Colouring your hair can be fun experience, whether you prefer subtle highlights or like to go for a full-blown makeover, like going blonde. But having your hair done at a salon can be expensive if you like to do it on a regular basis. Whether it is to touch up your roots to cover greys or you want to switch to dyeing your hair at home to maintain your hair colour with more ease and less cost, one of the most common issues that come up is dealing with accidental spills and wondering how to get hair dye off your skin.
How to prevent hair dye stains
Making sure to use plastic gloves while applying the hair dye, covering yourself with a plastic cape or disposable cloth and keeping clear of any carpets, rugs or bedsheet will help to prevent spills and stains. Another technique to prevent stains around the hairline and neck is to apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly, Vaseline or lip balm to create a barrier. Just keeping a wet cloth ready to wipe off any spills as you go will also prevent any hard stains later on.
So while investing in the best shampoos for coloured hair, make sure to buy some of these simple products to prevent accidental stains after colouring your hair as well. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, there could be an accidental streak or two which could leave stains.
There are several simple ways to remove hair dye from your skin without agitating your skin or using any harsh products. You’ll be happy to know that most of our solutions include simple household items or products you may already have in your makeup collection.
Best products to get hair dye off skin
1. Using soap and water to get hair dye off skin
If you have just finished colouring your hair and it has not been long, you might be able to get the hair dye off your skin with a gentle cleanse using mild soap and water. However, if the stain is tougher there are other methods to get the hair dye off skin without irritating it.
2. Using makeup remover to get hair dye off skin
As this is a product you already use on your face and neck, you know it will not be harsh, and chances are you already have it on your dressing table. Using a cotton pad, try dabbing and rubbing out the stain to get hair dye off skin. This method is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
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3. Using rubbing alcohol to get hair dye off skin
If the dye has stained too much, you can consider using rubbing alcohol and gently trying to rub the stain. Designed to break down stains and semi-permanent dyes, rubbing alcohol is sure to get hair dye off your skin. But keep in mind that rubbing alcohol is quite drying and harsh, so it might not be suitable if you have sensitive skin. You should also moisturise after using it to soothe your skin.
4. Using olive oil to get hair dye off skin
If you have sensitive skin and the stain is proving to be quite hard to remove, olive oil is a great natural method to try. Using a cotton pad, rub the oil onto to the stained area and leave it on for up to 8 hours. You can also consider sleeping after applying it, but just be careful to use a shower cap or a disposable cloth so you don’t stain your bedspreads.
5. Using toothpaste to get hair dye off skin
If you need more precise cleaning techniques, take a cotton swab or pad to apply a small amount of toothpaste onto the stained area. Massage it into your skin and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with a washcloth soaked in warm water and this is sure to remove any hair dye off your skin.
6. Using nail polish remover to get hair dye off skin
It is important to note that nail polish remover is not safe to be used on your face or neck. But you can use it to remove any stubborn dye stains on your hands or fingers. Rubbing over the area for a few seconds is sure to make it come off.
AmazonThe OPI Acetone-free Nail Polish Remover is an effective formula that is acetone-free and can swipe away even darker polishes without drying out the nail too much. It is enriched with moisturising aloe vera and is also very gentle on the cuticles, leaving them smooth and soft.
7. Using petroleum jelly to get hair dye off skin
Try applying petroleum jelly to the stained area and leave it on overnight. This will help to soften and remove the dye easily with a gentle rinse in the morning.
8. Using milk to get hair dye off skin
For those with very sensitive skin, milk can be used as a gentle cleaner by soaking a cotton swab or pad with it to rub over the stained area. The proteins and fats in milk helps dissolve the dye and it will be easier to wipe the stain away.
9. Using lemon juice to get hair dye off skin
Lemon juice is another natural product that can help get hair dye off your skin due to its acidity that helps to fade stains. Rub a slice of lemon or some lemon juice on the stained area and leave it for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off. This will help bleach and fade the dye stain off your skin. This method will be more effective during the day as sunlight will increase the bleaching effect of the lemon juice.
10. Using white vinegar to get hair dye off skin
White vinegar is another naturally acidic product that can help remove hair dye stains. The uses of white vinegar for cleaning is quite versatile as we all know. Dabbing and rubbing the stained area with a cotton pad drenched with white vinegar will help to break down the dye and make it easier to get it off.
11. Using hair dye to get hair dye off skin
As surprising as this sounds, you can apply a small amount of the same hair dye you have been using to the stained area as it will help to reactivate the pigments in the stain, making it easier to be wiped off with a wet cloth.
12. Using baking soda and dishwashing soap to get hair dye off skin
If you are having a hard time with getting very stubborn hair dye stains off from any body part that is not very sensitive like your face, then a combination of baking soda and dishwashing soap is sure to do the trick. Mix equal parts of both the ingredients to make a paste and apply it to the stained area. Scrub and give the area a good rinse. This is a pretty harsh mixture for your skin, so use it only if the stain is really hard to remove.
FAQs
How do you get hair dye off your skin fast?
The fastest way to hair dye off your skin would be to remove spills and accidental streaks as and when they happen with a wet cloth and clean up as you go. This will make it easier to remove the stains before the colour deepens. Otherwise using any of the above-mentioned products will help to get hair dye off skin in no time.
Does permanent hair dye wash off skin?
Yes, using the right products and acting on time can easily remove hair dye off your skin without irritating or agitating your skin. The key is to act fast before the dye deepens and leaves harder stains. This will mean you will have to use harsher chemicals to get rid of the dye.
Does hand sanitizer remove hair dye from skin?
The alcohol content in hand sanitisers function like rubbing alcohol and can help to remove hair dye from skin. But please remember that using hand sanitisers can be very drying and therefore it might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, should not be used on the face or neck, must be tried on a small patch of skin first to check for any irritation and must always be followed by rinsing and moisturisation.
Will baby wipes remove hair dye from skin?
The moist and absorbent nature of baby wipes can help to remove hair dye stains from your skin and as they are designed to be used on the gentle and delicate skin of babies, it is safe to be used on any part of your body to remove stains.
Can micellar water remove hair dye from skin?
Micellar water is formulated to gently clean and exfoliate your skin to remove makeup, dirt and impurities from your face and therefore can be used to remove hair dye stains from your skin as it will help dissolve the stains without irritating the skin.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.