Are you thinking of sporting a new look? Changing your hair color can be a great way to achieve it. But, if you're doing it at home, it might leave stains on your neck or forehead.
So, how do you get rid of these pesky stains left on your skin afterwards? We’re here to help you with some of the safest ways to remove hair dye stains and useful tips to prevent your skin from staining during your next hair-dyeing session.
What Expert Says
“Hair dyes have been implicated in pigmented contact dermatitis and lichen planus pigmentosus. Hair coloring products have proven to be potent carcinogens in animal models. Epidemiological evidence of hair-coloring products as human oncogenic agents remains largely inconclusive due to mixed results.”
Dr. Harish Koutam, Chief Dermatologist, SkinKraft
Highlights:
Is Hair Dye On The Skin Dangerous?
Hair dyes contain chemicals that can be absorbed in small amounts through the skin. While dye stains can be annoying and unsightly, they rarely cause any severe damage to your skin. Still, you should certainly reconsider your products before using them.
Few hair dyes contain paraphenylenediamine [1], which may cause skin redness, scaling, swelling on the scalp, or face, and neck. People who have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should, ideally, not use hair dyes.
Dr. Harish Koutam, Chief Dermatologist at SkinKraft says, “Pigmentary alterations, particularly hyperpigmentation over the upper face and ears are common with the use of hair dyes. The skin type may play a role in the intensity of hyperpigmentation. Hair dyes have been implicated in pigmented contact dermatitis and lichen planus pigmentosus. Hair coloring products have proven to be potent carcinogens in animal models. Epidemiological evidence of hair-coloring products as human oncogenic agents remains largely inconclusive due to mixed results.”
How Long Does Hair Dye Last On The Skin?
Unlike permanent hair dyes, temporary dyes do not stay on your skin for long. Experts state that as your skin cells naturally turnover, the dye's pigment fades away within one to two weeks. But if you want to instantly get rid of the stain, several methods can help you do so. Scroll down for more.
Did You Know?
Petroleum jelly can work wonders to prevent hair color stains. It makes your skin slippery, thus helping you to get the dye removed easily. You just need to coat your hairline and ears with a layer of it before starting your hair dye process.
How To Remove Hair Dye Stains From Your Face?
1. Soap And Water
When you notice dye stains on your hairline or face, your first defense should be to use soap. Rinse the area with warm water and soap and gently pat your skin dry. Removing the stain right away can help prevent stains.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil works as a natural cleanser and can help remove dye stains from your skin. People with sensitive skin can especially opt for olive oil to avoid side effects.
Dip a cotton ball into some olive oil. Rub the cotton ball on the stained area and leave it on for 6-8 hours. Cover the area with plastic if you plan on sleeping with the oil. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
3. Rubbing Alcohol
Using rubbing alcohol [2] on the skin can be harsh for some people. However, rubbing alcohol is a powerful cleaning agent and works like a miracle to remove hair dye stains. Dip a cotton ball in some rubbing alcohol and gently apply it to the stained skin. Rinse the area with warm water and soap.
People with sensitive or dry skin should avoid using rubbing alcohol because it may further dry out the skin.
4. Toothpaste
Toothpaste can easily remove hair dye stains from your skin. We suggest you use a non-gel toothpaste on the stained areas to get the best result.
Take some toothpaste onto a cotton ball, or apply it using your fingers. Gently massage it on the skin and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Use a soaked washcloth or makeup remover pad to wipe the residue.
5. Makeup Remover
Makeup remover is an inexpensive yet effective solution to get rid of dye stains. Pour some makeup remover onto a cotton ball, and gently rub it on the stains. Wait for five minutes before rinsing it off with water.
6. Baby Oil
Baby oil, one of the safest at-home remedies to remove hair dye from your skin, can be directly applied to the face and other stained areas of the skin. You can choose any baby oil and dab the stained part with it. To derive maximum results, leave the oil overnight or at least for eight hours. To avoid oil stains on the bed, use a cotton cloth to cover the area. Later wash it using warm water and mild soap/shampoo.
Note:
While baby oil is safe to use on the face and skin, avoid overusing it on the face otherwise it may get into your eyes.
How To Remove Hair Dye Stains From Your Hands?
1. Nail Polish Remover
You can’t use nail polish remover [3] on your face, but you can certainly use it for removing stains from your hands. Rub a small amount over the stain for a few seconds, and the stain should come off. Rinse your hands with warm water and soap.
2. Liquid Laundry Detergent
Detergent made for removing stains from fabrics can also help remove stains from your skin. Use a laundry detergent that is fragrance-free to avoid skin irritation.
Take a small amount of liquid detergent and gently rub it on the stained areas using your fingers. Ensure to not over scrub as it may irritate your skin.
3. Dish Soap And Baking Soda
You can make a paste of dish soap and baking soda to remove dye stains from your skin by combining equal parts of liquid dish wash soap and baking soda.
While the soap helps lift the stains from your skin, baking soda helps reveal new layers of skin. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the dye-stained skin. Gently scrub with a makeup remover pad in a circular motion. Rinse the solution from your hands with lukewarm water.
If you feel any discomfort, you should immediately stop the procedure.
How To Prevent Hair Dye From Staining Your Skin?
1. Wear Gloves
It is essential to wear gloves while applying hair dye. Gloves will cover your hands and prevent them from getting stained. They can also help protect the skin on your hands from being exposed to harmful chemicals.
2. Moisturizer
Moisturizer helps create a protective barrier on your skin. Apply a generous amount of moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly to your face and hands before applying hair dye.
Once you finish the process, wipe off the moisturizer using a damp cloth or cotton ball. Even if you get stains from your hair dye, they won’t last owing to your moist skin.
3. Use A Towel
To protect your back and clothes from getting stained, wrap a towel loosely around your neck. This will also help you to wipe away the dripping color.
4. Salon Service
If you don't know how to dye your hair at home, book an appointment at your nearest salon. A professional hairstylist can help you achieve the perfect hair color without leaving any stains on your skin.
How To Treat Your Skin After Stain Removal?
Detergent, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap can strip your skin of its natural oil and moisture. Cleaning agents also contain harsh chemicals that have the potential to damage the outer layer of your skin. Thus, it is essential to keep your skin adequately moisturized to help repair, nourish, and protect it. If you experience severe irritation such as itching, redness, or tenderness, consult a doctor immediately.
Wrapping Up
The next time you color your hair, make sure you follow the prevention tips mentioned above. If you still end up staining your skin, you can try one of the methods listed above to eliminate dye stains from your skin effectively.
In case the stain still doesn’t fade after trying all the methods, we suggest you visit a color specialist from a salon as they are professionally trained in removing dye stains from the skin.
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