You might be tempted to grab Oops Hair Color Remover to undo a bad dye job, but hold off before clicking buy.
This ammonia-free formula promises to wash away permanent dyes, but my experience and user feedback reveal inconsistent results and a tedious process.
As someone who tried it on a botched brown dye, I’ll share why it fell short.
From patchy outcomes to a lingering smell, this review covers my journey, pros, cons, maintenance tips, and comparisons.
Read on to see why you should skip it for better alternatives.
My Experience with Oops Hair Color Remover: A Frustrating Attempt

Last month, I dyed my hair a dark brown that turned out too ashy, so I bought Oops Hair Color Remover (4 oz, $12) to fix it.
I applied it to my dry, shoulder-length hair, following the instructions to a T.
The process was simple—mix two bottles, apply evenly, and wait 20 minutes.
You’ll hope for a quick fix, but I was stuck rinsing for over 30 minutes, doing squats in the shower to pass the time.
The result? My hair stayed nearly the same shade, with only slight lightening.
Analytically, the formula shrinks dye molecules for removal, per the brand, but my high-porosity, curly hair didn’t respond well.
The aloe vera and soy protein felt conditioning, but the rotten egg smell was awful.
You’ll cringe at the odor lingering in your bathroom.
I tried again, leaving it on longer, but saw minimal change.
My friend with fine hair had better luck, lightening her red dye to a brassy blonde, but she also hated the rinse time.
I followed up with a keratin mask, as my hair felt coarse post-rinse.
You’ll need serious aftercare to restore softness.
My cousin, desperate to remove black dye, saw no difference and gave up.
The strand test helped, but the process was exhausting.
You’ll find it works better on fresh dyes, but it’s hit-or-miss for older colors.
This remover’s affordable, but the effort and smell make it a chore.
I persisted.
A third try on fresher dye lightened slightly, but the orange undertone was noticeable.
You’ll want better options for reliable results.
My final take: it’s not worth the hassle.
Maintenance Tips for Oops Hair Color Remover: Caring for Your Hair Post-Use

- Deep Condition Immediately: Keratin mask: My hair regained softness.
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Preserve moisture: My curls stayed hydrated.
- Rinse Thoroughly: 20 minutes minimum: My dye washed out better.
- Apply Protein Treatment: Strengthen strands: My breakage reduced.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Limit damage: My hair stayed healthier.
- Test Before Recoloring: Strand test: My new dye applied evenly.
- Use Clarifying Shampoo Weekly: Remove residue: My scalp felt clean.
- Moisturize Daily: Leave-in conditioner: My hair stayed smooth.
- Ventilate Bathroom: Clear odor: My space stayed fresh.
- Check Hair Porosity: Adjust use: My high-porosity hair needed care.
Maintenance is essential.
Deep Condition Immediately softens: Hair smooth.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo hydrates: Curls moist.
Rinse Thoroughly washes: Dye gone.
Apply Protein Treatment strengthens: Breakage less.
Avoid Heat Styling healthies: Hair safe.
Test Before Recoloring evens: Dye good.
Use Clarifying Shampoo Weekly cleans: Scalp clear.
Moisturize Daily smooths: Hair soft.
Ventilate Bathroom freshens: Space clean.
Check Hair Porosity adjusts: Care tailored.
You’ll need these tips to restore your hair post-Oops.
Proper care minimizes dryness and damage.
My curls bounced back, and yours can too.
These steps make the process less harsh.
Why Hair Color Removers Like Oops Matter: Fixing Dye Mishaps
Hair color removers like Oops aim to undo dye disasters without bleach.
My ashy brown needed a reset, but the results disappointed.
You’ll want a product that saves your hair from bad dyes—Oops tries but often fails.
The ammonia-free formula, per haircare science, is gentler, but inconsistent on older dyes.
I avoided salon costs, but you’ll need patience.
My friend used it for a quick fix, but the effort was high.
You need a remover that works—this one’s unreliable.
Long-Term Use of Oops Hair Color Remover: Diminishing Returns
After two tries, my Oops bottle was nearly empty, with minimal results.
You’ll see some lightening on fresh dyes, but older colors resist.
My cousin’s black dye stayed put after three uses.
Analytically, semi-permanent removers struggle with oxidative dyes, per chemistry studies.
My hair felt drier over time, needing constant conditioning.
You’ll get temporary fixes, but expect frequent reapplications.
My experience was underwhelming for the effort.
Integrating Oops Hair Color Remover: A Tedious Routine
I used Oops as a one-off fix, applying it to dry hair before a shower.
You’ll find it straightforward—mix, apply, wait, rinse forever.
My hair felt clean but coarse, requiring heavy conditioning.
You need a remover that’s quick—this one’s a chore.
My friend used it before a wedding but regretted the smell.
Your routine will feel disrupted by the long rinse.
You’ll want a simpler solution for dye mishaps.
Pros and Cons of Oops Hair Color Remover

Pros of Oops Hair Color Remover: Some Redeeming Features
- Ammonia-Free Formula: Gentle on hair: My scalp stayed irritation-free.
- Conditions During Use: Aloe vera, soy protein: My hair felt soft initially.
- Affordable Price: $12 per box: My wallet wasn’t hurt.
- Easy to Apply: Mix and spread: My application was quick.
- No Bleach Needed: Less damage: My strands stayed intact.
- Works on Fresh Dye: Recent colors lift: My friend’s red faded.
- Safe for Most Hair Types: Curly or fine: My hair wasn’t ruined.
- Quick Processing Time: 20 minutes: My wait was short.
- No Harsh Fumes: Mild chemicals: My eyes didn’t sting.
- Widely Available: Easy to find: My local store stocked it.
The pros are limited.
Ammonia-Free Formula gentles: Scalp safe.
Conditions During Use softens: Hair smooth.
Affordable Price saves: Wallet happy.
Easy to Apply quickens: Application simple.
No Bleach Needed protects: Strands intact.
Works on Fresh Dye fades: Colors lift.
Safe for Most Hair Types suits: Hair fine.
Quick Processing Time speeds: Wait short.
No Harsh Fumes eases: Eyes clear.
Widely Available stocks: Store easy.
You’ll find it budget-friendly and gentle, but don’t expect miracles.
The conditioning formula is a plus for damaged hair.
My scalp stayed calm, and yours might too.
It’s a decent emergency option, but results vary.
Cons of Oops Hair Color Remover: Too Many Dealbreakers
- Inconsistent Results: Patchy lightening: My brown barely budged.
- Long Rinse Time: 20-30 minutes: My shower dragged on.
- Foul Odor: Rotten egg smell: My bathroom reeked.
- Dries Hair: Coarse after use: My curls felt rough.
- Doesn’t Remove All Dyes: Bold colors stay: My cousin’s black persisted.
- Orange Undertones: Brassy results: My hair turned odd.
- Multiple Rinses Needed: Tedious process: My patience was tested.
- Not for Direct Dyes: Pinks, blues stay: My friend’s purple didn’t fade.
- Small Bottle Size: 4 oz: My long hair needed more.
- No Refund for Poor Results: Strict policy: My money was stuck.
The cons are significant.
Inconsistent Results patches: Lightening uneven.
Long Rinse Time drags: Shower long.
Foul Odor reeks: Bathroom smelly.
Dries Hair roughens: Curls coarse.
Doesn’t Remove All Dyes persists: Colors stay.
Orange Undertones brassies: Hair odd.
Multiple Rinses Needed tests: Patience gone.
Not for Direct Dyes stays: Vibrants remain.
Small Bottle Size limits: Hair needs more.
No Refund for Poor Results sticks: Money lost.
You’ll find Oops frustrating for stubborn dyes.
The smell and rinse time are major drawbacks.
My results were lackluster, and yours might be too.
You’ll need to weigh the effort against the outcome.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Better Natured Hair Color
Comparison with Other Brands: Oops’ Patchy Performance
- Oops Hair Color Remover Vs. Color Fix by One ‘n’ Only
Color Fix ($15) is a three-step remover, while Oops ($12) is two-step.
My Color Fix lightened better; Oops left my brown patchy.
Oops is simpler; Color Fix takes longer.
You’ll pick Color Fix for reliability, Oops for budget.
Color Fix smells better; Oops reeks.
Choose Color Fix for results, Oops for price.
My friend preferred Color Fix’s consistency; Oops was inconsistent.
You’ll want Color Fix for stubborn dyes, Oops for quick tries.
- Oops Hair Color Remover Vs. Punky Colour Off
Punky Colour Off ($14) is stronger, while Oops ($12) is gentler.
My Punky removed red dye well; Oops barely touched brown.
Oops is ammonia-free; Punky’s harsher.
You’ll choose Punky for bold dyes, Oops for mild fixes.
Punky’s rinse is shorter; Oops takes ages.
Pick Punky for vibrants, Oops for basics.
My cousin liked Punky’s power; Oops disappointed.
You’ll want Punky for tough colors, Oops for budget.
- Oops Hair Color Remover Vs. Ion Color Brilliance Remover
Ion Color Brilliance ($10) is budget-friendly, while Oops ($12) is similar.
My Ion lightened evenly; Oops was patchy.
Oops conditions better; Ion’s drying.
You’ll pick Ion for results, Oops for gentleness.
Ion’s scent is milder; Oops smells bad.
Choose Ion for effectiveness, Oops for conditioning.
My friend found Ion reliable; Oops failed her.
You’ll want Ion for consistency, Oops for affordability.
- Oops Hair Color Remover Vs. Joico Color Intensity Eraser
Joico Color Intensity ($20) is premium, while Oops ($12) is cheap.
My Joico erased blue dye fast; Oops didn’t touch brown.
Oops is simpler; Joico’s professional.
You’ll choose Joico for vibrants, Oops for budget.
Joico smells better; Oops reeks.
Pick Joico for pros, Oops for quick tries.
My cousin preferred Joico’s results; Oops was weak.
You’ll want Joico for bold dyes, Oops for basics.
- Oops Hair Color Remover Vs. Pravana Artificial Hair Color Extractor
Pravana Extractor ($18) is salon-grade, while Oops ($12) is consumer-friendly.
My Pravana worked on black dye; Oops failed.
Oops is gentler; Pravana’s stronger.
You’ll pick Pravana for results, Oops for ease.
Pravana’s rinse is easier; Oops takes forever.
Choose Pravana for power, Oops for budget.
My friend liked Pravana’s reliability; Oops disappointed.
You’ll want Pravana for tough dyes, Oops for light fixes.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Danger Jones Hair Color
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sometimes, on fresh dyes; my brown barely lightened.
Results vary by hair type.
No, only permanent dyes; my friend’s purple stayed.
Bold colors resist removal.
Yes, thorough rinsing is key; my 30-minute rinse was tedious.
Shorter rinses fail.
It lifts to brassy undertones; my curls turned orange-ish.
Toning corrects it.
Final Thoughts
Oops Hair Color Remover promises easy dye removal, but patchy results, a foul smell, and endless rinsing make it a pass.
You’ll find better options in Color Fix or Pravana.
My experience was a letdown—save your money for reliable removers.
Look to trusted brands for effective color correction without the hassle.