Short answer: the Color Oops smell comes from the sulfur-based ingredients that remove hair colour, and it usually fades after a long rinse and a few washes. Rinse for longer than you think, shampoo twice, use a rich conditioner and try a clarifying wash or a diluted vinegar rinse if the smell lingers.
If your hair smells like rotten eggs after using a colour remover, you are not alone. This guide explains why it happens, how long it lasts and what you can do about it.
Why does Color Oops smell so strong?
Colour removers such as Color Oops use sulfur-based ingredients to break apart colour molecules. These ingredients give off a strong, sulfur smell, similar to boiled eggs. The smell is most noticeable while the product is on your hair and tends to come back when hair is wet or heated.
How long does the Color Oops smell last?
Most people find the smell fades over a few washes. It can come back for a short time whenever your hair is wet or warm, such as in a hot shower or under a hair dryer. If it lingers after several days, the next steps can help.
Fix 1: Rinse for longer than you think
The step most people skip is the full rinse. Rinse your hair with warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, working through the lengths and ends, as the colour remover's directions say. Then shampoo and repeat if needed. Under-rinsing leaves product on the hair and keeps the smell going.
Other fixes that help
| Fix | How to do it | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo twice | Lather the scalp and lengths twice, rinse well | Low |
| Clarifying shampoo | Use once, then follow with conditioner | Low |
| Deep conditioner or hair mask | Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, rinse well | Low |
| Baking soda rinse | Mix a small spoonful into a cup of water and pour through hair, then rinse | Medium |
| Diluted apple cider vinegar rinse | One spoonful in a cup of water, pour over hair, leave for a minute, rinse | Medium |
| Dry shampoo | Masks the smell between washes but does not remove it | Low |
Try one method at a time so you can tell what works. If your hair feels dry afterwards, follow with a conditioning mask. Our tips for adding weight to hair can help smooth it out.
Easy rinse routine
- Rinse with warm water for at least 15 minutes.
- Shampoo with a gentle or clarifying shampoo and rinse well.
- Repeat the shampoo if you can still smell the product.
- Apply a rich conditioner and leave it on for a few minutes.
- Rinse and towel-dry.
- Let your hair air-dry or use low heat.
What does not work or makes it worse
- Heavy heat styling right away. Heat can bring the smell back.
- Perfume sprayed on hair. It mixes with the sulfur smell and rarely helps.
- Skipping the long rinse. Leftover product keeps smelling.
- Strong dish soap. It can leave hair dry and tangled.
Can you dye your hair again while it still smells?
Wait at least a day or two after the colour remover and rinse properly first. Dyeing straight away without a full rinse can darken the result. Read the instructions on your new dye and do a strand test. For tips on layering colours, see our guide to permanent dye over semi-permanent colour, and if you plan to go dark, read about how to dye hair jet black.
Does this work for other colour removers?
Yes. Many colour removers use sulfur-based chemistry, so the same rinsing and shampooing routine helps. Always follow the instructions on your product.
Prevent the smell next time
- Open a window or use a fan while applying
- Wear gloves and an old towel
- Rinse for the full time recommended
- Use a gentle shampoo straight afterwards
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Color Oops smell like rotten eggs?
The colour remover contains sulfur-based ingredients that give off a strong smell as they break down colour.
How long does the smell last?
Usually a few washes. It may come back briefly when your hair is wet or warm.
How do you get rid of the colour remover smell?
Rinse for 15 to 20 minutes, shampoo twice, use a rich conditioner and try a clarifying shampoo or diluted vinegar rinse.
Does baking soda remove the Color Oops smell?
A diluted baking soda rinse helps some people, followed by conditioner. Try one fix at a time.
Can I use perfume to cover the smell?
It rarely works and can make the smell stronger. Washing is more effective.
