Changing your appearance by dyeing your own hair at home is easy and fun. Unfortunately, no matter how skilled you are at dyeing your own hair, it can very easily stain your scalp and hairline. While you might panic when this problem occurs, there are actually some household ingredients like toothpaste and makeup remover that can quickly remove these stains before they sink in.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Preventing Hair Dye From Seeping into the Skin
Step 1. Apply baby oil to your hairline and ears before dyeing your hair
Pour about 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baby oil into your palms. After that, wet your fingers with baby oil and apply it along the hairline and around the ears. Baby oil will create a slippery layer so the hair dye can't seep into the skin.
- Make sure that the baby oil doesn't stick to your hair, or the dye won't be able to penetrate this layer and color your hair.
- You can use petroleum jelly or coconut oil instead of baby oil.
Step 2. Avoid showering before dyeing your hair to accumulate natural oils
Keep your hair's natural moisture by not showering or washing your face before dyeing your hair. Oil buildup around the hairline will create a barrier for the dye and prevent it from sinking into the skin.
Step 3. Wear a protective bandana to prevent the dye from dripping onto the skin
Put on a light elastic bandana before starting to dye your hair. Place the bandana just in front of the hairline so as not to interfere with the painting process.
- Also, consider placing an old thin towel around your neck to prevent dye from flowing down your neck behind your head.
- If you have a hairdressing coat like at a salon, wear it over a layer of towels to prevent your clothes from getting stained with hair dye.
Method 2 of 5: Removing Hair Dye Stains with Residual Dye
Step 1. Apply the remaining hair dye to the stained area with a cotton swab
Be careful not to get any clean areas of skin covered with paint. Only apply paint to the stained area. Applying paint residue like this will reactivate the chemicals in the paint stain, making it easier to clean.
Be careful not to let any of the hair dye get into your eyes. Consider wearing protective eyewear to protect your eyes and sensitive areas around them
Step 2. Apply the hair dye to the stain with a cotton swab for 30-60 seconds
Gently apply the paint to the stain area in a circular motion. Do not apply paint until it crosses the border of the stain because it will make the paint stain wider on the skin.
If the dye starts to irritate your skin, stop and immediately rinse your face with water
Step 3. Use an exfoliating soap and a wet washcloth to remove the paint from the skin
Pour a small amount of soap into a wet washcloth. Gently lift the active paint off the skin.
- If you don't have an exfoliating soap, you can use a regular face wash.
- Repeat this process as needed to fade and remove hair dye stains.
Method 3 of 5: Exfoliate Skin with Toothpaste
Step 1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the paint stain with an ear swab
Use a regular toothpaste that contains baking soda, not a gel toothpaste. Spread the toothpaste over the entire surface of the stain. Remove the remaining toothpaste with a tissue.
- If you have an old soft toothbrush, you can use it to scrub the stain area. Just be careful though, as the wide end of the toothbrush can make it difficult for you to point it properly.
- Instead of toothpaste, you can try using a cotton swab soaked in vinegar or hairspray. The third process is the same because they all function as exfoliants that will lift paint stains from the skin. Be careful not to get these materials into the eyes.
Step 2. Use a cotton swab to apply toothpaste to the paint stain for 1 minute
Press the cotton swab gently so that the skin does not irritate the toothpaste. If the earplugs aren't exfoliating enough, put on protective gloves and rub the toothpaste with your fingers.
The rough texture of toothpaste, as well as its reactive baking soda content, will lift paint stains from the skin pores
Step 3. Wipe off the toothpaste and paint stains with a wet washcloth
Use an old washcloth to wipe the skin clean. If the stain is completely removed, proceed to washing your face thoroughly with soap and water.
Repeat the same process if necessary. However, make sure you don't repeat it so much that it irritates the skin
Method 4 of 5: Using Makeup Remover to Remove Hair Dye
Step 1. Apply makeup remover to the stain area with a cotton swab
Use a thick or creamy make-up remover, such as a cold cream that can stick to the skin. Cover the entire blemish area around the scalp and hairline.
While they can be used, liquid makeup removers like micellar water may not be effective enough
Step 2. Use a cotton swab to dab the stained area on the skin for 1 minute
Wipe the earplug in a circle so that the makeup remover can enter the skin pores. Gently press the earplug as you rub to avoid irritating the skin.
Step 3. Allow the makeup remover to soak into the skin for 5 minutes
The makeup remover will help break down the pigment in your hair dye and remove the stain from your skin. Do not let the makeup remover soak in for more than 5 minutes because it can cause skin irritation if mixed with hair dye.
If the makeup remover starts to irritate your skin when you let it soak in, immediately wipe it off and clean your face
Step 4. Remove the makeup remover with a damp washcloth and rinse your face
Gently lift the makeup remover. Be careful not to widen towards the eyes. The make-up remover will remove any excess hair dye that shouldn't touch your eyes.
Repeat this process to remove excess hair dye as needed
Method 5 of 5: Wet Paint Stains with Baby Oil
Step 1. Use a gloved ear or finger to apply baby oil to the paint stain
Pour 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baby oil or similar oil into your palms. Moisten a gloved ear or finger with baby oil and rub it in a circular motion over the paint stain.
Cleaning paint stains at night before bed allows the baby oil to soak in overnight
Step 2. Let the baby oil soak the paint stain overnight so that all the color can be removed
Do not touch or wash your face while the baby oil is still coating the skin. Sleep in a supine position so that the baby oil is not rubbed off while you sleep.
Use an old towel to prevent baby oil stains on the pillow. Be sure to choose an old towel so it doesn't matter if it gets damaged. Baby oil will leave stains on the towels
Step 3. Wash your face in the morning with warm water and soap to clean the baby oil
Wash your face as usual with soap. Avoid exfoliating scrubs because your skin may be irritated by the hair dye.
Repeat this process the following evening if necessary
Tips
- You may also be able to remove paint stains from your skin with a small amount of shampoo. Rub the shampoo into your skin with your fingers and then remove it with a damp washcloth. This method works best on new paint stains.
- Wear plastic gloves to prevent the hair dye from sticking to your hands. That way, the paint stain won't spread to other areas of the skin.
- Don't worry if the paint stain doesn't come off completely after cleaning. After a few days, the oil on your skin will naturally destroy any remaining dye.
