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Say Goodbye to Hair Dye Odors: Top Home Remedies

aida turner

Published by Aida Turner

Fact checked by Annie

Looking to banish that pesky hair dye smell? Here are two effective methods you can try at home to freshen your hair and eliminate unwanted odors quickly.

We have to admit that dying out hair means we are applying tons of different chemicals on our head, which is definitely not good.

What is the science behind the hair dye smell?

Before delving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why hair dye emits such a strong odor. The distinct smell associated with hair dye primarily comes from the chemicals present in the product. Ingredients like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide are commonly found in hair dye formulas to help open the hair cuticle and facilitate color penetration. While these chemicals are crucial for achieving vibrant color results, they also release strong odors during the coloring process.

However, in a positive site, you can still maintain a healthy scalp and hair if you have a proper hair care routine.

But one unavoidable thing when dying hair is its unpleasant smell. So is this odor really bad for us to smell? And how to get rid of it? You’ll find your answer right now in this article.

Why does hair dye smell so bad after dying it?

The main reason is ammonia and hydrogen peroxide are two indispensable elements in a hair color product. They will linger on your hair after the dying process and can cause someone to feel sick and nauseating.

More and more hair color manufacturers care about consumers’ health. They tend to reduce chemicals to a minimum as much as possible, and work on more organic or natural ingredients.

However, it’s almost impossible to produce a permanent hair dye without leaving any bad smell on your hair.

How long does hair dye smell last?

The smell of hair dye typically lingers for a few days to a week after coloring. Factors such as ventilation, hair type, and dye formula influence its duration. Using vinegar rinses or baking soda can expedite odor removal, while specialized hair care products may also help neutralize lingering smells effectively.

Is it bad to smell hair dye?

Yes, smelling hair dye, particularly the ammonia found in some hair colors, can cause breathing issues if you are regularly exposed to it. However, the odor from hair dye is typically temporary and will dissipate over time. It’s uncommon for someone to experience severe symptoms solely from the ammonia odor during a hair coloring session.

In summary, while the offensive smell from hair dye can be unpleasant, rest assured that it will fade away shortly and is unlikely to cause lasting health effects.

How to get rid of hair dye smell?

Although the ammonia smell from hair dye will go away itself over time, there are actually several ways to send it away sooner.

You might wonder what if your newly beautiful color will be discharged too?

Don’t worry, we’ll show you two typical home remedies to neutralize the hair dye odor while keeping the color intact.

Method 1: How to apply the Baking soda?

Things you’ll need

  1. A bowl
  2. A spoon
  3. A spray bottle (optional)
  4. Warm water
  5. Baking soda
  6. Apple cider

Instruction

  1. Mix 2 tbsp of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water (the amount of water can adjust) to create a liquid mixture
  2. Rinse your dyed hair with the mixture (or sprinkle on dry hair)

You can also dilute baking soda with less water to result in a paste form. Use it to massage your hair in five to 10 minutes, and rinse again with the mixture of apple cider and warm water.

Maybe you don’t know, Baking soda is also an effective way to remove hair dye without bleach.

Method 2: How to apply the Vinegar?

Things you’ll need

  1. A bowl
  2. A spoon
  3. Warm water
  4. Vinegar

Instruction

  1. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a bowl
  2. Rinse your dyed hair with the mixture (or sprinkle on dry hair)

These super easy methods with simple ingredients can help you get rid of ammonia smell without removing your newly applied color.

The principle is ammonia will be neutralized in acidic conditions, so you can try with other natural ingredients as well.

However, give it a test on a small section of hair to check if it affects your color or nit.

You also can Use Vinegar To Lighten Hair

See also: What Happens If You Put Vinegar In Your Hair?

Does hair dye cause permanent damage?

No, hair dye does not cause permanent damage on its own. However, improper application or neglecting a proper hair care routine can lead to issues like hair loss, moisture loss, breakage, and scalp irritation.

It’s essential to follow correct dyeing practices and maintain a good hair care regimen to minimize the risk of long-term damage.

In summary, while the smell of hair dye may not be a major concern, the care you provide to your dyed hair is crucial for its overall health and longevity.

What are natural remedies to get rid of hair dye smell?

Looking to eliminate that lingering hair dye smell naturally? Here are effective remedies that can help freshen your hair without harsh chemicals.

Lemon Freshness: Learn how lemon juice, with its natural acidic properties, can effectively combat hair dye smell while preserving your hair color vibrancy.

Essential Oil Elixirs: Explore the aromatic world of essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, or peppermint, known for their odor-neutralizing abilities without compromising your hair color.

Herbal Infusions: Dive into the realm of herbal rinses, harnessing the power of chamomile, rosemary, or sage to eliminate hair dye odor while enhancing your hair’s natural shine and softness.

Color-Safe DIY Solutions: Discover gentle DIY remedies using natural ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or green tea to banish hair dye smell without stripping away your hair color.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it safe to use vinegar or baking soda on colored hair?
    • Yes, both vinegar and baking soda are safe to use on colored hair. However, it’s essential to rinse thoroughly to ensure all residues are removed.
  2. How often can I use these methods?
    • You can use vinegar or baking soda rinses once a week or as needed to combat hair dye smells. Overuse may strip the hair of its natural oils, so moderation is key.
  3. Can I combine vinegar and baking soda for better results?
    • No, combining vinegar and baking soda is not recommended for better results when combating hair dye smells. These substances react chemically, neutralizing each other’s effects. It’s more effective to use them separately to achieve the desired outcome of removing odors from your hair.
  4. Are there any alternatives to vinegar and baking soda?
    • Yes, you can try other natural remedies such as lemon juice, tea tree oil, or activated charcoal to eliminate hair dye smells.
  5. How long does it take for the smell to dissipate after using these methods?
    • The duration varies depending on individual hair type and the intensity of the dye odor. In most cases, the smell should dissipate within a few hours to a day after treatment.

Alternative methods: Dyeing Your Hair With Food Coloring and Bigen Hair Color to avoid Hair Dye Smell.

aida turner

Aida

Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist

I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!