Smelly Hair after Color Conditioner

Older woman with red hair
Photo: Ozgur Coskun/Shutterstock
Q: I am an 80-year-old redhead, and as many people know, red hair doesn’t always fade into the most flattering shade over time. Since 1997, I’ve relied on a L'Oréal product that functioned as both a color shampoo and a color conditioner. It was perfect for maintaining my red hair while softening the shade to something more age-appropriate than the vibrant hue I had in my youth. Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued, and now I’m struggling to avoid looking dull and washed out.
 
Recently, I tried a color conditioner. The color result is just right - exactly what I was hoping for - but the smell is unbearable. That strong, ammonia-like odor is overwhelming, and I can’t stand catching whiffs of it throughout the day.
 
This is especially problematic because I go ballroom dancing four nights a week, and smelling like harsh chemicals is completely unacceptable! My hair looks shiny and healthy, but the lingering stench is a major issue. Do you know of any remedies - whether homemade or store-bought - that I could use as a rinse after applying the color conditioner to eliminate or at least reduce the smell?
 
A: I completely understand your frustration. Chemical odors from hair products can be unpleasant and distracting, especially for someone with an active social life like yours. Fortunately, there are a few effective solutions you can try to neutralize or minimize that strong smell.
 
1. Baking Soda Rinse:
 
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda into one quart of warm water. After rinsing out your color conditioner, use this solution as a final rinse. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors, so as your hair dries, the smell should become much less noticeable. If the odor lingers after your hair is dry, you can also transfer some of the baking soda mixture into a spray bottle and lightly mist it over your hair for additional odor control.
 
2. Vinegar Rinse:
 
Another effective option is to use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water as a rinse after applying the color. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and works well to neutralize strong chemical smells. Plus, it adds shine to your hair, leaving it looking even healthier. If you’re concerned about the vinegar scent, don’t worry. It dissipates completely as your hair dries.
 
If these home remedies don’t fully eliminate the odor, I recommend visiting a local beauty supply store and asking about specialized "odor remover" products designed for hair color. Some of these products are additives that you can mix directly with your color treatment to neutralize the smell before it even gets into your hair. Others come in spray or rinse form to use afterward. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to guide you toward the best option for your needs.
 
Additionally, you might consider looking for a color conditioner with a more pleasant fragrance or exploring alternative brands that offer similar color results without the strong chemical smell. Some brands now focus on gentler, more natural formulations that are less likely to leave behind an unpleasant odor.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Hair deodorizer
 
Home remedies for healthier hair