Men can be every bit as vain about their hair as women. This means that men are as prone to using hair dye to cover gray or even to change the color of their hair completely. However, men, and some women, tend to get in a hurry and fail to take precautions against getting dye on their skin. This leaves many wondering how to remove hair dye from skin.

There are commercial products made specifically for the purpose of removing hair dye from the skin. However, one must go to a salon to find these products. They are not likely to be available at any department store or the local Wal Mart.

For those who do not wish to go out to a salon and find hair dye removers, there are some options that can be tried at home. One that is highly recommended by salon stylists is to use the same dye that has stained the skin to remove it. This is accomplished by taking the left over dye and applying it to wet skin. Rubbing the dye slightly will help it bond with what is already on the skin. Rinse the dye away and wash the area with soap and warm water to remove any residue. This should remove the dye completely.

Another idea is to wash the affected area with a mixture of baking soda and dish detergent. Brands that contain lemon juice usually work better than others, though any brand of dish detergent will work with sufficient scrubbing.

Some people recommend using toothpaste. The mild abrasives in the toothpaste will help to exfoliate the skin and remove the hair dye colored outer layer without leaving the skin raw or sore. One can use the fingers alone to rub in the toothpaste, but using a toothbrush makes the task easier and faster.

Another remedy that some say works well is to collect cigarette ashes and mix them into a paste with water. Apply this paste directly to the affected skin and allow it to set a few minutes. Wash the ash mixture off with soap and water to strip the dye from the skin.

For those with a bit more time before they have to leave the house, application of petroleum jelly or mineral oil to the color stained area and leaving it set overnight has been shown to loosen the dye from the skin and make it easier to wash away.

The good news is that there are ways that can be learned how to remove hair dye from skin. One is not stuck with this unwanted stain on the skin until it wears off.