How to Remove Hair Dye from Skin After It Dries

Oil-based makeup remover

Use a makeup remover designed for waterproof makeup. Dab the cleaner onto the dye stain with a cotton ball or pad—or use a color remover wipe, if you have one. Wait about 5 minutes for the dye to dissolve, then rinse the whole area with clean water. Waterproof makeup removers are usually stronger than the ones used for regular makeup, so they may be strong enough to break up dried hair dye. These cleansers are gentle enough to use on any area or skin type. Because this is a gentle cleanser, it will probably work best on semi-permanent or light-colored dye, as opposed to bold or dark permanent colors.

Olive, coconut, or baby oil

Oil can help dissolve the old dye. Generously massage the stain with an oil of your choice. Let the oil sit as long as possible—a few hours is good, but overnight is even better. Then, wash the oil and dye away with soap and warm water. Baby oil, coconut oil, and olive oil are all popular, but you could use anything from almond or jojoba oils to regular vegetable oil if that's all you have. If you'll be leaving the oil on overnight, you might want to cover the area with a bandage or some plastic wrap so you don't get oily dye on your bedsheets. This will also probably work best on lighter or semi-permanent dyes.

Toothpaste

Opt for a non-gel toothpaste with baking soda. Rub it into the stain with your fingers, a soft washcloth, or even a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Keep rubbing for about 30-60 seconds, wait about 5 minutes, then wash the area with warm water. This approach can be a little abrasive, so you may want to skip it if you have sensitive skin. The grit in toothpaste can sometimes help it remove more stubborn or dark hair dye stains.

Hair dye

Believe it or not, adding more hair dye may help. If you have leftover dye, apply it to a cotton ball and dab it onto the dried dye on your skin. This could reactivate the previous dye, making it easier to rinse off. Rub the fresh dye into the area in a circular motion, then immediately wash it away with soap and water. If you let it sit too long, it could make the stain worse. Since you won't be leaving the dye on very long, this is typically gentle enough to work on your face, ears, neck, and hands. However, if the dried dye is irritating your skin, it's probably best to use another approach for removing it. If you're applying the leftover dye around your hairline, wear gloves so you don't stain your hands!

Chemical exfoliants

Wipe away the stain with an AHA or salicylic acid. Chemical exfoliants gently dissolve the dead cells on the surface of your skin, and this skincare staple may help break down any dried hair dye on your skin, as well. Just wipe the area gently with the exfoliating pad, then rinse your skin with water. Acne face pads often contain salicylic acid, so they'll work for this too! If you're trying to remove a dark or brightly colored dye stain, try this.

Vinegar

Gently buff your skin with white vinegar. Pour the vinegar onto a loofah or a textured cloth, then gently scrub the dye in small circles. The acidic vinegar may help break down the dye so it will lift off your skin. This can be irritating, so don't use it if you have sensitive skin, and don't get it into your eyes.

Rubbing alcohol

Alcohol is great for breaking up tough dye stains. Dip a cotton ball in regular isopropyl alcohol, or use an alcohol pad if you prefer. Dab that gently onto the dry hair dye—some of the dye should transfer to the cotton ball. When you're finished, rinse the area with fresh water. This can be a little drying or even irritating, so don't scrub your skin with the alcohol. Also, if your skin is naturally dry or sensitive, don't use alcohol on your face. If you do use alcohol on your face, be careful not to get it into your eyes. For more cleaning power, add a drop of dish soap to the cotton ball and work it into a lather before you wipe it onto your skin.

Hairspray

Hairspray contains alcohol, so it can work in a pinch. Spray the hairspray onto a cloth, cotton ball, or makeup remover pad. Then, dab the hairspray onto dye stains on your hands or the back of your neck. It can dry out your skin, though, so it shouldn't be the first option for stains on your face. Rinse away any sticky residue with warm water when you're finished.

Glass cleaner

This unusual fix may remove dye from your hands. Just spritz a bit of regular glass cleaner onto your hands and rub them together for about 30 seconds. Then, wash your hands with warm water and soap—the dye should at least look faded afterward, although it may disappear completely! Don't put glass cleaner on your face. Also, don't use a multi-purpose cleaner—these may contain other cleaning chemicals that could be damaging to your skin.

Baking soda and dish soap

Scrub dye off of your hands with this paste. In a small bowl, mix together equal parts of liquid dish soap and baking soda until they create a thick paste. Dip a cotton ball in the paste and rub it into the dried hair dye stain in small circles. As you scrub, the dye should start to break up and transfer to the cotton ball. When you're finished, just wash away the paste with warm water. This gritty exfoliant can be harsh on your skin, so it's probably best to only use on your hands or the back of your neck, rather than your hairline, face, or ears. If you do use it on a more sensitive area, scrub very gently, and stop if you feel like your skin is getting inflamed or irritated.

Nail polish remover

Only use this for stubborn stains on your hands. If you skipped the gloves when you colored your hair, nail polish remover can be useful for getting the dye off your fingers and nails. Just rub it into the dye for about 30 seconds, then wash your hands very well with soap and water. Nail polish remover is super harsh, and you definitely should not use it on your face.

Haircolor stain remover

This one may take a trip to the store. If you're dealing with a really stubborn stain, though, it might be worth it. You can purchase this stain remover as either a liquid or in wipe form. Just follow the label instructions carefully to avoid any skin irritation. You could also see a professional stylist—they have products they can use to clean up dried hair dye stains.

Prevention

A little prep can keep this from happening again. Next time you dye your hair, carefully apply a cream like petroleum jelly or coconut oil all the way around your hairline and all the tops of your ears. That way, the dye won't be able to soak into your skin and stain it. Just be sure not to get it onto your hair or the dye won't stick to that area! Be sure to wear gloves so you don't stain your hands, either.