Does Shaving Cream Remove Hair Dye? [Answered]

Shaving cream has many uses, but does shaving cream remove hair dye? In this article, we examine whether or not this is true.

Does Shaving Remove Hair Dye

It’s a myth that shaving cream will remove hair dye. There’s no evidence to suggest that shaving cream will remove hair dye from either your hair itself or that it will remove stains on other surfaces or your skin.

Is Shaving Cream Bad For Hair Dye?

There is little to no evidence that shaving cream will have any impact on hair dye, either good or bad. 

Some beauty blogs suggest that you can use shaving cream to remove hair dye stains from surfaces, but, as with hair dye, there’s no evidence that this works. 

Likewise, there’s a myth that Head and Shoulders shampoo removes hair dye but this is also not true.

If you need to remove hair dye stains from your skin and hairline, it’s best to use soap and water or olive oil. 

You can use rubbing alcohol, but this may cause irritation on sensitive skin. You can also use dish soap and baking soda on your hands, too. 

Does Shaving Cream Remove Hair Dye?

Does Shaving Cream Remove Hair Dye

No, shaving cream does not remove hair dye from either your hair itself, your skin, or any other surfaces such as those in your bathroom or kitchen.

Does Shaving Cream Have Any Effect On Hair Dye?

There’s little to no evidence that shaving cream has any effect on hair dye.

If you’re looking for ways to remove hair dye, it’s best to use any of the alternatives that we recommend below.

8 Alternatives To Remove Hair Dyes

Alternatives To Remove Hair Dyes

1. Sulfur-based hair strippers

Sulfur-based hair strippers are the ones that you’ll typically be using for at-home hair color removers. 

They work by penetrating the hair shaft and breaking down molecules of color. You then wash your hair as normal, and any remaining color will be removed in the process.

These color removers are not the most gentle on your hair, so it’s always a good idea to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment – and stay away from bleach for a while to allow your hair to recover.

2. Clarifying shampoo

Clarifying shampoo is an easy way to remove hair color. 

It will usually work best on semi-permanent dye – you’ll have to use it a number of times on permanent dye.

Clarifying shampoos strip away any dirt and build-up.

You can use them as you would a normal shampoo, leave it in the hair for around ten minutes covered with a cap, then wash out. 

It’s best not to repeat this process too often, as clarifying shampoo can be a little harsh on your strands.

3. Vitamin C tablets

Vitamin C is oxidizing, which essentially means that it can help to remove hair dye. It’s best to use powdered vitamin C, and you can always grind up any tablets.

You’ll want to mix this powder with hot water and form a paste. Saturate your hair with this paste, put on a shower cap, and leave it for an hour. 

Then rinse this paste out with warm to hot water. Take care that it’s all been removed, then shampoo and condition as normal. 

You may need to repeat this technique a few times for maximum impact.

4. White vinegar

White vinegar has many benefits for the hair and scalp. 

Its acidity helps to close the cuticles of your hair, which is essential post-coloring, as any application of dye will open the cuticle up. 

White vinegar is also anti-microbial, so it can help manage other concerns like dandruff or skin sensitivities. 

Add white vinegar to water in a one-to-one ratio. Rinse your hair with this mix, and leave it in your hair for around half an hour, covered with a shower cap. 

Then rinse the vinegar out and follow with shampoo and conditioner.

You can use apple cider vinegar instead if this suits, but it might not work as well to remove the hair dye.

5. Dish soap

Dish soap will effectively remove hair dye thanks to its high surfactant levels. 

However, it will deeply strip your hair of moisture in the process, so you will need to deep condition your hair after doing so, and do not repeat the process more than once.

You’d use the dish soap in the same way as you would shampoo, before following with conditioner. 

6. Baking soda 

Baking soda is a wonder cleaning agent, and combines well with water to remove hair dye. 

Add two tablespoons of baking soda to one half cup of water, and rinse your hair. Leave the mix on for around ten minutes, then rinse off.

7. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is can help to remove hair dye. You’ll need to squeeze enough to saturate your hair from roots to ends. 

Once it’s applied to your locks, leave it on for twenty minutes, covered with a shower cap. 

Then rinse the juice out and follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.

8. Go to a salon

There’s a reason why stylists train for so long. They are experts at removing hair color and working with your hair type and texture to get your locks looking their best. 

They also know what products to use that won’t cause any irritation or sensitivities, and may be able to discuss alternative ways to re-color your hair in a way that you’re happy with.

Plus, it’s always nice to take a little ‘me time’ out of your day and benefit from a salon treatment. 

Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.

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Alice Carlill

Alice is an experienced writer and researcher with a background in the Creative Arts. She is a published poet and is currently completing her Ph.D., having worked in a variety of industries, including as a theatre dramaturg. Alice is passionate about the environment, so is always on the lookout for the best zero-waste products that are vegan and cruelty-free.