How Do You Remove Hair Dye from Your Skin?

Dyeing your hair a different color is an easy way to completely change your look. Isn’t it so exhilarating to try new hair colors and experiment with your hair? And worst case scenario, if you don’t like how the color looks on you, you can always dye it another color! It’s as simple as that. But dyeing your hair at home comes with its own set of struggles—like, what if you realize you have a swipe of permanent hair color on your forehead after dyeing? Those are the times it might be nice to have a professional on hand. No matter how careful you are, it’s possible for this to happen. The good news is there are some nifty beauty hacks you can use to help remove the dye from your skin, such as covering up the stains with concealer or foundation. We wouldn’t want to leave you shouting, “Out out, spot,” so just keep reading to find out everything you need to know about removing hair dye from skin.

3 HACKS FOR REMOVING HAIR DYE FROM SKIN

Give these beauty hacks a whirl next time you end up with hair dye on your skin.

BEAUTY HACK #1: PETROLEUM JELLY

This hack works best if you do it before you start your dye job. Coat your hairline with petroleum jelly before you start applying color to your hair. You can even apply some to the tips of your ears and the bottom of your neck so the dye doesn’t end up on those spots either. While this is most effective as a preventive measure, you can use it after a dye job too. Spot a stain? Put some of the petroleum jelly onto a cotton pad and rub it over the stain in question.

BEAUTY HACK #2: WAIT IT OUT

We know, this is probably the last thing you want to do but hear us out! In this situation, time is on your side. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just ride it out and wait for the hair dye to fade on its own. After all, time heals all wounds, right? Being overzealous about removing hair dye from skin can result in irritated or rubbed raw skin, which is why this method is oft recommended. As the days go by, the hair dye will fade on its own until it’s all but a distant memory.

Editor’s tip: Is the hair dye on your forehead? Consider this an excuse to wear a gorgeous bejeweled headband or a trendy head wrap that’ll jazz up any outfit. Is the hair dye on the back of your neck? Wear your hair down or in a pretty braid that covers the spot.

BEAUTY HACK #3: CONCEAL THE STAIN

You can also cover up a hair dye stain with concealer or foundation. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Concealing and Contour Kit, which comes with four shades so that you can use an individual hue or blend multiple together for a custom color. Another option is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation, which like the name suggests, provides full coverage for any stubborn spots. To apply, use a makeup blender like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. Put a little bit of concealer or foundation on the blender, then use quick dabbing and rolling motions to apply the makeup to the area you want to mask. Dust on a setting face powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder, or spritz with a makeup setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray, to help keep your makeup in place.

To recap, if you notice a hair dye stain on your skin—whether it’s your hairline or the back of your neck—there’s no reason to get worked up. There are simple hacks you can try—using items you already have on hand at home—to put an end to the issue. Another situation that might have you stressing, wanting to change your hair color ASAP after a dye job gone bad, also isn’t the end of the world. With the right hair color removal tips, it really isn’t a big deal! Read our article, Your Guide to Hair Color Removal, for everything you need to know.