Lift Hair Color Gently with the Power of Shea Butter

Does Shea Butter Remove Hair Dye?

How Shea Butter Can Help Remove Temporary Hair Dye

Moisturizing properties soften hair cuticle for dye removal

Shea butter is a versatile natural ingredient that can help remove hair dye of all kinds due to its skin and hair loving properties. For temporary hair dyes that coat the outside of hair strands, shea butter can help moisturize and soften the cuticle so the dye molecules can be lifted away more easily with cleansing.

Anti-inflammatory properties soothe scalp irritation from dye chemicals

The rich fatty acids like oleic, stearic, palmitic and linoleic acids in shea butter penetrate into the hair shaft to smooth down the cuticle layer that temporary dye adheres to. As shea butter conditions and softens this outer hair layer, gentle cleansing with sulfate-free shampoo allows more dye to be removed. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory properties from plant sterols that can soothe irritation or itchiness on the scalp from chemical ingredients in temporary dyes. As shea butter moisturizes the scalp, it relieves dye-related discomfort.

Contains vitamins and fatty acids to strengthen and nourish hair

Shea butter also provides vitamins, minerals and proteins to nourish hair weakened by aggressive temporary dyes. The vitamins A and E strengthen and protect hair that is damaged during the dyeing process. Using shea butter can help restore hair elasticity and shine for healthier looking strands.

Using Shea Butter to Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Hot oil treatments with shea butter help lift dye from hair

For semi-permanent hair dyes that partially penetrate into the hair cortex, shea butter can still help draw out dye molecules embedded under the cuticle layer. Performing hot oil treatments on hair with pure, unrefined shea butter can help open up the hair cuticle so more semi-permanent dye can be lifted away.

Create a hot oil treatment by microwaving a small bowl of shea butter for 15-30 seconds until melted and warm, but not scalding hot. Section clean, dry hair and apply the liquid shea butter directly to strands. Gently massage scalp and coat all hair, then cover with a shower cap. Leave treatment on for 20-30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as normal. The heat allows shea to penetrate and carry dye pigments out.

Mix with baking soda to make abrasive, clarifying paste

For another remover method, make an exfoliating hair paste by mixing shea butter with baking soda and a small amount of water. Baking soda is abrasive to help dislodge trapped dye molecules, while shea butter moisturizes so hair doesn't get dried out from scrubbing. Apply paste and work through in sections, leave on 5 minutes, then rinse and shampoo thoroughly. Repeat every few days until desired amount of color fade is achieved.

Removing Permanent Hair Dye with Shea Butter

Cannot fully remove permanent dye, only fade color over time

While shea butter cannot completely remove permanent hair dye, it can help gently fade and soften the artificial color over time when applied regularly. As a deep conditioning hair mask, shea butter coats hair strands thoroughly and provides lipids that bind to stubborn permanent dye molecules. This helps break down the artificial pigments gradually with each use.

Combines with sun exposure to help break down artificial pigments

Additionally, using shea butter hair treatments in combination with sun exposure speeds up the removal process since sunlight contains bleaching properties. The UV rays react with the shea butter and dye pigments to accelerate color fading. Being patient is key, as permanent dye can take several months of weekly conditioning treatments to show a lighter result.

For best results removing any type of hair dye, look for pure, unrefined African shea butter that retains all its natural vitamins and fatty acids. Shea is gentle enough for daily use on all hair types and can be used as a moisturizing styling cream after cleansing dye away. Choose sustainable fair trade shea butter from African Fair Trade Society to support women producers in Africa while achieving beautiful, nourished hair.