3 Ways To Get Dye Off Skin - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Dye off Skin PDF download Download Article Remove any dye from your skin with home remedies & pro products Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

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  • Removing Dye with Home Remedies
    • |
  • Using Professional Products
    • |
  • Preventing Hair Dye From Getting on Your Skin
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. 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. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 526,587 times.

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.

How do I get hair dye off my skin?

One of the easiest ways to remove dye from skin is by applying an olive oil, baby oil, or oil-based lotion. Dip a cotton ball into the oil and massage it onto the dye for several minutes. If this method doesn't work, try a professional stain remover or stain remover wipes.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Using Home Remedies

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  1. Step 1 Remove the dye as soon as possible. 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]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dye off Skin 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]
    • 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. Step 3 Use olive oil, baby oil, or an oil-based moisturizer. 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]
    • 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]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dye off Skin 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]
    • 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]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dye off Skin 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]
    • 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. Step 6 Avoid harsh products like nail polish remover. 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] [9]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using Professional Products

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  1. Step 1 Buy a professional stain remover. 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. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dye off 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. Step 3 Talk to your hairdresser about a professional stain removal product. 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!
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Hair Dye From Getting on Your Skin

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  1. Step 1 Wear gloves when dying your hair. 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]
    • 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. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dye off Skin 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]
    • Use products like 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]
  3. Step 3 Consider using natural hair dyes. 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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The Takeaway: Removing Dye from Your Skin

Apply baking soda and water to the stained skin to scrub away the dye. Olive oil, baby oil, and oil-based moisturizers are also effective solutions, as well as hairspray, vinegar, or a mixture of laundry detergent and dish soap.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question Can you put petroleum jelly on your face? Mohiba Tareen, MD 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/editors_blogs/how-to-get-hair-dye-off-skin
  2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/odour-stain-removal/remove-hair-dye-skin
  3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/odour-stain-removal/remove-hair-dye-skin
  4. ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/editors_blogs/how-to-get-hair-dye-off-skin
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56nI6ey25Nc
  6. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/editors_blogs/how-to-get-hair-dye-off-skin
  8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/odour-stain-removal/remove-hair-dye-skin
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56nI6ey25Nc
More References (4)
  1. ↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/hair-dye-stain-removal.html
  2. ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/editors_blogs/how-to-get-hair-dye-off-skin
  3. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://hennahut.com/how_to_remove_hair_dye_from_skin/

About This Article

Mohiba Tareen, MD Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD Skincare Specialist This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. 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. This article has been viewed 526,587 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 17 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 526,587 Categories: Removing Skin Stains Article SummaryX

To get dye off of your skin, apply olive oil or baby oil to a cotton ball and rub it into the stain for a few minutes. Alternatively, apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can also dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe away the stain with it. Rubbing alcohol can be drying and irritating, so avoid using it if you have sensitive skin, and make sure you rinse it off when you’re done. Another option is using dish soap and baking soda. Just mix the two together to make a paste, then gently scrub the dye with it until the stain comes off. Keep reading to learn how to use other recipes like lime and salt! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Elle Tomas

    Elle Tomas

    Jun 25, 2017

    "I'm sure this works best for natural dye. But since I dyed my hair an unnatural color, blue to be exact, these..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Mohiba Tareen, MD Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD Skincare Specialist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 17 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 526,587 Elle Tomas

Elle Tomas

Jun 25, 2017

"I'm sure this works best for natural dye. But since I dyed my hair an unnatural color, blue to be exact, these..." more Kenyara Draper

Kenyara Draper

Mar 6, 2019

"I used hairspray for my hands and toothpaste for my forehead and neck, and I was surprised with the results!" Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 6, 2016

"I found that hairspray sprayed straight onto my skin worked the most effectively (I got dye on my hands)." Chavi Jain

Chavi Jain

Dec 11, 2016

"This article helped me a lot. I got some stains out. This is awesome, dude." Anonymous

Anonymous

May 13, 2017

"The baking soda/toothpaste with baking soda in it helped. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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