Which technique is primarily used to remove unwanted color from hair?

The technique primarily used to remove unwanted color from hair is decoloring. This process involves the use of a lightening agent that strips the hair of its existing pigment, making it an effective method for achieving a lighter hair color or preparing the hair to accept a new hue.

Decoloring is particularly useful in situations where hair has been previously colored, allowing for the removal of unwanted tones, such as brassiness or overly dark shades, to reach a more neutral or balanced base before applying a new color. It is a vital step in many hair color correction processes, especially when transitioning from darker to lighter shades.

Color correction, while related, typically encompasses a broader range of methods and techniques to adjust the overall color of the hair rather than specifically focusing on the removal of color. Balayage is a highlighting technique that involves the painting of color directly onto the hair to create a blended, natural look, and it does not involve the removal of unwanted color. Clarifying treatments are primarily designed to remove product buildup, minerals, and impurities from the hair, rather than effectively removing color.

Thus, decoloring stands out as the primary method to intentionally strip hair of its existing color, making it the most suitable choice in this context.