Buzz
There's nothing more disappointing than realizing that, while you're enjoying the stunning new black hair dye you just applied, you've also stained your hands. Hair dye can be easily removed if washed off immediately with soap and water, but what if it has already stained your skin and nails? There are several methods to remove hair dye from your skin, but not all of them work for every skin type. If you have sensitive skin, try using a gentle cleanser, or go for a more powerful method if the stain is severe.
Steps
Removing Hair Dye with Gentle Cleansers
Act fast as soon as the dye touches your skin. Hair dye takes a few minutes to change the color of the skin. Even if the dye has already stained your skin, washing it off quickly will make it easier to remove any minor stains.
- The skin is made up of multiple layers, and if the dye seeps in, it will alter the color of each layer. The longer you leave the dye on, the more it will penetrate and deepen into the layers of skin.
- If the dye has deeply penetrated the skin, stronger methods will be required to remove it, which may cause skin irritation.
Apply toothpaste (non-gel) to your hands and rub it in. Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients designed for cleaning teeth, and these can exfoliate dead skin cells. By removing the dead skin, the stained skin cells will be wiped away, revealing fresh skin underneath that hasn't been stained.
- Rub your hands for about 30 seconds, then rinse with warm water.
- If the stain isn't fully removed, you can try rubbing again, adding a little baking soda for extra scrubbing power.
Apply baby oil, olive oil, or a moisturizing balm and leave it overnight. This method works especially well for sensitive skin. The oil slowly breaks down the hair dye while softening and moisturizing your skin.
- Use cotton pads or a damp cloth to apply the oil to your hands.
- Be aware that the oil may stain your bedding, so wear gloves or clean socks over your hands while you sleep.
- In the morning, use a cotton pad to wipe off any remaining oil, then wash with warm water.
Wash your hands with a mixture of dish soap and baking soda. Dish soap breaks down the structure of the hair dye, while baking soda helps exfoliate your skin. Washing with warm water allows the baking soda to foam up and scrub the dye off your skin.
- Look for a gentle dish soap that won't dry out your hands.
Apply makeup remover to your hands. Makeup remover, formulated for facial skin, is gentle enough for your hands as well. If the dye hasn't deeply penetrated your skin, the makeup remover will dissolve and wash away the stain.
- Pour the makeup remover onto a clean cloth or cotton pad, then apply it to the stained area on your hands. Wait at least 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Consider using a cotton pad, as its fibers help exfoliate dead skin, while the makeup remover breaks down the dye pigment.
Purchase a professional hair dye remover. If you prefer not to use natural ingredients and want a more professional solution, you can visit a beauty supply store and buy a specialized dye remover designed for use on skin. These products typically come in liquid form or as wipes.
Removing Hair Dye with Stronger Methods
Spray hairspray on your hands. Hairspray can break the bond between the dye and your skin, helping to wash off the stain. However, the ingredients in hairspray can dry out your skin.
- Spraying hairspray onto a cotton pad and applying it to your hands may enhance the effectiveness of this method. The application helps the hairspray penetrate deeper, while the cotton pad assists in softening the dead skin cells.
- Rinse the hairspray off with warm water.
Mix laundry detergent with baking soda and apply it to the stain. Laundry detergent can irritate your skin but works quickly and effectively to break down the dye. Baking soda adds an abrasive element to help exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells stained with dye.
- Mix the detergent and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio (1 teaspoon of detergent to 1 teaspoon of baking soda).
- Apply the mixture to the stain and leave it for 30-60 seconds.
- Rinse with warm water.
Mix cigarette ash with warm water. It may sound strange, but this old remedy works surprisingly well. Make sure the ash is cooled, and note that this method isn't ideal for sensitive skin.
- Mix the cooled ash with warm water in a small bowl, then dip a cotton pad into the mixture and apply it to the stained area.
- Wait for 15 minutes. The dye will begin to fade.
- Wash your hands with soap and water afterward.
Use nail polish remover if other methods don't work. The acetone in nail polish remover can dissolve the dye, making it easier to wash away. However, nail polish remover is harsh on the skin and can cause dryness and damage. Do not use it near the skin around your eyes.
- Dip a cotton pad in the remover and gently apply it to the stained skin. Do not rub too hard.
- If you experience a burning sensation, stop immediately and rinse your hands with warm water.
Clean your nails thoroughly
Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover. Gently rub it onto your nails right after removing the dye from your skin, before it absorbs deeper.
- The nail bed is mostly dead skin cells, making it easy for the dye to seep in. If you don't remove these dead cells, it will be harder to clean off the dye.
- Apply the cotton ball to your nails and check to see if the dye starts transferring onto it.
Trim away the cuticle stained with dye. If dead skin cells or the cuticle have changed color due to the dye, you can use a cuticle tool to remove this area. This way, you avoid using harsh nail polish remover on your skin.
Use a nail brush to scrub under your nails. If it's difficult to clean the skin underneath your nails, you can use a clean toothbrush or a nail brush to scrub this area.
- Dip the brush in soap and water to wash away any dye residues from your nails.
Paint your nails if you can't remove the dye. If you've tried everything and the dye is still stuck, it's best to cover it up with nail polish. Not only will you look stylish, but you'll also hide the dye stains.
Tips
- Apply a layer of moisturizing wax to your hands and face if you know these areas will come into contact with hair dye. This helps protect your skin and prevents the dye from sticking.
- Wear gloves when applying hair dye to avoid staining your hands.
- Apply toothpaste to the dye stains, followed by Dove body wash, and gently wash your hands.
Warnings
- Using a towel to remove hair dye stains could ruin the towel. Therefore, it's better to use a clean cloth and avoid using your favorite towel.
Things You'll Need
Remove dye with a gentle cleansing product
- Clean cotton balls or cloth
- Toothpaste
- Baby oil, olive oil, or moisturizing wax
- Makeup remover
- Professional hair dye remover
Remove dye with stronger methods
- Cotton balls
- Hair spray
- Laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Cigarette ash
- Nail polish remover
Clean your nails
- Cotton balls
- Nail polish remover
- Nail brush or toothbrush
- Nail polish
