
Don’t you hate when your hair dye leaves a blotchy mess of color on your forehead?
You’re not alone. Hair dye stains are annoying and known to be tough to remove, but you can do it with the right remedy. In this article, we’ll tell you how to get hair dye off your forehead at home with minimal frustration. Let’s get right into it!
Table of Contents
- 1 How to Get Hair Dye Off Forehead: Video Tutorial
- 2 Good Ole Soap and Water
- 3 Spot Clean With Rubbing Alcohol
- 4 Loosen Up the Dye with Olive Oil or Baby Oil
- 5 Use the Toothpaste Method on Dye Stained Skin
- 6 Try Makeup Remover
- 7 Prevention is Key
- 8 Tips to Use When Removing Hair Dye
- 9 Will These Methods Work on Hands?
- 10 Will Hair Dye Fade On Its Own When it Dries on the Skin?
- 10.1 Related Articles
How to Get Hair Dye Off Forehead: Video Tutorial
HOW TO REMOVE HAIR DYE STAIN FROM SKIN INSTANTLY// Fastest way to get hair dye off skin!
Good Ole Soap and Water
Soap and water is the most common method for removing hair dye from your forehead. Simply use a soft cloth, soap, and warm water to scrub the dye off.
You may need to repeat this method several times before you see results.
Of course, we know soap and water will not cut it for everyone. If you’re looking for something a bit more effective, keep reading!
Note: If regular soap isn’t doing the trick, try using liquid dish soap. It is more powerful than regular soap and can break down the dye molecules to remove hair dye stains more effectively.

Spot Clean With Rubbing Alcohol
If your forehead is only lightly stained, you can try spot-cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a powerful agent that can dissolve hair dye in seconds.
Soak a cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stain.
Do not rub or scrub, as this can irritate your skin. You don’t have to rinse your skin with water afterward, but we recommend using a moisturizer after you’re done to replenish your skin’s moisture.
We advise against using alcohol-based hand sanitizer because it may not contain enough alcohol to do anything to lift the stain. Luckily, you can find rubbing alcohol virtually anywhere, whether it be at a brick-and-mortar grocery store or online.

Loosen Up the Dye with Olive Oil or Baby Oil
When you think of dye removal aids, you might think of harsh chemicals or soap, but you can also use natural oils to help loosen the dye on your forehead. This is a great option for those who have sensitive skin and want to avoid harsher cleaning agents.
Apply olive oil or baby oil directly onto the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Then, use a soft cloth and warm water to scrub the stain off. This method rarely works on the first try, so expect to repeat it a few times before you see results.
Note: You can use other oil types as you please. Avocado oil, argan oil, and coconut oil are all fair game. Just don’t use an essential oil, as it can easily irritate your skin.

Use the Toothpaste Method on Dye Stained Skin
Yes, toothpaste! It’s a surprisingly effective method for removing hair dye from your forehead. Most non-gel toothpaste contains a mild abrasive that can help scrub the dye away without damaging your skin.
Just apply some toothpaste directly on the stain and rub it into your skin in a circular motion. Let the toothpaste sit for a few minutes before using a soft cloth and warm water to wipe it off.
Some people may be sensitive to the ingredients in toothpaste, so it’s best to spot-test a small area of your forehead before using this method.

Try Makeup Remover
Makeup removers are designed to break down even the most stubborn makeup products, and many have seen success with using them to remove hair dye from their skin. They may be oil-based or water-based, but don’t discriminate.
If you have a makeup remover, try it!
Apply a bit of the product to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wash the dye away with soap and water.
Prevention is Key
The best way to avoid the hassle of hair dye removal is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Always apply petroleum jelly around your forehead and hairline before coloring your hair.
This will create a barrier between your forehead and the dye, allowing you to easily wipe off any excess if it gets on your skin. Wiping dye spills away with a dry cloth in seconds is way better than trying multiple remedies to remove it later.

If you don’t have any petroleum jelly handy, use an oil like coconut or olive oil to coat your forehead. Oils like these have a similar protective effect and can help keep your skin clean when you’re dyeing your hair.
Tips to Use When Removing Hair Dye
Using one of the above methods, you can get hair dye off your forehead without a ton of effort. In addition to the above information, here are some tips that you can use to make the hair dye removal process even easier and stave off any adverse skin reactions.

- Use a moisturizer after you remove the dye, as some of the aforementioned dye removal methods can be drying to your skin.
- If your skin tends to be sensitive, stay away from rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover. These chemicals are more likely than others to cause a skin reaction.
- If you plan on using a harsh dye removal method, test it out on a small patch of skin first to make sure your skin tolerates it. If your skin looks fine, do it again on a larger area of skin.
- Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can irritate your skin. The right method will work without you have to scrub hard.
- Be sure to use lukewarm water when removing the dye, as hot water can burn you.
- Don’t use any of these methods to remove dye from your hair. You may end up damaging your hair and compromising its color. You don’t want to have to start all over from square one.

Will These Methods Work on Hands?
The methods outlined in this article can be used on your hands, but only in particular cases. When you’ve got dye covering your entire hand, it’s not a good idea to use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol on them.
Since your hands have more surface area than your forehead, it will require a lot of product and time to remove the dye. And the more exposure you have to these chemicals, the more likely you are to inhale or choke on them.
Instead of harsher methods, opt for a milder solution like dish soap or olive oil. Dish soap is an effective, relatively gentle cleaner, and olive oil nourishes the skin while it cleans the dye off your hands.
Will Hair Dye Fade On Its Own When it Dries on the Skin?
Hair dye does fade on its own when it dries on the skin. Though, it can take a few days to a few weeks for the dye to fade completely.
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays and regular exfoliation can help speed up this process. However, the waiting game can be tedious, and some colors may be very stubborn and require intervention from you.

So, if you’d rather wait for the dye to fade on its own, that’s an option. Just wash your skin as you normally would and use an exfoliant to help the process along.
But, if it’s been more than a few days and you don’t see any progress, then it’d be wise to try one of the above methods.
Related Articles
- What Removes Hair Dye From Skin
- How to Get Splat Hair Dye off Skin
- Can Micellar Water Remove Hair Dye From Skin?
- How to Get Hair Dye off of Scalp
By following the above advice, you’ll be able to safely remove any hair dye that may have ended up on your forehead. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find one that works for you.
With a bit of patience and persistence, you can get rid of the stain in no time. We hope that this article has helped you understand the best way to get hair dye off your forehead without any lasting damage. Good luck!
Kenneth Byrd( Co-founder and Owner )
Kenneth Byrd holds a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a serial hair blogger that has been writing about hair care since 2008, when he co-founded Curl Centric and Natural Hair Box. Curl Centric is a website operated by a husband and wife team that encourages healthy hair care.
FAQs
How do you get hair dye off your forehead? ›
Rubbing alcohol
To use as a dye remover, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or cotton pad. Gently dab it on the stained portion of your skin. Once the dye is off, be sure to rinse the area with warm water and soap.
Rub Petroleum Jelly Into the Skin
“Hair dye will fade [from the skin] usually within just a few days if you do nothing, but if you want to remove it more quickly, you can rub petroleum jelly (using a glove or wipe) gently onto the skin," Greenfield says.
Baking soda can be an effective way to remove permanent hair dye naturally because of its lightening properties. Try mixing baking soda with lemon juice, which is acidic, to create a paste. Then, work the paste through your hair, allow it to sit for five minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Does Vaseline remove hair dye from skin? ›Just about any kind—baby oil, olive oil, or coconut oil—will do. Simply apply the oil to the hair line and gently rub in a circular motion. Products like Vaseline and Aquaphor work the same way, says Cleveland. Apply a small amount to stained areas and rub in a circular motion.
Does Dawn remove hair dye? ›Key Takeaways. The actual purpose of the Dawn dish soap is to clean utensils and remove grease from them. However, this soap can also remove dandruff, grease, and oil from your hair. The dish soap also acts as a mild bleach and can remove or lighten hair color on your hair.
How do you remove hair dye from skin hacks? ›- Scrub off the dye with a mixture of warm water and liquid dish soap or laundry detergent. ...
- Try removing hair color with a mixture of equal parts baking soda and dish soap, which exfoliates the skin to lift the dye.
- For a gentler option, rub petroleum jelly or baby oil into the dye.
Rubbing alcohol and soap is another way to tackle dye stains. Wet a cotton ball with some rubbing alcohol and soap, rub it gently onto the affected area, and rinse when done. You can also apply a soapy mixture of baking soda and dishwashing liquid to the affected area with a washcloth. Rub gently and rinse off.
What is the fastest way to remove hair color? ›- Use a clarifying shampoo. If you need to remove hair dye fast, reach for a clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo. ...
- Make a paste with baking soda. ...
- Vinegar rinse. ...
- Lemon juice rinse. ...
- Hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Vitamin C tablets. ...
- Professional help.
Use Dish Soap…
Using a detergent that is meant to get tough grease out—like dish soap—works well to remove any color that can't hold on. If you color your hair and immediately hate it, an immediate shampoo with some dish soap will strip a lot of the color away.
Take a small quantity of hydrogen peroxide and carefully rub it on dye stains on the skin. Immediately, wipe it off with a damp cloth or makeup remover wipe. Don't leave peroxide on your face for long as it may cause skin irritations. Also, make sure to keep your freshly colored hair away from these bleaching agents.
Does hand sanitizer remove hair dye? ›
If stubborn dye stains are still present after scrubbing, hand or body scrubs, nail polish removers, and even hand sanitizers are also great ways to help remove hair dye marks.
Does vinegar remove hair dye from skin? ›Apply vinegar as a last resort. Ideally, you'll apply using a loofah—or a muslin cloth—that can buff the color off your skin. Submerge the loofah in vinegar (yep, your skin might smell a bit), then gently scrub. By exfoliating, the color should lift right off.
Does milk remove hair dye from skin? ›Milk can also be used to remove hair dye. Simply pour a small drop of milk (preferably full fat) onto a cotton pad/ball. Rub the cotton ball onto the affected areas and wash off with lukewarm water.
How to remove hair from face? ›- Shaving.
- Tweezing.
- Epilation.
- Waxing.
- Laser hair removal.
- Depilatory creams.
- Threading.
- Prescriptions.
My hair stylist told me you can use Windex on a cotton pad to remove hair dye from your skin. It comes right off!
Does baking soda remove hair dye? ›Since baking soda is a scrubbing agent, washing your hair with it can gradually strip the dye from your locks. Baking soda can lighten all hair colors, but it might take a few washes to get your hair to the desired color.
Can rubbing alcohol remove hair dye from hair? ›3. Rubbing Alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can also help to remove a hair dye stain.
How do you get fake dye off your skin? ›Baking Soda
To start, create a paste by mixing a coin-sized amount of baking soda with water. Diluted baking soda boasts mild abrasive qualities and it's less harsh on sensitive skin. Then rub the mixture over dye-stained hands and scrub them thoroughly under running water.
One of the biggest reasons why color bleeds is because the water is too warm, which is why the number one rule when rinsing vibrant colors is to always, always, always use cold water. Here's why: Hot water will open the cuticle, letting a huge portion of the color you just applied to rinse right out.
Can rubbing alcohol remove hair dye? ›Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can also help to remove a hair dye stain. Apply some onto a cotton ball and rub it over the stained area, but keep in mind that this is another method to steer clear of when it comes to wood finishes and painted surfaces.
How long does hair dye stay on skin? ›
If the dye hasn't totally disappeared, don't worry — Dr. Zeichner assures that your skin won't be tinted for as long as your hair will be. "The good news is that in time, as your skin cells naturally turnover, your skin will shed the pigment on its own within one to two weeks," he says.
Can hair dye stains be removed? ›Carefully scrape off any excess hair dye with a butter knife. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution, dab the stain, and blot with a dry cloth until the stain has dissolved. To rinse, dab the area with cool water and let dry.
Does Windex remove hair dye from skin? ›It comes right off! My hair stylist told me you can use Windex on a cotton pad to remove hair dye from your skin. It comes right off!
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to remove hair dye? ›Hydrogen Peroxide and water:
Though not completely natural, you can use hydrogen peroxide mixed with equal amount of water and apply it to hair to get rid of hair dye. Keep the hydrogen peroxide in hair for 10 minutes for it to work through hair. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
We learned how to use toothpaste to whiten your nails, but now we're using it to remove hair dye from your skin, thanks to one hardworking ingredient: baking soda. Rub a little toothpaste on the dyed area with your finger. You can also boost it by rubbing gently with a washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush.
Does hair dye damage your skin? ›Even when hair dyes are used as directed, harmful health effects are possible. Up to 25 different ingredients in hair dyes can cause harmful skin effects. One of the main culprits is the primary intermediate PPD. Contact with skin can cause irritation including redness, sores, itching, and burning.
Can hair dye hurt your skin? ›Many hair dyes contain ingredients that can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. It's important to be aware of this risk, and know what to do. Reactions to hair dye are avoidable if you follow some simple safety advice.
What happens if you leave hair dye on too long? ›"If you leave your color on for too long, there is potential for extra deposit of pigment to occur. You can't make your hair too light by leaving a tint color on too long (unless you're bleaching), but it can make your hair darker than intended," says Tardo.
What is the best way to remove hair dye? ›If you're looking to get rid of hair color, the safest way is to contact a professional at a salon. A colorist may use bleach or sulfur-based hair stripping products to lighten your hair back so that it can be re-dyed. They can also assess your hair for damage and recommend the best treatment option.
Does vinegar get rid of hair dye? ›The acidity of white vinegar will help to remove the dye. Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, advises: "Depending on the type of dye, vinegar may cause the color to fade, but it probably won't remove the dye completely. However, be sure to avoid using vinegar to remove red dye from hair."
How do you remove dried hair dye? ›
- Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two (2) cups of cool water.
- Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. ...
- Sponge with cool water, blot until the liquid is absorbed.
Use Dish Soap…
Using a detergent that is meant to get tough grease out—like dish soap—works well to remove any color that can't hold on. If you color your hair and immediately hate it, an immediate shampoo with some dish soap will strip a lot of the color away.
All in One Solution – Magic Eraser Works for All Surfaces
They are extremely effective when it comes to removing stains. All you have to do is wet the Magic Eraser and rub the hair dye stain. The stain should start to disappear immediately.