You’ve got a fresh new color that looks fantastic on you, it’s styled perfectly and you’re really feeling yourself. Then you look in the mirror and realize that you’ve got some new smudges along your hairline — uh oh.
If you’ve ever had a hair dye mishap, you aren’t alone.
Getting hair dye on your skin (whether it’s your hairline, ears or hands) is stressful, especially if it’s from a DIY boxed dye job or you aren’t sure how to fix it. But don’t worry! Hair dye stains are totally fixable with the right approach. Below, we’ve got simple, effective ways to remove hair dye from your skin so you can get back to loving your color.
Solutions to Remove Hair Dye from Skin Fast
If you’ve got hair dye on your skin, try one (or a few) of these tried-and-true methods to lift the stain effectively.
1. Makeup Remover or Micellar Water
Makeup remover and micellar water aren’t just for taking off your eyeshadow or foundation — they can also dissolve hair dye stains on your skin. Both are gentle and easy to use, making them a great option for sensitive areas like the face or hairline.
How to Use:
- Soak a cotton pad with makeup remover or micellar water.
- Gently swipe it over the stained area until the stain lifts.
- Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
2. Oil-Based Solutions
Natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil and baby oil can be lifesavers when it comes to removing hair dye. They work by breaking down the pigments in the dye without damaging your skin. Plus, they’re soothing and gentle — you won’t just be getting the hair dye off your neck or hairline, you’ll be giving yourself a little spa treatment!
How to Use:
- Apply a generous amount of oil to the stained area.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to loosen the dye.
- Wipe off with a clean, damp cloth or rinse with warm water.
3. Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
A little bit of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can work wonders for removing hair dye. Keep in mind, however, that these solutions could be drying or irritating. Always patch-test first, especially if you have sensitive skin — you don’t want to just swap out your problems!
How to Use:
- Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer onto a cotton pad.
- Gently rub over the stained area until the stain lifts.
- Follow up with a moisturizer to restore hydration.
4. Exfoliation with a Gentle Scrub
Sometimes, a little bit of exfoliation can do the trick. Gentle scrubs like sugar or salt scrub can lift hair dye without needing harsh products or treatments.
How to Use:
- Use your favorite scrub product — this is easily done in the shower as part of your regular routine.
- Gently massage the stained area with a circular motion.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Dish Soap + Baking Soda
This DIY combo is a great alternative to a scrub for those who want a deeper clean. Dish soap has degreasing properties that can lift stubborn hair dye stains, while baking soda provides the perfect exfoliant to remove the pigment.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste.
- Apply the mixture to the stained area and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently scrub the area and rinse with warm water.
Tips to Avoid Hair Dye Stains
Now that you know how to clean up a hair dye mishap, let’s talk prevention. Taking a few simple steps can save you from hair dye stains in the future:
- Prep your skin before dyeing. Apply a barrier like petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizer along your hairline and on your ears to keep unwanted dye from sticking to your skin.
- Wear gloves. They’re essential for protecting your hands while applying dye.
- Clean up immediately. The sooner you address a stain, the easier it is to remove it. Keep a damp cloth nearby while coloring your hair to wipe off any splashes right away.
When to See a Professional
If you’re dealing with a stain that seems unusually stubborn, it may be time to call in the pros. A stylist can safely remove the stain with a professional grade color remover. If you’re irritated by the above solutions or you’re struggling with a persistent stain, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert help.
Of course, getting your hair colored by a professional stylist will minimize the chances of getting dye in the wrong places to begin with! Practice makes perfect, and we’ve got experience making sure that hair dye stays exactly where you want it — on your hair.
Getting hair dye on your skin isn’t the end of the world. With these simple suggestions, you can get back to your gorgeous new hair color without any added stress. Whether you’re using makeup remover, oil or DIY hacks like baking soda and dish soap, these remedies will help you erase the stain and get on with your day.
Hair dye mishaps happen to the best of us. Just remember: don’t panic! With the right tips and tools, you’ve got this.
Book your next appointment with us today and leave the stress of DIY hair dye behind. Let the expert stylists at Stephanie Moss Salon give you the perfect color without the mess.
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