How to Remove Hair Dye from Skin

Want to know how to remove hair dye from the skin? If you’re a lover of DIY hair colouring or just stretching out the colour between salon appointments, you’ll know there’s nothing worse than getting that tell-tale ring of staining around your hairline after dyeing your hair. But, as we all know, dyeing your hair can get messy – even if you’re a dab hand at it. So if you find that scrubbing away staining with water doesn’t make any difference, you may use the wrong removal method. Luckily, we’ve got a step-by-step guide on how to get it right once and for all – so you can say cheerio to that dreaded tint halo.   

Use Rubbing Alcohol 

First, use a cotton ball soaked in a rubbing alcohol (70% or above) with a dash of dish soap. Squeeze the excess foam off the cotton ball before gently dabbing it onto any stained areas of skin. Leave for a minute, then thoroughly rinse the area. If this still hasn’t done the trick, repeat the process until the darker patches disappear. 

How to Remove Hair Dye from Skin Without Rubbing Alcohol  

Try Baking Soda 

If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol handy and need to remove the staining, try mixing three tablespoons of baking soda with a tablespoon of washing-up liquid. Use a flannel to gently scrub away the stained areas before rinsing thoroughly with water. 

(The baking soda also works to remove fake tan too – although we don’t recommend using washing-up liquid on your skin)

Avoid Using Vinegar 

Some sources recommend using vinegar to remove hair dye from the skin, but it might not be the most desirable approach, particularly if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Not only can the smell be overwhelming and emit fumes that can irritate eyes, it can also cause irritation and minor burning to any open wounds, lesions or healing tissue. 

Reach for Petroleum Jelly 

One of the gentler methods of the bunch, petroleum jelly, is an effective way of removing hair dye from the skin. Apply a small amount before washing away with a damp washcloth. It may take slightly longer, but this might be your best bet if you have sensitive skin. It’s also worth remembering that petroleum jelly can act as a great barrier to prevent hair dye from staining your skin in the first place. Apply a thin layer around your hairline before you start the dyeing process, and if any dye ends up landing on your skin, it’ll be protected by the jelly that can be swiped off when you’re finished. Or you can use lip balm, a heavier barrier-type moisturising cream, or why not multi-task and use the Clarins Comfort Mask, £31.50 which has a balm-like texture and provides beautifying benefits too, thanks to its wild mango butter ingredients. 

Can Micellar Water Remove Hair Dye from Skin? 

Although using micellar water to remove hair dye from the skin might not be the quickest method, it should work to remove minor staining if you persist. If you have micellar water to hand, there’s no harm in trying this method first as the most skin-friendly option. Some micellar waters, like La Roche-Posay Micellar Solution Cleanser, £13.50, contain exfoliating AHA ingredients, too, which could help to speed up the removal process through cleansing exfoliation.

Next read: The Benefits Of Manual Vs. Mechanical Treatments