Can You Use Color Oops on Wet Hair? A Guide to Proper Application

Color Oops is a popular hair color remover that promises to erase your permanent or semi-permanent hair dye. With rave reviews about its effectiveness, many DIY hair colorists have turned to Color Oops as a quick fix for hair color mistakes or changes of heart.

But there is often confusion around the proper way to apply it. Namely – can you use Color Oops on wet hair, or does it need to be applied to dry hair only?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer whether or not Color Oops can be used on wet hair. We’ll also provide tips for using it correctly to remove dye from your locks while keeping damage minimal.

What is Color Oops?

For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick rundown on what exactly Color Oops is:

• Color Oops is a hair color remover made by L’Oreal that claims to remove permanent and semi-permanent hair dye.

• It works by breaking the artificial dye molecules from the hair strands through a chemical process.

• Color Oops comes in a two-part kit with a tube of remover cream and a tube of conditioning creme.

• It usually removes hair color in one application, with results seen after just 20 minutes.

• Color Oops is safe for use on all hair types and colors, including black and blonde hair.

Now that you know what it is, let’s get into the pressing question…

Can You Apply Color Oops to Wet Hair?

According to the product’s instructions, Color Oops should only be applied to completely dry, product-free hair.

Applying it to wet or even damp hair is not recommended and can reduce its effectiveness. The reason is simple:

• Wet hair dilutes the Color Oops formula, making it weaker.

• Diluted formula = weaker color removal results.

So for best results, your hair should be 100% dry before applying Color Oops. Even a little dampness can hinder the product from working fully.

The brand also advises not washing hair for 48 hours before using Color Oops. This allows oils and products to build up, which aids in the color removal process.

But rest assured – they don’t mean you should apply it to dirty, unwashed hair. You still need to thoroughly shampoo and prep your hair, then wait 2 days before color removal.

What Happens If You Use It on Wet Hair?

Okay, so the instructions say to use Color Oops on dry hair only. But what actually happens if you don’t follow the rules and apply it to damp or wet hair?

Here’s what you can expect:

• It likely won’t remove much color, if any. Wet hair dilutes the product, making it very weak and ineffective.

• Any color removal will be uneven and splotchy since wet sections won’t process well.

• It can leave hair extremely dry and damaged due to overprocessing. Wet hair absorbs chemicals faster.

• Can cause extreme dryness or breakage around the delicate hairline and roots.

• Will still cause hair dryness and irritation without properly removing color.

• The horrible sulfur smell will linger for weeks even after many washes.

Always apply it only to dry strands for safe, even, complete color removal.

How to Correctly Apply Color Oops

To properly use Color Oops for at-home hair color removal, follow these simple steps:

Prep Hair

• Shampoo hair thoroughly then wait 48 hours before applying Color Oops.

• Ensure hair is 100% dry – blow dry if needed.

• Part dry hair into four sections and clip up.

Mix and Apply

• Pour Part 1 into Part 2, close lid, and shake vigorously to activate.

• While wearing gloves, apply the mixed formula to hair in sections.

• Fully saturate roots to ends, smoothing product through.

• Cover hair with the included plastic processing cap.

Process and Rinse

• Process for exactly 20 minutes – do not exceed time.

• Rinse for 20 full minutes initially – do not shampoo yet.

• Shampoo thoroughly and rinse again for 5 minutes.

• Condition and style as usual.

Be extremely thorough when rinsing, as any leftovers can ruin your next dye job. Shampoo again if needed to remove the signature sulfur smell.

Tips for Using Color Oops Successfully

To maximize your chances of perfect color removal, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Work in a well-ventilated area and protect surfaces from drips.

• If hair is longer or thicker, use more product than the minimum.

• Divide hair into very small sections for thorough coverage.

• Periodically re-smooth sections to keep product well distributed.

• Do a strand test first to check your hair won’t be damaged.

• Have your next desired hair color ready to apply after rinsing.

• Avoid getting product on scalp or skin to prevent irritation.

• Follow with a deep conditioner for hydration after processing.

What About Using It on Semi-Permanent Dye?

What about removing semi-permanent hair color – can you also use Color Oops for that?

The short answer is yes, Color Oops can be used to remove semi-permanent dye like hair chalk, vivid tones, or temporary fantasy colors.

Since semi-permanent dye only coats the outside of hair, it is easier to remove than permanent dye. However, the same rules apply:

• Only use on dry, product-free hair for best results.

• Wet or damp hair will dilute the remover and leave color behind.

• Allow 48 hours of oil build-up beforehand for easy removal.

• Rinse extremely thoroughly after processing.

So yes, Color Oops can work great on semi-permanent dyes – as long as you adhere to the steps for dry hair and proper application.

Pros and Cons of Using Color Oops

Before trying Color Oops yourself, consider these key pros and cons:

Pros:

• Effectively removes permanent and semi-permanent dye

• Gentler on hair than bleach or other removers

• Multiple applications are safe if needed

• Very easy and straightforward to use

• Less expensive than professional removal

Cons:

• Very unpleasant rotten egg smell

• Can cause dryness or irritation if left on too long

• Not precise for targeting only certain color areas

• Still some risk of damage if over-processed

• Dramatic color change in just one use may be jarring

So weigh the pros and cons against your own needs. When applied correctly to dry hair, many find Color Oops to work hair color removal magic.

The Final Takeaway

Should you use Color Oops on wet hair? No – for safe, effective color removal, only apply it to completely dry, clean strands.

Wet hair dilutes and weakens the formula leading to patchy, uneven results. And it causes more damage to hair than processing it while dry.

Have your hair freshly shampooed, then wait 48 hours before color removal. Section dry hair and thoroughly apply the mixed formula from roots to ends.

Rinse for the full recommended time – don’t skimp on this vital step! Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

While the smell may be unpleasant, the results are worth it. Used properly on dry hair, Color Oops can work miracles to erase your outdated dye in minutes.