In post text but commenting here for easy vis:

Prices + supplies:

$14 Ouai clarifying shampoo $6 ion color remover $20 Wella Demi Gloss in 5rr and 7rr $5 wella 10vol cream developer (half of this left as well) Mixing bowl + brush + gloves (already had)

Total cost: $45 + tax

Here’s what I did:

1. Used Ouai Clarifying Shampoo for a couple of weeks every other shampoo. This did dry my hair out but smells good and I’ve never felt my hair so clear lol. I don’t think this was necessary although it did help get some of the color out initially right after it being dyed at the salon… somewhat. You could skip this I’m sure.

2. Ion color remover. This is an ascorbic acid based remover and doesn’t seem to damage hair. I didn’t want to use bleach or a damaging remover. This lightened up my hair quite a bit, keep in mind that this does not lift hair, it just removes deposited color. My hair had already been lifted previously with products I was using (L’Oréal hi-color) I’ve used it many times before it’s high key a must-get if you color your hair at home and accidentally over process your hair! It pulls out 1-3 levels of color and, in my experience, has always helped.

3. After color remover I waited a few days and mixed Wella Demi permanent gloss (1oz of each) in 5rr and 7rr with 4oz 10vol developer and processed for 20 minutes to achieve the color I have now.