Green hair has been having a major moment in the trend cycle! From Meg Thee Stallion's bold lime locks to Billie Eilish's iconic neon green roots, Cardi B's vibrant emerald waves, and Zayn Malik's edgy forest tones—celebrities have been obsessed with this fresh, nature-inspired shade. And honestly? We totally get it. Green is daring, dimensional, and downright gorgeous when you're feeling it.
But here's the thing: once you're ready to let those green vibes go, it can be one of the most stubborn shades to remove from your hair. Green pigments love to hang around longer than that one friend who won't take the hint at 2 AM. But don't worry bestie, we've got your back! We're breaking down our top 5 ways to get green out of hair, plus some bonus tips to make the process as smooth as possible. Let's dive in! 🌿✨
How to Get Green Out of Hair
Everyone's hair is different and will respond differently to each method we're sharing, so do what feels right for your hair and your vibe! We recommend doing a strand test first and working in a well-ventilated space. And if you get stuck or aren't sure what to do next, don't hesitate to reach out to our color specialists. They're total pros and are here to help you figure it out!
1. Wash Your Hair More Frequently in Warm Water
Iris Green fading to blonde
Okay, this one might sound obvious, but trust us—it's your first line of defense against stubborn green tones. Semi-permanent hair dyes like Arctic Fox gradually fade with each wash, so increasing your shampoo sessions is key to speeding up the process of getting green out of your hair!
Here's the game plan:
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Turn up the temperature! Use warm water (not scalding hot—we're not trying to fry your hair) to help open up the hair cuticle and release those green pigments
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Skip the dry shampoo this week—we know it's tempting, but you'll want to actually wash those locks to get the color moving
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Grab a clarifying shampoo or dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders. These bad boys are designed to remove buildup and strip away product, which means they'll work overtime on your hair color too
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Wash your hair 2-3 times more often than usual for faster fading
Pro tip: Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask after each wash to keep your strands hydrated and happy. All that extra washing can be drying, so show your hair some TLC!
2. Soak Your Hair While Taking an Epsom Salt Bath
Emerald Fortune fading to blonde
Want to fade your green hair while having the most relaxing evening ever? We've got the perfect solution! Epsom salt isn't just for soothing sore muscles, it's also a secret weapon for fading hair color.
How to make it work:
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Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt
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Soak in the tub and make sure your hair is fully submerged in the water
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Chill for 15-20 minutes (bring a face mask and make it a whole vibe!)
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Rinse your hair thoroughly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner
The salt helps break down the dye molecules without harsh chemicals, and you get to relax in the process. It's self-care meets hair care, literally a win-win situation! Just keep in mind this method can be a bit drying, so definitely condition afterward.
3. Take a Dip in Chlorine or Salt Water
Neverland fading to blonde
Here's your excuse to hit the pool or beach! Believe it or not, a swim session can actually help fade your green hair color faster. The chlorine in pool water and the salt in ocean water both work to break down hair dye pigments naturally.
Making waves work for you:
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Go swimming! Whether it's laps at your local pool or catching waves at the beach, let the water do its thing
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The chlorine bonds with the hair dye molecules and helps lift them out
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Saltwater has a similar effect, though it can cause extra dryness
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Bonus: sunshine also helps fade color naturally, so outdoor swimming is doubly effective!
Fair warning: If you're planning to dye your hair soon after, this method is perfect. But just know that both chlorine and salt water can be super drying to your strands. Make sure to use a deep conditioning treatment afterward, our Pool Party Hair Mask was literally made for this! And here's a fun plot twist: while chlorine helps to get green out of the hair, it can also cause green tones in blonde or light hair from mineral buildup. Life's funny like that, right?
4. Vitamin C Hair Mask
Phantom Green fading to blonde
Ready for a DIY hack that actually works? Let's talk about vitamin C—not just for immune support, but for color removal too! The acid in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is strong enough to break down semi-permanent hair dye, making it one of the most popular at-home methods for fading color.
How to whip up your vitamin C mask:
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Crush 10-15 vitamin C tablets into a fine powder
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Mix the powder with your clarifying shampoo to create a paste—aim for a consistency that's spreadable but not too runny
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Apply the mixture evenly throughout your damp hair, making sure every green strand is coated
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Let it sit for 30-60 minutes (you can cover your hair with a shower cap to prevent dripping)
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water
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Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask—this is non-negotiable!
Why it works: The vitamin C creates an acidic environment that helps oxidize the dye molecules, making them easier to wash out. It's gentler than bleach but more effective than just regular shampooing. You might need 2-3 treatments depending on how vibrant your green is, but it's totally worth it!
5. Color Remover
Space Cowgirl fading to blonde
When gentler methods aren't cutting it and you need results ASAP, a commercial color remover is your best friend. These products are specifically formulated to break down artificial color molecules in semi-permanent hair dyes like Arctic Fox.
How to use a color remover:
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Head to your nearest beauty supply store and grab a color remover designed for semi-permanent hair dyes
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Follow the product instructions carefully—most are applied to dry hair for best results
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Process for the recommended time (usually 20-45 minutes, but check your specific product!)
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Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
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Always, always, ALWAYS follow up with a deep conditioning treatment
Pro tip: Do a strand test first to see how your hair reacts, and make sure you're in a well-ventilated space when using these products.
Color Theory: The Red Solution to Your Green Situation
Okay, here's where we get a little nerdy (but in the fun way). If you're not ready to completely get green out of your hair but want to cover it up or neutralize it, let's talk about the color wheel! On the color wheel, red and green are opposites—which means red tones can actually cancel out and neutralize green tones. Color theory for the win! 🎨
How to cover green with red:
If you're rocking one of our gorgeous green hair color shades and want to switch things up without stripping all the color, red-based dyes are your perfect transition!
Our top red picks to neutralize green:
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Poison: A classic bright red that'll completely transform your look and knock out lingering green shades like Iris Green or Neverland
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Wrath: A vibrant, intense red with serious staying power—perfect for making a bold statement and covering up green hair colors like Space Cowgirl
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Ritual: A deeper, richer red that's absolutely stunning for fall vibes and covers up dark green shades like Emerald Fortune and Phantom Green
Before applying any red hair dye over green hair, make sure your hair is at least partially faded for the most accurate color results. If your green is super vibrant, you might get a muddy or olive-toned result. But if it's faded to a lighter pastel green or just has lingering undertones, red will neutralize it beautifully!
The process:
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Let your green fade out a bit using the methods above
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Choose your shade of red hair dye
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Apply according to the instructions
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Enjoy your bold new red hair color without any green peeking through!
FAQs: Your Burning Green Hair Questions Answered
What color cancels out green hair?
Red! On the color wheel, red and green are complementary (opposite) colors, which means they neutralize each other. So if you've got a green hair color you want to get rid of, a red-based dye will help cancel it out and give you a fresh new look!
How can I remove green from my hair?
You've got options, bestie! You can wash your hair more frequently with warm water and clarifying shampoo, soak your hair in an Epsom salt bath, create a DIY vitamin C hair mask, go swimming in chlorine or salt water, or use a commercial color remover. For faster results, try combining a few methods (like clarifying shampoo plus the vitamin C treatment). Just remember to deep condition between treatments to keep your hair healthy!
Does ketchup really remove green tint from hair?
Okay, so this sounds wild, but yes—ketchup can actually help with mild green tints in hair! The red color in ketchup neutralizes green on the color wheel (color theory strikes again!), and the vinegar in it helps remove mineral buildup that can cause green tones. That said, it's not a super reliable solution for deeply dyed green hair or intense green shades. If you're going to try it, slather it on like a hair mask, leave it for 20-30 minutes, and then shampoo it out thoroughly. But honestly? We'd recommend using an actual red dye or one of the methods above for better results.
Will Dawn dish soap take color out of hair?
Yes, Dawn dish soap can strip color from your hair, especially direct dyes like Arctic Fox. Its grease-cutting superpowers work on hair color pigments too, breaking them down and washing them away. BUT—and this is a big but—it's super drying and can be pretty harsh on your strands. Only use it as a last resort, and if you do, follow up immediately with a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Don't make it a regular thing, or your hair will be crispier than your personality after a Monday morning meeting.
Final Thoughts: Your Green Hair Journey
There you have it, Fox Fam! Whether you're ready to fade your green hair color completely or just want to transition to a new shade, you've got all the tools you need to make it happen. Remember, semi-permanent hair dyes like Arctic Fox are designed to gradually fade over time, so be patient with the process and give your hair lots of love between treatments.
Green might be one of the more stubborn colors to remove, but with the right approach and a little persistence, you'll be ready for your next hair color adventure in no time. And if you loved the green while it lasted, then that's what matters most! Hair color is all about self-expression and having fun.
Ready for your next shade? Follow us @arcticfoxhaircolor on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, and Threads for endless inspiration, hair tips, and all the colorful content your heart desires! 💚✨🦊
