How to Get Dye off Skin

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD

You’ve decided to dye your own hair at home to save some money, and now you have the red shade you’ve always wanted. But you realize you have red dye all over your hands and around your hairline. Don’t despair; there are several remedies you can try to get out that pesky dye, and precautions you can take to prevent dyed skin the next time you color your hair at home.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Home Remedies

1
Remove the dye as soon as possible. Once you finish dying your hair, you need to act fast to remove any dye on your hands or on your hairline so it does not soak into your skin. Dye that is absorbed into your skin will be very difficult to remove and require a lot of scrubbing.^{[1]
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2
Apply baking soda or toothpaste containing baking soda. Baking soda is great at breaking down the dye’s active ingredients and is only mildly abrasive. It will act like an all natural scrub for your hands and your hairline.^{[2]
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- However, if you have sensitive skin, only apply a little baking soda mixed with water to your skin and rub lightly. If your skin turns red or feels irritated, try a different method.
- You can add lemon juice to the baking soda and water for a more powerful all natural stain remover.
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3
Use olive oil, baby oil, or an oil-based moisturizer. Most commercial dyes will break down when you apply oil-based products on them and lift off of your skin. Olive oil, baby oil, or an oil-based moisturizer all work well to help remove dye. They are also good options if you have sensitive skin.^{[3]
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- Dip a cotton ball into the oil and rub it on the dyed area on your skin for several minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water. Check if the dye is still on your skin. If so, apply the oil-based product again and let it soak for a longer period of time before rubbing and washing off the oil.
- You can also leave the baby oil or olive oil on your dyed skin overnight to allow the oil to break down the dye. Place a towel over your pillow so you do not get dye on your pillow case. Rinse the oil and the dye off in the morning with warm water.^{[4]
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4
Combine laundry detergent and dish soap. The properties in laundry detergent will act fast to remove the dye. However, it may be too harsh for the delicate skin on your face. Use unscented dish soap for the skin on your face if you do not have sensitive skin.^{[5]
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- Place a small amount of detergent on a damp wash cloth and rub it on your dyed skin. If you think detergent will be too harsh for your skin, use a small amount of dish soap on a damp wash cloth to try to rub off the dye on your skin.
- If you notice any redness or skin irritation, stop using the mixture.
- Soap can dry out your skin. Make sure you apply a moisturizer right after you're finished.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
5
Try hairspray or vinegar. Both of these options are confirmed home remedies that can remove dye from your skin. Hairspray and vinegar remove dead skin cells, including dye, and allow fresher skin to appear, like an exfoliant.^{[7]
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- Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of hair spray or vinegar to the stained area. Rub in small circles to remove the dye.
- Reapply as needed.
- If you experience irritation or redness from the products, stop using them and try something milder.
6
Avoid harsh products like nail polish remover. Nail polish remover contains ingredients that can be too harsh on your skin, especially the delicate skin on your face. Instead, use a remedy made for sensitive skin, like an oil based solution.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Professional Products

1
Buy a professional stain remover. If you are not able to get stubborn hair dye off your skin, consider investing in an over-the-counter stain remover. Many drug stores sell stain removers that can remove excess color from the ends of your hair, any stains on your clothes, and any stains on your skin.
2
Use stain remover wipes. For very easy application, look for hair dye remover wipes at your local drug store. These wipes dissolve any color stains on your skin and are often made with products that will not irritate your skin.
3
Talk to your hairdresser about a professional stain removal product. Your hairdresser may be able to recommend a stain removal product for your skin type and based on the type of dye you used on your hair. Ask her for advice, but be prepared for her to scold you for not getting your hair professionally dyed!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Hair Dye From Getting on Your Skin

1
Wear gloves when dying your hair. The first step to avoiding dye on your skin is to be prepared before you do a home dye. Buy a pair of latex or plastic gloves to protect your hands. Lay down a plastic sheet or newspaper to protect the surfaces around your dye area, and wear old clothes you won’t mind staining.^{[10]
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- After you dye your hair, you should also use a plastic hair cap to protect your hair and avoid getting dye on your skin or your clothing.
2
Apply an oil based protector to your hairline before dying your hair. Another great tip is to create a home skin protector around your hairline so the dye cannot be absorbed by your skin.^{[11]
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- Use products like Vaseline petroleum jelly, an oil based lotion, or even lip balm. Apply the product with your fingers around your hairline, behind your ears, and on the back of your neck so its more difficult for dye to get on your skin in these areas.
- Petroleum jelly is a great moisturizer, so you won't have to worry about it drying out your skin.^{[12]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
3
Consider using natural hair dyes. Natural hair dye, like henna, are usually less difficult to remove from your skin than commercial dyes. Most henna stains will dissolve from your skin within 48 hours and do not contain any toxic ingredients that could get into your skin.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Can you put petroleum jelly on your face?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Skincare Specialist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

It's okay to use petroleum jelly on your face. It acts as a moisturizer, so it'll help keep your skin hydrated.