniques. Factors like the hair’s porosity and previous damage can also affect how strongly the oVertone color binds, impacting removal difficulty.
Additionally, oVertone’s formula is designed to be conditioning and long-lasting, meaning the color pigments are formulated to resist fading quickly. Its semi-permanent nature means the color doesn’t chemically alter the hair structure in the same way permanent dyes do, which simplifies removal in theory, but the strong adherence of the pigment is the primary challenge.
What are the gentlest methods for attempting to remove oVertone?
Gentle methods primarily focus on fading the oVertone color gradually over time. Frequent washing with clarifying shampoo is a great starting point, as it’s designed to strip away buildup and excess oils, which can help to lift the color. Using hot water during washing can also accelerate the fading process.
Deep conditioning treatments are crucial after using clarifying shampoo or hot water, as these can dry out the hair. Employing color-safe deep conditioners will help to replenish moisture and prevent damage during the fading process, ensuring the hair remains healthy throughout the color removal attempts.
Are there any home remedies that can help remove oVertone?
Yes, some home remedies can assist in fading oVertone, although results vary. A mixture of baking soda and clarifying shampoo is a popular choice due to baking soda’s mild abrasive properties. Another option is a vitamin C treatment, where crushed vitamin C tablets are mixed with shampoo to create a paste applied to the hair.
It’s important to patch test any home remedy on a small, inconspicuous section of hair before applying it to the entire head to check for adverse reactions. While generally safe, home remedies can potentially cause dryness or irritation, so always prioritize hair health and follow up with a moisturizing treatment.
When should I consider professional assistance for oVertone removal?
If gentle methods and home remedies prove ineffective, or if the oVertone color is particularly stubborn, seeking professional help is advisable. Trying aggressive removal methods at home can lead to significant hair damage, and a professional colorist can assess the hair’s condition and choose the safest and most effective course of action.
Moreover, if you’re aiming for a drastic color change after having oVertone, a professional is crucial. They can formulate a precise plan to lift the remaining oVertone pigment while minimizing damage and achieving the desired new color without unwanted tones or uneven results.
What types of products should I avoid during oVertone removal?
Avoid using products that are heavily damaging or chemically harsh, especially if your hair is already dry or damaged. This includes strong bleach or high-volume developers intended for permanent color removal, as these can severely weaken the hair and lead to breakage.
Also, limit the use of heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons, as heat can further dry out and stress the hair, making it more susceptible to damage during the removal process. Instead, opt for air drying or low-heat styling methods and always use a heat protectant if heat styling is unavoidable.
How long does it typically take to completely remove oVertone hair dye?
The time it takes to completely remove oVertone varies depending on several factors. These include the original intensity of the oVertone color, the porosity of your hair, the removal methods used, and the overall health of your hair. It could range from a few washes to several weeks of consistent efforts.
For lighter oVertone shades or on hair that isn’t very porous, the color may fade significantly within a week or two of frequent washing and fading treatments. However, more vibrant shades on highly porous hair might require a more extended period and potentially professional intervention to achieve complete removal.
Will oVertone completely wash out eventually?
Yes, oVertone is a semi-permanent dye and is designed to eventually wash out over time. However, the timeline for complete removal can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned previously, such as the color intensity, hair porosity, and washing frequency.
Even if the color appears to have faded significantly, there may still be faint undertones present, especially in lighter hair. While these undertones may not be immediately noticeable, they can impact subsequent coloring attempts, so it’s important to consider this when planning your next hair color change.