Lightening Hair Color at Home

Lightening Hair Color

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Thinking of lightening your hair color?

Teddie asks;
I have been using equal parts crème developer and Metalex conditioner, put it on my hair and leave in for an hour. It lightens up my dirty blonde hair to a lighter golden blonde. I have been doing this for more than 20 years. Clairol has discontinued Metalex what am I supposed to do now?

Lightening hair color at home is a risky undertaking! This product was considered very effective by professionals. It was used for years to remove build up from temporary hair colors as well as hair care product buildup, before doing a chemical treatment. It was also effective for removing buildup from hard water and certain medications. So I was surprised to hear it is off the market and more surprised that Clairol hasn’t replaced it with a similar product.

“Lightening Hair Color Just Got Tougher”When I talked with Clairol, the woman I spoke with wouldn’t say why Metalex was taken off the market. Also, when I asked if they now have a similar product, she simple said, “no.” I asked what she would suggest and she said she was told you could use a ‘hot oil treatment’ without the heat . . . uhmmmmm? I know sulphonated oils can do some stripping, but I’ve never heard of a hot oil treatment doing that??

The folks at Sally’s Beauty Supply were much more helpful. Here were their suggestions: “Some of these products can be used more than once if needed”. Be sure to read all information before buying. You don’t want to find out at home that the fine print says this is not the right product for your needs.

• Ion Crystal Clarifying Treatment Packet – Easiest on the hair, this product is made to remove hard water buildup, mineral buildup and product buildup.

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• One N Only Colorfix – Removes unwanted hair color. Read the directions carefully. I believe the only hair color this says it will not remove (in fine print) is colors made with metal dyes.

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• L’Oreal Effasol Color Remover – Can be used with a developer, gentle foaming bath that washes away permanent hair color.

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• Ion Brilliant Color Corrector – A non bleach formula that gently removes permanent hair color and will not deteriorate the natural condition of the hair.

The clarifying treatment would be the easiest on your hair, but, if you don’t have color on your hair, you may need something stronger to lift your color.

For further discussion on your natural hair color you might want to check out these other articles:

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