How to Remove Hair Dye from Skin

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This article was co-written by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a dermatologist and founder of Tareen Dermatpogy based in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed her medical degree at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha society. During her time as a resident in dermatology at Cpumbia University in New York City, she won the New York Dermatological Society’s Conrad Stritzler Award and appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine. Tareen then completed a doctoral program specializing in skin surgery, laser and cosmetic dermatology.

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You decide to dye your hair at home to save money and you have the desired hair color. However, then you find your hands are covered with dye and also at the hairline. Don’t worry because there are many ways to remove dye from your skin, and you can also see some more tips to prevent dye from getting on your skin when you dye your hair at home.

Table of Contents

Treatment at home

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Remove the dye as quickly as possible. When you’re done dyeing your hair, you need to quickly remove the dye from your hands or at your hairline so that it doesn’t soak into your skin. Once the dye has penetrated the skin, it is very difficult to remove and requires vigorous scrubbing. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Rub baking soda or toothpaste that contains baking soda. Baking soda helps to effectively remove the active ingredients in the dye, but only with a mild detergent. It is like a natural cleanser for the skin of the hands and hairline. ^{[2] X Research Source}

However, if your skin is sensitive, you should just apply a little baking soda mixed with water on your skin and rub it gently. When your skin is red or irritated, try something else.
You can add lemon juice to baking soda and water for a powerful yet all-natural cleanser.

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Use olive oil, baby oil, or an oil-based moisturizer. Most commercially available dyes are oil-soluble and help cleanse the skin. Olive oil, baby oil, or an oil-based moisturizer all work to remove dye, especially if you have sensitive skin. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Dip a cotton ball in the oil and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes.
Rinse with warm water. Then check to see if the dye remains on the skin. If so, apply the oil to the stain one more time, but let the oil soak in longer than the first time before scrubbing and rinsing off the oil.
Applying baby oil or olive oil to the stain and leaving it overnight can also remove the dye. Cover the pillow with a towel so that the dye doesn’t stick to the pillowcase. Then, wash off the oil and dye the next morning with warm water. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Combine dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent. The properties of the detergent will quickly remove the dye. However, it may be too strong for delicate facial skin. Therefore, use unscented dishwashing liquid for your face if you have sensitive skin. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Put some laundry detergent on a damp cloth and rub it on the dyed skin. If you think the detergent is too strong for your skin, put a small amount of dishwashing liquid on a towel and rub it on your skin.
If you notice redness or irritation, discontinue use immediately.
Soap can dry out the skin. Remember to apply moisturizer immediately after washing.

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Try hairspray or vinegar. Both options have been confirmed to be able to remove dye from the skin. Hairspray and vinegar can exfoliate including dyes and reveal new skin as an exfoliator does. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Use a cotton ball to apply some hairspray or vinegar to the dye on your skin. Rub in a circular motion to remove the dye.
Then do the same a few more times if needed.
If skin becomes irritated or red, discontinue use immediately and use something milder.

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Avoid using harsh cleaning products such as nail polish remover. Nail polish remover contains some ingredients that are too strong for the skin, especially the delicate facial skin. Instead, use a method for sensitive skin like the oil method. ^{[7] X Research Sources}^{[8] X Research Sources}

Use specialized products

Avoid letting the dye get on your skin

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Wear gloves when dyeing your hair. The first step to prevent dye from getting on your skin is to prepare your equipment before dyeing. Buy a pair of plastic or nylon gloves to protect your skin. Cover the area with plastic wrap or newspaper to protect the area of the floor that you use to dye and wear old clothes so you don’t have to worry about getting dyed. ^{[9] X Research Source}

After dyeing your hair, you should use a nylon hood to protect your hair and avoid letting the dye get on your skin or clothes.

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Apply an oil-based product to the roots before dyeing. Another great tip is to make your own at-home skin protectant and apply it to the roots so the dye doesn’t stick to your skin. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Use Vaseline, an oil-based skin care product, or even a lip balm. Apply the product around the hairline, behind the ears, and on the back of the neck, so that the dye doesn’t easily penetrate the skin in this area.
Vaseline cream has a great warming effect, so you don’t have to worry about drying out your skin.

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Try using natural hair dye. Natural hair dye products like henna are often easier to remove than conventional products. Most henna dyes dissolve after 48 hours and do not contain any harmful ingredients that affect the skin. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Steps

Treatment at home

Use specialized products

Avoid letting the dye get on your skin

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