How to Get Hair Dye Off your Skin

With a little practice and the right product, at-home hair color can look as good as a professional dye job—unless you end up with stains on your hands, face or neck. No one likes splotchy patches of dye on their skin, so here are a few tips to help you prevent (or fix!) unsightly color stains.

Don’t wash your hair

Avoid washing your hair on the morning of your dye job. The natural oils will accumulate on your scalp and prevent a tinged part.

Wear gloves

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can apply your hair dye quickly and then wash your hands to prevent staining—because it’s not going to happen. Always wear gloves when handling hair dye and you won’t need to deal with stained palms or cuticles.

Apply conditioner or petroleum jelly

Massage a thick layer of conditioner or petroleum jelly, into your hairline and over your ears. Don’t forget the back of your neck, which is an area that’s extra prone to staining because it’s not as visible in a mirror. This layer of conditioner will act as a barrier which means your hairline won’t be able to absorb the dye as easily. Just make sure you don’t apply any product to your hair, because that will prevent the hair dye from penetrating your hair follicles.

Use a non-drip hair color

Garnier Nutrisse Cream has a rich, non-drip cream formula that is easy to work through your hair. It won’t drip on clothes, walls or your skin and the fresh, fruity fragrance makes dyeing your hair a sensory experience.

Gently remove hair color stains

Don’t go rubbing nail polish remover on your face if you’ve noticed a splotchy mark. Instead, apply a bit of facial cleanser or conditioner on a washcloth and gently massage it into the skin.

Cover it up

Extra stubborn stains will wash off in a couple days, but if you can’t wait that long, apply a hydrating primer, then use foundation and concealer to disguise any obvious marks.