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How To Get Hair Dye Off Skin No Stress, No Mess In [AU] 2023

Pete Martin

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD

how to get hair dye off skin
We show how to get hair dye off your skin!

Dyeing your hair can be a fun and exciting way to express yourself, but the process can be messy — and sometimes you end up with hair dye on your skin. Don’t worry, it’s fairly common to prevent hair dye stains, which are easy to remove. This article will discuss how to get hair dye off your skin.

Effective Ways To Get Hair Dye Off Your Skin

  • Dish soap and baking soda
  • Toothpaste
  • Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
  • Lemon juice

How Long Does Hair Dye Stay On Skin?

Typically, hair dye stains can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Most temporary hair dyes will wash off your skin easily with just soap and water. However, some stains from semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes might take a little more effort to remove. The good news is that, with the right techniques, you can significantly reduce the amount of time the dye stays on your skin.

To better understand how long hair dye stains persist on the skin, it is essential to know the different types of hair dyes and how they interact with the skin. Temporary dyes are usually easier to remove since they only coat the hair’s outer layer without penetrating the shaft. Semi-permanent dyes may last longer, while permanent dyes have the strongest bond to hair and skin.

Remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what might work for one person might not work for another. If a stain is persistent, consulting with a professional like a dermatologist or a licensed cosmetologist may be helpful. In any case, it’s essential to stay patient while working on removing hair dye from your skin and avoid using products that may irritate or harm your skin.

Is Hair Dye Bad For Your Skin?

Generally, hair dyes are safe to use, but some people can experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Understanding the potential risks and taking precautions to protect your skin is essential.

Temporary and semi-permanent hair dyes are usually gentler on your skin, as they typically contain fewer chemicals compared to permanent hair dyes. However, some ingredients, such as para-phenylenediamine[1] in many permanent hair dyes, can cause allergic reactions.[1] This can include itching, redness, or even more severe complications in some cases.

To minimize the chances of skin irritation, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test before applying hair dye. You can do this by following these simple steps:

  1. Mix a small amount of hair dye according to the instructions on the package.
  2. Apply the dye to a small, discreet area of your skin, like behind your ear or inside your elbow.
  3. Wait for 48 hours to see if any reaction occurs. Avoid using that specific hair dye if you experience any irritation or signs of an allergic reaction.

Always remember to carefully follow the instructions provided on the packaging of your chosen hair dye, and never leave the dye on your skin for longer than recommended.

How To Remove Hair Dye From Skin

Accidents happen, and sometimes hair dye can end up on your skin. Don’t worry! There are various methods for removing hair dye stains from your skin in just 2 minutes, with more stubborn stains taking a little longer.

Dish Soap and Baking Soda

how to get hair dye off skin
Dish soap and baking soda, making a paste, removes stains.

Combine equal parts of both ingredients to create a paste. Gently scrub your skin with this paste using a soft cloth or cotton pad. Rinse with water and check the results. You can repeat this process if the stain persists, but be sure to moisturize your skin afterward — both dish soap and baking soda can be drying. This is especially true if you have dry skin to begin with.

Toothpaste

how to get hair dye off skin
Toothpaste can be used to remove hair dye on the skin.

Another dye removal method is using toothpaste that doesn’t contain whitening agents.[2] Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the stained area and gently rub it in a circular motion using your finger or a soft cloth. Rinse the area with water, and if necessary, repeat the process until the dye is gone.

Alcohol Or Hydrogen Peroxide

how to get hair dye off skin
Either alcohol or hydrogen peroxide is useful, followed by moisturizer.

Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide[3] can also be a useful hair dye remover from hands or skin. Soak a cotton ball with either rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and gently dab it onto the stained area. Make sure to be cautious around the eyes and avoid overuse, as this method can be harsh on the skin. Moisturize the area afterward to prevent dryness.

Lemon Juice

how to get hair dye off skin
Fresh squeezed lemon juice can help with stubborn stains.

For help from stubborn stains, you can try using lemon juice as a hair dye remover. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto cotton balls and rub gently onto your skin. Wait for a few minutes, but don’t let it dry out completely before rinsing it with water. Be mindful that lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid sun exposure after using this method.

Remember, it’s always best to use gentle techniques and care for your skin afterward. Don’t be too harsh or scrub aggressively, as this might irritate your skin further. 

Tips To Prevent Staining Your Skin With Hair Dye

Here are some tips to help prevent staining your skin while dyeing your hair:

  1. Apply petroleum jelly: Before you start, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and neck. This will create a barrier between your skin and the hair dye, making wiping away any accidental spills easier.
  2. Use gloves: Make sure you’re wearing gloves while handling hair dye. This protects your hands from staining and helps prevent transferring the dye from your hands to your face or other areas of your skin.
  3. Be cautious: While applying the hair dye, be extra careful around sensitive areas such as your ears and neck. You can use a small brush to avoid accidental spills.
  4. Divide your hair: Separate your hair into smaller sections to have better control during the application process. This way, you’ll be less likely to get the dye on your skin.
  5. Remove spills quickly: If you do accidentally get some dye on your skin, quickly wipe it off with a damp cloth or a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. The sooner you remove it, the less likely it will stain your skin.
  6. Rinse carefully: When it’s time to rinse the dye from your hair, lean your head back slightly to avoid the dye running down your face and neck. You can also use a handheld showerhead so you can have more control over where the water goes.

Following these tips can prevent your skin from staining during your next hair-dyeing adventure. Remember, it’s always better to be cautious and prepared to avoid any potential mishaps. 

Treat Skin After Dye Removal

Now that you’ve successfully learned how to get hair dye off your skin, even after the dye hasdried, it’s essential to take care of your skin’s health. Luckily, a range of personal care products and natural solutions help.

First, gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water to ensure all dye residues are gone. This can help reduce any potential irritation on your skin.

Next, consider applying an alcohol-free toner to soothe and balance your skin. Many toners also provide added hydration that can be beneficial, especially after skin exposure to chemicals like hair dye.

It’s important to moisturize after removing hair dye from your skin. Look for a moisturizer[4] specifically designed for sensitive skin. Products containing natural ingredients like Aloe vera or olive oil for hair and skin tend to be soothing, helping to reduce any redness or irritation. Collagen supplements and hair, skin, and nail vitamins are also used to support skin health.

Lastly, pay attention to how your skin reacts over the next few days. If you notice any signs of allergic reactions[5] — such as redness, swelling, or itching — contact your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that prevention is key. By taking measures like applying a barrier, e.g., a cream or petroleum jelly, and wearing gloves, you can minimize the risk of getting hair dye on your skin in the first place!

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. With time and experience, you’ll become more skilled at applying hair dye without creating a mess.

Now it’s time for you to put these tips into practice and enjoy a flawless hair dye experience. Good luck — and happy coloring!


+ 5 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Mukkanna, K.S., Stone, N.M. and Ingram, J. (2017). Para-phenylenediamine allergy: current perspectives on diagnosis and management. [online] Volume10, pp.9–15. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/jaa.s90265.
  2. Chacko Kalliath, Archana Mukunda, Meera Kunjumon Pynadath, Venugopal, V. and Jithin Prethweeraj (2018). Comparison between the effect of commercially available chemical teeth whitening paste and teeth whitening paste containing ingredients of herbal origin on human enamel. [online] 39(2), pp.113–113. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.ayu_82_18.
  3. PubChem (2023). Hydrogen Peroxide. [online] @pubchem. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hydrogen-Peroxide
  4. Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. and Mankesh Lal Gambhir (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. [online] 61(3), pp.279–279. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427.
  5. Medlineplus.gov. (2016). Allergic reactions: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000005.htm
Pete Martin

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

Pete is a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer, with a Diploma in "Nutrition and Wellness" from the University of Aberdeen. He believes firmly in the importance of a holistic approach to healthy living. He is a keen reader, amateur boxer (very amateur, he hastens to add!) and practises Transcendental Meditation.

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

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