What lightens hair dye? When hair color has taken a darker turn than you'd like, you have a lot of options from which to choose. You can invest in a chemical remedy, visit a professional hair colorist or try one of many natural and effective hair dye lightening methods. Knowing how to lighten dye could save you after a home hair dye job gone wrong or if you try a new color and decide that you hate it. Trying a few methods can save you from looking like Bozo the Clown or like a mortician's wife. The following are just a few of the many effective methods for lightening one's hair dye.

One of the best ways to lighten hair dye is to wash your hair with dishwashing liquid. This is more than mere old wives' tale—it's been proven to lighten even the darkest of dye jobs. Do this only two or three times, as the liquid has been known to dry hair out. Expect the dye to lighten, but also expect to need a heavy-duty conditioner after you've finished with this treatment. Similarly, using a dandruff-focused shampoo or a clarifying item in conjunction with a deep conditioner may also lighten your hair.

There are other effective at-home treatments for folks who need to lighten their hair dye. For example, letting olive oil, lemon juice or sesame oil soak in your hair can definitely lighten your hair. Similarly, take a book and head out to sit in the sun for a couple of hours each day. The sun's rays are proven to lighten hair. If you use the sun bathing method, be sure to wear sunscreen. There's no need to burn your skin just to lighten your hair.

Lastly, try taking a swim in a chlorine-rich pool. This will often lighten your hair by a shade, especially if you swim every day for a week. Salt water has also been proven to lighten your hair. However, use this technique sparingly: It could damage your hair. After such a swim, be sure to deep condition your hair.