How to get hair dye off skin without causing irritation

Milk

Yes, milk can remove hair dye stains. “In the salon, I will often use milk to remove stains, it works wonders,” says Edward. “I have tried non-dairy milk and it doesn’t work as effectively as dairy, but it really does shift the stain and is gentle on your skin.” Pop this on a cotton pad and gently work into the stained area. Of course, this is one to avoid if you have a dairy allergy.

Bicarbonate of soda paste

Another way you can remove stains is using “bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water to create a paste,” says Edward. “Gently scrub the stained area with the paste using a soft cloth or cotton pad; rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary,” he adds.

Gentle exfoliation

If all of the above isn’t working and the stains are stubborn or have dried, “I would recommend a very gentle exfoliation using a facial buffing pad or an exfoliating facial cleanser, but do go gently as you don’t want to scratch or irritate the skin,” Edward says. This is particularly true if you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea or eczema where skin is more prone to irritation.

Alongside this, you can also try really emulsifying the dye before you rinse it off. Ever noticed at the hairdressers, they really massage the colour in before rinsing it off and as they’re shampooing? You can do the same at home and you might be surprised how much the stains along the hairline lifts with just that extra effort emulsifying the colour.

How to get rid of dye stains on your hands and nails

If you haven’t used gloves, you’ll probably have some dye in and around your nails, especially if you have artificial nail extensions or longer nails. First step is to thoroughly wash your hands and remove any excess hair dye that can further stain your skin. You can also use an exfoliating hand wash to get stains out of your skin.

Next, get your hands on (pardon the pun!) some acetone nail polish remover. Go over your entire nail with a cotton pad, then saturate some of the fluff inside the cotton pad, wrap around an orange wood stick and go underneath the nails and along the cuticles. If the hair dye has dried, you might have to do this a few times before completely removing it. Try to be as gentle and patient as possible so you don’t dry out the nails and skin surrounding them. Follow this up with one of the best hand creams and cuticle oil to prevent further drying.

How to prevent hair dye stains in the first place

Putting it simply, the best way to avoid hair dye stains is to apply your hair colour precisely in the first place. Taking the extra time to use a brush at home and paint the colour on can actually save you a lot of time in the clean up process. “It’s all about prepping the skin and hairline well beforehand,” Edward says.