How to Get Hair Dye Off Skin: 10 Safe and Easy Methods

Hair dye at home is a quick and easy way to update your look, however it can be easy to accidentally get some hair dye onto your skin. Dark hair dyes can cause unsightly stains on your forehead, ears, neck and hands.

There are a number of ways you can try to remove unwanted hair dye stains using safe and easy to use methods.

Try using gentle soaps, petroleum jelly, makeup removers and specific oils to help remove the hair dye. However avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too much, especially on your face.

Below you will find some tips on How to Get Hair Dye Off Skin, how to deal with stubborn stains and how to avoid getting any unwanted stains.

Remove Hair Dye From Skin Fast

The quickest way to remove hair dye from your skin is to clean the area.

If you remove the hair dye whilst it is still fresh, it will make it easier to remove.

Use a gentle soap and warm water to clean the area.

If the stain remains, then try using a gentle product like petroleum jelly or makeup remover.

Best Ways to Remove Hair Dye From Your Skin

Results will vary depending on what type of dye you used, how long it has been on your skin and how sensitive your skin is.

10 Ways to Remove Hair Dye From Skin

1. Gentle Soap & Warm Water

One of the easiest ways to remove hair dye from your skin is to use gentle soap and warm water.

This will work best if the dye is still fresh.

How to use:

1. Dampen the stained area with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of gentle soap.
3. Massage gently using your fingertips.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Pat dry with a clean towel.

Avoid vigorously scrubbing as it can cause redness.

2. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a gentle option to help remove some of the hair dye.

It can also help to protect the skin.

How to use:

1. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the stained area.
2. Massage gently.
3. Leave for a few minutes.
4. Wipe away using a soft damp cloth.
5. Wash the area using gentle soap.

This can be useful for removing hair dye from your forehead, neck and hairline.

3. Makeup Remover

Makeup remover can help to remove some hair dye as it is designed to remove cosmetic pigment.

Use a gentle remover that is suitable for your skin.

How to use:

1. Dampen a cotton pad with makeup remover.
2. Gently wipe over the stained area.
3. Avoid rubbing.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Apply moisturiser if required.

Avoid using near the eye.

4. Baby Oil

Using baby oil can help to soften and remove some of the dyed residue.

This is often used to remove certain cosmetics.

How to use:

1. Apply a small amount of oil.
2. Massage gently.
3. Leave for a few minutes.
4. Wipe away using a soft cloth.
5. Thoroughly wash the area.

Stop using if irritation occurs.

5. Coconut Oil

This is a gentle way to clean the stained area.

Whilst it may not remove all of the hair dye it can help to loosen some of the residue.

How to use:

1. Apply a small amount.
2. Apply to the stain.
3. Massage gently.
4. Wipe away using a damp cloth.
5. Wash with gentle soap.

Avoid if you are allergic to coconut.

6. Micellar Water

Micellar water has cleansing properties that can help to remove dirt, oils and certain cosmetcs.

This can be useful for removing light hair dye stains from your face.

How to use:

1. Dampen a cotton pad with micellar water.
2. Press onto the stain.
3. Gently wipe.
4. Repeat once if required.
5. Rinse as per product instructions.

If you have sensitive skin choose one with no scent.

7. Gentle Face Wash

A gentle face wash is a good option if you have sensitive skin.

This can help to gradually remove fresh dye.

How to use:

1. Dampen the area.
2. Apply a small amount.
3. Massage gently for a few seconds.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Apply a suitable moisturiser.

Avoid using any exfoliating acids or harsh products on irritated skin.

8. Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balms are designed to melt away makeup, sunscreen and oils.

Some can also help remove hair dye.

How to use:

1. Apply a small amount onto dry skin.
2. Massage gently onto the area.
3. Add water if instructed.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Pat dry with a clean towel.

This can be a convenient option for removing hair dye from your hairline.

9. Gentle Shampoo

A gentle shampoo may help to remove fresh hair dye residue from your hands/neck.

However, this may not be suitable for use on your face.

How to use:

1. Apply a small amount onto damp skin.
2. Massage gently.
3. Rinse with warm water.
4. Carefully pat dry.
5. Apply moisturiser if required.

Avoid using clarifying shampoos as they can dry out or irritate your skin.

10. Professional Hair Dye Remover

Some beauty suppliers sell specific products to remove hair colour from your skin.

This can be useful if gentle methods at home don’t work.

How to use:

1. Follow manufacturers instructions.
2. Ensure it is suitable for use on skin.
3. Ensure it is suitable for the area you are using it on.
4. Only use as instructed.
5. If you feel any burning or irritation stop using immediately.

Never use products to clean surfaces or remove paint.

How to Remove Hair Dye From Your Face

Your face can be more sensitive than your hands.

If you have got hair dye on your forehead, cheeks and/or hairline, use a gentle soap, micellar water or gentle makeup remover.

Avoid using any strong cleaning products near your eyes, nose and mouth.

Don’t use nail polish remover, household bleach or harsh exfoliators.

If the stain doesn’t wash away straight away, let it fade naturally to avoid causing any further irritation.

How to Remove Hair Dye From Hands & Nails

Hair dye can be difficult to remove from your hands as the pigment can sit around your fingers and nails.

Wash with gentle soap and warm water.

Try using baby oil or petroleum jelly to help remove any leftover residue.

If you have got hair dye around your nails, use a soft nail brush and gently brush over the area.

Avoid scraping or using strong solvents.

How Long Does Hair Dye Last On Skin?

Hair dye will normally fade overtime as the top layer of your skin will shed naturally.

How long it lasts will depend on the type of dye, how intense the stain is, your skin and how often you wash.

Some light stains may fade after a few washes, however darker stains can last a few days.

Avoid vigorously cleaning as it can do more harm than good.

What to Avoid

Some common home remedies can cause irritation and damage to your skin.

Avoid using:

• Household bleach – Can cause chemical burns and severe irritation.
• Nail polish remover – Can contain solvents that can cause damage and irritation.
• Vigorous scrubbing – Can cause redness and damage.
• Strong detergents – Can strip the skin of its natural oils.
• Toothpaste – Can cause irritation due to some of the ingredients.
• Baking Soda – Can be abrasive and cause irritation.

If your skin becomes sore, swollen, blistered or very irritated stop using any removal products and see a doctor.

How to Avoid Getting Hair Dye Stains

Often it is easier to avoid getting stains.

Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline.

Before colouring your hair apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your forehead, ears and neck. Avoid applying to the hair you wish to colour.

Wear gloves.

This will help to avoid getting any dye on your hands and fingers.

Use a colouring brush.

This will help you to apply the colour more precisely and avoid getting any on your skin.

Wipe up any spills.

If any dye gets on your skin gently wipe it away.

Follow instructions.

Always follow the manufacturers instructions. This includes carrying out an allergy test and how long to apply for.

FAQs

1. How can I remove hair dye from my skin quickly?

Wash the area with gentle soap and warm water. Try using makeup remover or petroleum jelly to help remove any remaining stains.

2. Can I use coconut oil to remove hair dye?

It may help to loosen some of the residue. It will depend on the type of hair dye and how long it has been on.

3. How do I remove permanent hair dye?

Start by using gentle methods to clean. Permanent dye can take longer to fade so avoid vigorous scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

4. Can I use toothpaste to remove hair dye?

It is not recommended as some ingredients can cause irritation. Try gentle cleansers instead.

5. Will the hair dye fade?

Yes, most surface stains will fade overtime.

Conclusion

Knowing how to remove hair dye from your skin can help you if you have some unwanted stains.

Using gentle methods such as gentle soap, petroleum jelly, makeup remover and baby oil can help remove fresh dye.

Avoid using harsh chemicals and vigorous scrubbing especially on your face.

To achieve the best results clean any accidental stains and apply petroleum jelly around your hairline.