Safely Lighten Alternative Hair with Rit® Color Remover

By Jessica Catalde, National Stylist Trainer, International Hairgoods

As experts in hair color, extensions, and non-surgical hair replacement, we strongly advise against lightening alternative human hair. However, we can help you explore other options that may be more suitable for your specific needs.

Utilizing Rit® Color Remover can help you lighten dark human hair systems, toppers, and wigs; even a Level 1 Black! This technique is recommended for knot bleaching, highlighting, or overall human hair lightening. This method is primarily recommended for lace, or non-skin base, systems, and will only work on human (not synthetic) hair.

Step 1: Bleaching Desired Human Hair Areas

Preparation: Mix bleach and 20-volume developer to a thick consistency that allows your brush to stand upright. (Do not exceed 20 volume developer!)

Timing: Ideal processing time should start at 5 minutes and should not exceed 10 minutes.

Target Areas: Apply the bleach mixture to the specific areas you want to lighten. This could include hair knots, entire head of hair, or highlights.

Step 2: Rinse & Towel Dry

Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the bleached hair with warm to hot water. Shampooing is optional, but if you choose to shampoo, use a gentle, moisturizing formula.

Dry: Gently towel dry the entire hair system.

Step 3: Prepare the Rit® Solution

Boiling Water: Boil water in a kettle or pot, microwave, coffee maker…

Mix with Rit® Powder: Pour the boiling water into a glass or plastic bowl (avoid metal or lightweight plastic that would melt). Add Rit® powder to the water until it becomes cloudy.

Step 4: Dip the Base, Hair, or Both

Dip: Immerse the desired areas (base, hair, or both) into the boiling water and Rit® mixture.

Coloring Process: Continue dipping until the color runoff stops.

Step 5: Towel Dry & Check the Color. Continue to Lighten if Necessary

If color needs to be lightened further, repeat steps 3-5.

Step 6: Tone Hair

Once the color is stripped, cocktail the correct toner, and tone hair to desired tonality.

Step 7: Shampoo & Condition

Once desired tone is achieved, use a moisturizing shampoo and the correct conditioner for the hair to seal the cuticle.

The photo above demonstrates a subtle but significant change - the knots at the front hairline have been bleached. This technique creates a more natural appearance, mimicking the look of hair growing from the scalp.

Materials Needed:

• (Hair) Bleach

• 20 Volume Developer

• Color Brush

• Rit® Color Remover

• Bowl

• Boiling Water

• Toner, if needed