Removing Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Stains From Skin

When it comes to dyeing your hair, preparing for a possible rooky slip of the brush is key to your process. There are obvious ways of avoiding any possible stains on your skin, furniture, floors etc. but sometimes it really just can’t be helped. Some steps to follow when preparing to colour your hair are:

Apply Vaseline around your hairline and any other areas of your face and neck that the hair dye could reach during application.

Wear old clothes that you don’t mind potentially getting hair dye on. 

Use old towels and/or fabrics to cover any nearby furniture and floor.

Of course, wear gloves!

The great thing about semi-permanent hair dye is that it is designed to eventually come out. You may find that semi-permanent hair dye can take a little longer to come out of fabrics than it does skin or hair, but the pigment won’t last forever and will gradually fade the more it is washed. 

If you have previously dyed your hair using semi-permanent vivid colours then you might have experienced some bleeding of the dye and potentially staining on the skin during the initial rinse and the first few washes; this is an expected occurrence in some cases, especially when using deeper and highly pigmented shades such as blues, red, greens and purples. If you are looking for some advice on how to avoid your hair colour from bleeding and the best way to maintain it, check out our blog ‘Beginner’s Guide To Dyeing Hair: Maintaining Your Colour’ and our FAQs.

At Manic Panic, we’ve experienced and seen the staining before so we’re here to offer some of our tips and tricks for removing semi-permanent hair dye stains if you are wondering how to get hair dye off your skin.

Manic Panic Dye Away Wipes

The Manic Panic Dye Away Wipes are specifically designed to remove semi-permanent hair dye from skin. These wipes are contained within a small and compact tub that is easy to store and will not get in the way of your dyeing station; this makes them a great option to have at hand ready for use as soon as the dye touches the skin. 

These wipes are both gentle on the skin and effective. They are designed to be used at the point of contact between dye and skin and can be used to assist in the fade of semi-permanent hair dye stains. 

If you are working with staining that has already occurred you may need to try a more intense method to remove as much as you can in a short amount of time. Please take care when using some ingredients directly on the skin and around the eyes.

Olive Oil

Olive oil may not have been your first thought but this ingredient does in fact hold stain removing properties. As a natural product and more gentle option, you may find that olive oil does not remove stains immediately but it may help to fade the pigment a lot quicker than just by using soap and water. 

This option is great for those with sensitive skin due to its natural components. Why not give olive oil a chance before trying something a little more heavy-duty? 

Toothpaste

Some toothpastes contain baking powder and these make an excellent option for removing hair dye stains. Just the same as how these products are a cheaper way of whitening teeth, you can use the toothpaste to work the pigment out from the stain on your skin. This option is slightly more abrasive, so we don’t recommend leaving the toothpaste on the skin for too long. 

Apply your toothpaste to a cotton bud or cotton pad and gently work it onto the stained area of your skin. Wash off the product with warm water using a soft flannel. If the area becomes red or uncomfortable with the toothpaste on the skin, remove it immediately.

Liquid Makeup Remover

Some may recommend using rubbing alcohol, or nail varnish remover, however, this method is too harsh to be used on your face. Using a liquid makeup remover is a great way of gradually removing any semi-permanent hair dye stains on your face or around the hairline. It is a product already designed to be used on facial skin and used to break down unwanted materials.

Apply the makeup remover to a cotton pad and gently rub directly onto the stained area using circular motions. You may find that you have to do a couple of attempts but it is a great option for assisting the fade. We recommend using a moisturiser on the targeted part of the skin to prevent any dryness. 

Visit a Professional

If all else fails and you are finding that your stain is a little too tough for these at-home remedies, it may be time to visit a professional. Salons are equipped with solutions and products created for removing hair dye either from the hair itself or from the skin, so visiting one regarding your situation may be the quickest and most effective method.

Dyeing your hair can be a messy job and staining the skin sometimes goes part and parcel with the process, so ensuring you have the methods for removal ready at hand will help save any disappointment or unwanted surprises from either occurring or sticking around for too long.
If you are looking for some more information regarding semi-permanent hair dye stain removal, please contact us at sales@manic-panic.co.uk.