How to remove eyebrow dye

There can be many reasons why the shade of eyebrows after dyeing turns out darker than expected. Of course, such a result may be upsetting, especially if a dramatic transformation wasn’t planned. However, it is possible to address this. Let’s discuss how to remove eyebrow dye, what you will need, and what to avoid doing. 

Why eyebrow dye removal may be necessary

Eyebrow dyeing is one of the main care procedures. However, not all women have time to visit a professional, so many experiment at home. This often results in overly intense shades or stains on the skin. Common reasons include:

1. Poor choice of tone depth, resulting in a shade that is too dark.
2. An unexpected color outcome.
3. Dye bleeding outside the contour, leaving marks on the skin.

Mistakes with tone depth are the most frequent, especially for first-time home dyers. However, the color typically fades within the first few days, and after two or three days, it will look different. Also, allowing the brows to dry and giving it a few days might help you get used to the reflection in the mirror, and you may even like the shade. If the result is definitely unsatisfactory, then it's time to start removing the dye.

Unexpected color outcomes usually occur if previous procedures with different chemical compositions were performed before dyeing. Even if weeks or months have passed, a reddish tint may still appear. This result is unlikely to please, making dye removal necessary in such cases. To avoid such surprises, prepare your brows before dyeing. A special pigment remover emulsion from Zola can help. This product neutralizes accumulated color on the hairs.

In the third case, when the eyebrow dye stains the skin, it’s best not to wait. Immediate removal is required. To prevent such issues, apply a rich cream or special paste around the brows before dyeing to protect the skin.

How to remove dye: Top professional and improvised remedies

Using special products is the best option as they are designed to neutralize pigments with minimal risk of unexpected outcomes. A remover or paint remover can be used in such cases. The Zola catalog offers such products for brow artists. They contain pigment neutralizers and care components, acting gently on the brows and skin without causing irritation.

Working with them is straightforward. To remove small stains from the skin, apply the remover with a cotton swab to the problem areas and rub slightly. For reducing the overall intensity of the color or achieving a perfect contour, distribute the product over the hairs. Hold the product on the brows for the recommended time, as overdoing it can lead to another disappointing result. Remove the remover residue with a damp cotton pad.

However, not everyone has professional products at home, especially if they’re not a brow artist. In such cases, household items can suffice. For instance, lemon. Citrus juice has bleaching properties and can help clean the skin and lighten the hairs. Leave the juice on the brows for 10 minutes but apply it carefully to avoid contact with the eyes. Perform an allergy test beforehand by applying juice to the elbow crease. After 10 minutes, rinse the juice with water and moisturize the brows with nourishing oil. 

Household soap. Apply the foam to the skin or brows, leave for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with water. You can repeat this procedure up to three times a day, but no more, as it may dull the hairs and dry out the skin, leading to flaking.

Micellar water can help remove eyebrow dye from the skin. Simply wipe the stained area with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water.

Hydrogen peroxide is another accessible lightening agent. Use it to wipe the skin and hairs until the tone lightens. However, peroxide dries out the skin significantly, potentially causing flaking.

A scrub. You can use a ready-made scrub or make one from baking soda and shampoo. This mixture is relatively safe, but achieving a clean result may require several attempts. Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent irritation.

What not to use to remove eyebrow dye

We’ve discussed professional products and suggested safe alternatives if a remover isn’t available. This might create the illusion that other household options are suitable, but not all are safe.

Do not use the following under any circumstances:

• Gasoline;
• Acetone;
• Glass cleaner;
• Acids and peels based on them;
• Alcohol;
• Other chemical liquids.

These not only fail to remove eyebrow dye but also severely damage the skin and may cause serious reactions or irritation.

How to soften the shade using oil

If the brows turn out too dark, it’s sometimes possible to avoid removing all the pigment by simply softening the intensity. Cosmetic oil can help. Apply it to cotton pads and place them on the brows. Leave the compress for about 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the oil residue with a tissue.

This method is safe and provides a noticeable care effect. The oil coats the hairs, gradually extracting the pigment and lightening the brows while nourishing and softening them.

The method is effective but slower than a remover. Multiple oil compresses may be needed to achieve the desired result. You can repeat the process after a few hours without fearing irritation.

In conclusion, color theory is a complex science that requires training to achieve good results. Therefore, eyebrow dyeing should be entrusted to professionals. Turn to experienced specialists who work with original Zola cosmetics to ensure satisfactory results.