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Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength

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Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength 1 Application

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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application

3.8

(based on 71 reviews)

69%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Easy to use (46)
Gentle (35)
Natural look (12)
Great color (9)
Long-lasting (4)

Cons

Smells bad (42)
Messy (8)
Color misrepresented (6)
Too harsh (6)
Difficult to use (4)

Best Uses

New look (17)
Fine hair (4)
Thick hair (4)
Graying hair (3)

- Commitment To Color:
- Permanent (43), Semi-permanent (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Beauty conscious (27), Product junkie (16), Survivalist / minimalist (9)

Most Liked Positive Review

Adventures with Color Oops

BACKGROUND
As a naturally medium blonde 20-something, I'd been talked into going red by my salon stylist. I loved it, but 8 months down the road I was frustrated with having to ...Read complete review

BACKGROUND
As a naturally medium blonde 20-something, I'd been talked into going red by my salon stylist. I loved it, but 8 months down the road I was frustrated with having to touch it up every few weeks, let alone not being able to consistently find the right shade in the drug store (sorry, but I'm not paying a stylist obscene amounts of cash to do my hair every few weeks). I'm a beginner when it comes to color and didn't realize how difficult it would be to try to take my hair back to blonde after having it red for many months.

I asked my stylist, who said that she could strip it, which would be time-consuming, damaging and expensive. The other option was to highlight my hair repeatedly over the course of a year or so while my natural hair grew back in (again, expensive). I thought, surely there has to be some other way...

PREPARATION FOR COLOR OOPS
Then I found Color Oops online. I read hundreds of reviews on multiple Web sites, some good and some frightening, and picked up lots of usage tips along the way. I proceeded to purchase two boxes of Color Oops, two boxes of hair color (Nice n Easy - Natural Dark Neutral Blonde and Natural Lightest Golden Brown) in case I had an "omg" moment, a shower cap, a wide-toothed comb and a thermal conditioning treatment (heavy duty conditioner). If you use Color Oops, I highly recommend making sure you have all these items handy. Also, read the box insert, and know it like the back of your hand. This is a must.

Make sure to do a strand test. Cut out a small piece of your hair and just do it, or you'll be sorry later. Check it every five minutes so you can see the various shades of change and decide on the best time for your hair. They recommend no longer than 20 minutes. Based on mine, I saw my hair change from red to blonde after 20 minutes and elected to leave it on for the full amount of time.

THE PROCESS
Still, I was super nervous as I prepared the mixture and dumped it on my hair. It is a thin mixture, maybe a bit thicker than water but not by much, so be careful with the dribbles. I didn't notice any bleaching effect on the red robe I was wearing. As everyone else has said, it has a very strong odor - citrus and sulfur, so be prepared. I made sure to spread the mixture quickly and evenly, using the wide-toothed comb to ensure that my hair was fully saturated, then put the shower cap on to help "lock" in the product. I avoided being in cool areas of my house, as the insert said this could cause it not to process correctly (also a good reason to use the shower cap). I'd recommend checking your hair periodically, even after the strand test, so you don't let it go too long.

Rinsing it out was a breeze in the shower. This is the most important part of the process. I kept the water warm, rinsed for several minutes, shampooed and rinsed for several minutes, and repeated once more. Rinse until your water gets cold, no joke! Your hair may feel a little stiff at this point, so use your restoring conditioner after the second shampoo. I had some left over from an older Nice n Easy kit and it worked better than the thermal treatment I bought specifically for this purpose (read on to find out why I ended up having to condition twice).

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
After I got out of the shower I could tell right away that my hair was looking pretty bleached blonde and much lighter than my natural color, but probably due to the previous dyeing I'd done (most over-the-counter permanent dyes include a bleaching agent, no matter what color you choose). I dried it using my blow dryer and it came out looking pale and brassy - almost a strawberry blonde. My boyfriend said, "Your hair is kind of orange..." I didn't think it was hideous, but not exactly what I had envisioned. It didn't seem damaged, either, though I had very healthy hair to start with.

REDYEING AFTER COLOR OOPS
So I started thinking about that box of blonde hair color I bought to use after the Color Oops, in case it didn't turn out. Color Oops recommends using a color filler if you choose to dye right after the color removal process. They also advise that you choose a lighter, warmer shade than that of what you are trying to achieve and say not to let it process for more than several minutes. I skipped the color filler and applied just the color, noticing that by the time I'd applied it to my whole head, it had already "taken" and rushed to rinse it out, but it was too late. After no more than just a few minutes, the blonde hair color had turned my hair a distinct brown, and on the ashy side (even though it was labeled a "neutral" shade). That wasn't the hair color's fault, though - it was mine. The box insert is not joking. Use a color filler and/or buy at least a couple shades warmer and lighter than your desired end result if you are dyeing right after Color Oops. So if you're looking to go medium/dark blonde, buy a golden light blonde (or even lightest blonde).

COLOR OOPS... TAKE TWO!
Luckily, I had bought the second box of Color Oops, did another strand test, and decided to leave it in for only 15 minutes this time. I got the same result as the first Oops application (glowing blonde hair), and still little, if any, damage. Stinky, though. I don't notice the smell one day after, if that's any consolation.

THE AFTER GLOW
Realize that the rinsing process is absolutely the most important part of making Color Oops work (yes, I'm reiterating, but honestly it can't be repeated enough). Even after what I thought was excessive rinsing, I did notice that my color darkened overnight, meaning that the first application probably would have done the same thing if I'd been patient. I am still blonde, but not back to my natural caramel blonde. It appears very golden with some glowing reddish tones, which could be from the previous dyeing, but definitely toned down after just 8 hours. I have actually received compliments today on the new color, and told people that I had my hair stripped at the salon. They commented that it didn't appear damaged at all. The results are that good. Just be aware that you will likely have some darkening up to 24 hours after you complete the process (and also take this into account if you are redyeing).

THE END?
Sorry this was so long. I learned quite a bit about Color Oops by reading reviews and realize that this information is invaluable to other people who are thinking about taking the risk to get their hair back to normal (or at least close to it). I hope the detail in this review helps you to relax and embark on your Color Oops adventure!

Most Liked Negative Review

Not Bad At All...

I'll start off by saying it is not a miracle worker- however it did was I wanted to an extent.

Last August, I woke up one morning and decided to dy...Read complete review

I'll start off by saying it is not a miracle worker- however it did was I wanted to an extent.

Last August, I woke up one morning and decided to dye my hair, which was naturally a nice medium brown and had natural blonde highlights in it, to a rich, ruby red (think Sharon Osbourne.) Recently, I decided it just wasn't for me anymore and I wanted to go blonde. Of course, I never realized how difficult red is to bounce back from.

I thought of all the ways I could get there, bleaching it out runs the risk of it turning orange- dyes aren't always dependable... and then I stumbled upon Color Oops. I read the reviews, and finally figured; "Why not?" So I bought it. I also bought a box of light brown to cover up any possible mistakes that might happen.

First off, people complaining about the smell; it's honestly not THAT bad. Yes, it smells a bit like Rotten Eggs- but lets face it, we've all smelled normal hair dye, and if you can get through that, you'll certainly be able to survive this.

It's not very messy- yes, its not as thick as normal hair dye, but I wouldn't say it was runny or dripping all over. Toss an old towel over your shoulders and you're good to go.

The 20 minute development time passed and I hopped in the shower. Followed the instructions; wash, shampoo, rinse, the whole nine yards- did everything. Got out, and noticed the majority of the red was gone.

And now the fun part; Yes, there was quite a bit of hair that had turned Gold. I wasn't shocked though, I actually expected it. I knew the color dye I had been using would be a royal pain to get out. Anyway, I dried my hair, and then dyed it with the brown I had purchased. It's close to perfect now.

As I said, I didn't expect to get out of the shower and see I was back to my natural color. But I was glad I bought that box of Brown! I knew going into it that there was a chance to come out with Gold hair, so I wasn't shocked or freaking out when it happened.

Overall, if you're going to dye your hair again anyway, but you want to get rid of the color you've got now, it's a good & affordable way to go, in my opinion. Like I said, not a miracle worker, but not a total waste what-so-ever.

Reviewed by 71 customers

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12/15/2010

(2 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra

By Amanda

from climax nc

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

Didn't work

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12/2/2010

(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

this stuff is great/ follow directions

By jaslenesmama

from new hampshire

describe yourself Product Junkie

Pros

A lifehair color saver
Easy To Use

Cons

Smells Bad

Best Uses

Removing Color

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

So I had this bright idea to dye my hair bright red since its the only color under the sun I haven't been. Well my roots turned pink and the rest was a dark cherry cokish color. Not fun! So I ran out this morning and bought color oops extra strength. It removed all the color froms my ends leaving me a brasy gold but the pink in my roots remained( I figured this would happen as the directions say it won't lift bright colors like pinks blues greens etc.) any ways I redid it about two hours ago and my hair came out all an even golden color. YOUR HAIR WILL BE A BRASSY COLOR NO MATTER WHAT! Box dyes use peroxide to lighten the hair before depositing so your hair will be brassy. Any who I used a golden light brown to re color. I applied to my roots first for 10 minutes and then added the rest of the dye to my ends for 4 minutes and rinsed. do not leave the dye in your ends longer than 5 minutes because it will grab the color too quick and go way too dark. my tips for using the color oops is make sure you rinse for atleast 20-30 minutes to remove all the old dye after using the color oops. then when re-dying do your roots first when it gets close to the color you want add the dye to the ends wait no more than 5 minutes and rinse. go a few shades lighter too because it will grab a bit darker. yes it stinks but ugly hair stinks worse

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9/27/2010

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Fixed My Color Oops!

By jennie

from VT

describe yourself Product Junkie

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Use
Gentle

Cons

Smells Bad

Best Uses

New Look

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

This product worked really well for me. I have been dyeing my naturally dirty blonde hair, a lighter blonde for years now. I don't like when my hair gets brassy tones, so I used a champange blonde dye (permanent), it came out waaay to dark and my hair had bluish green highlights!! Aaaahhh! I used Color Oops extra strength the next day and it took out all of the blue and green and restored my hair back to blonde. I didn't even need to dye again! For people that didn't have good luck...the box explains that this product will lift color if you have dyed your hair a darker color, and correct tone (i.e. bluish/green). But may not work if you have gone to a lighter color or tone.
The only complaint that I have is the smell, although not bad it seems to linger in hair. But a small price to pay to have my "normal" hair back!!

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8/16/2010

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Works great!

By Kimi

from Louisiana

describe yourself Beauty Conscious

Pros

Easy To Use
Gentle
Great Color

Cons

Smells Bad

Best Uses

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

I was scared to use it I had dyed my hair with a medium blonde color and it came out red so I dyed it again with a light blonde and it came out a horrible green/brown color. I used this product the next day and it removed ALL of the green/brown color and is blonde again. Highly recommend! It does stink though, but I didn't care just wanted my hair to look blonde again!

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8/14/2010

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

You guys are Crazy...

By Mmmchck

from Indiana

describe yourself Beauty Conscious

Pros

Easy To Use
Gentle
Great Color
Long-Lasting
Natural Look

Cons

Best Uses

New Look

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

I read all the remarks and replies that everyone posted and researched. I have always done my hair., cut, colored, light highlights for years ever since I can remember and I had a wild hair one day to color it dark brown cause was and still am a big time blonde at my age of 48..little touch of gray..but I wanted to impress my hubby cause he loves the Ashly Judd look and colored it her color...so I did it..was not fit for me...well called around for past week or so and it was going to cost me 135 dollars plus to strip my color brown out....friend of mine told me about Color Oops..and that is when I read about it...lol, well comes to find out..my hubby stopped and got it without my permission, cause he knew I was not happy...so I tried it...and I am back to my natural color within 20 mins...the smell?..well I turned on my bathroom fan and went to town on my hair, either we can't smell right it doesn't smell..yes a light odor but it was gone in no time..so come on...if you read the direction clearly and do it right it comes out right...we are happy with my color now..i'm back to the blonde I had before I starting dying my hair......now I did get some ppl stating that if you are dark dark brown or black like I was ...yes there will be some orange or reddish...but I didn't..depends on how you use it...and if it didn't turn out? I was told to use lighter coloring to your hair ...but I guess I'm bless on doing it the correct way..and very very satified...Thank you..hopefully I will not be silly and dye my hair that dark again.

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7/11/2010

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Got my right color back

By Pook

from Milwaukee, WI

describe yourself Minimalist

Pros

Easy To Use

Cons

NONE

Best Uses

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

Used L'Oreal Healthy Look Darkest Brown and it looked jet black. Got Color Oops and followed the directions exactly. Took my hair to the dark brown color I wanted (I'm completely grey). I didn't even need to apply a new color. Perfect.

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6/18/2010

(0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

not for me

By Busy Mama

from Dallas, TX

describe yourself Beauty Conscious

See all my reviews

Pros

Cons

Difficult To Use
Messy
Smells Bad

Best Uses

New Look

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

I had low lights put into my hair a few times professionally and I wanted them out! I used this product and it did fade the low lights a bit but not completely. The product smells disgusting and made my hair smell disgusting. I cannot get the stink out of my hair no matter how much I wash it! My hair is also very dry now. UGH!

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6/12/2010

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

I liked it!

By Honey B

from camarillo,CA

describe yourself Product Junkie

Pros

Easy To Use
Gentle

Cons

Smells Bad
Turned my hair orange

Best Uses

On bad color

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

I dyed my hair a dark brown,and it turned out BLACK. I hated it,i wasn't able to wear certain shades of makeup without the black ruining the look,and i didnt want to bleach it.

One day i went to ralphs with my mother,and i was thinking about buying some bleach,to get rid of the black when i came upon color oops. I went home,and I used it,and it turned my hair a reddish orange color,but it looked fine,not natural,but i liked it.
I didnt want to damage my hair by re-dying the next day,so i waited 4 months,and re-dyed it.

Now i am going back to use it again because after i dyed my hair a red color,it turned red-purple-and black.
And i hate it.
Definitely recommend.

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5/13/2010

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Ohh YEAH!

By Christa

from Vancouver, WA

describe yourself Product Junkie

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Use

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

I used the Color oops it worked like a charm! i was very sketchy at first because i heard really good things about color oops and then bad things...so i called the company on the box and they explained everything to me, the girl i spoke to was EXTREMELY nice, i feel bad i was asking like every question in the world. lol. but ANYWAYS... basically the people that have said bad things about color oops are people that have not read the directions. So read the directions! its not hard AT ALL! :)
People say it stinks so i had my sister put the color oops on me outside, we both did not smell a thing...so maybe it just stinks in closed areas?
Great product, if you have questions that aren't on the box call them.

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3/28/2010

(2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Turned my hair ORANGE!

By Lena Bee

from Los Angeles, CA

describe yourself Professional Stylist

See all my reviews

Pros

Cons

Color Misrepresented
Messy
Smells Bad

Best Uses

Comments about Color Oops Hair Color Remover, Extra Strength, 1 Application:

Color Oops ruined my hair! I had high expectations about this taking the black out of my once brunette hair. I followed directions carefully and when I rinsed it out, RED-ORANGE CLOWN HAIR! I hated it! Don't risk it, it can only make your hair worse.

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