How to Get Hair Dye Stains Out of Clothes

Dyeing your hair in those gorgeous, vivid colors is all fun and games—until you accidentally splatter some dye on your favorite shirt. We've all been there, frantically googling "how to get hair dye out of clothes" while staring at a freshly stained tee. But don't panic! Keep reading to learn different ways to get hair dye out of clothes so you can rock those bold hues without sacrificing your wardrobe.

How to Get Hair Dye Stains Out of Clothes - 3 Methods Recommended by Arctic Fox

1. Store-Bought Stain Removers

Let's start with the most straightforward solution on how to get hair dye stains out of clothes: stain removers like OxiClean, Shout, or Tide. Since these products are available at pretty much any grocery store or Target run, it's hands-down the easiest and most accessible way to tackle hair dye stains. Here's exactly how to do it:

1. Remove any excess hair dye from the fabric

2. Flush the stain with cold water (cold is key here!)

3. Apply your stain remover solution according to the product instructions

4. Rinse the stain out with cold water

5. Check if the stain is gone and repeat the process if needed

6. Wash the garment in a regular cycle once the stain has lifted

Easy peasy, right? This method is perfect when you need a reliable, no-fuss solution.

2. Hairspray Magic

Here's a fun one—hairspray isn't just for your 'do! It can also work wonders on getting hair dye stains out of clothes. But here's the catch: this method only works if you haven't washed the clothes yet. Seriously, don't throw that stained shirt in the wash first, or you'll be out of luck. Here's how to remove hair dye from clothes with hairspray:

1. Scrape off any excessive hair dye that's still fresh

2. Spray the stain generously with hairspray (make sure it contains alcohol—check the label!)

3. Soak the clothes in a bowl of cool water for about 30 minutes

4. Wash the clothes in your washing machine as usual

Pro tip: No hairspray on hand? No worries! You can use the same method with rubbing alcohol instead. Just dab it onto the stain and follow the rest of the steps.

3. The Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is that magical household item that seems to fix everything, and guess what? It totally works on hair dye stains too! Plus, it's way safer than most commercial products and won't irritate your skin or lungs. The stain removal process is super easy:

1. Soak your clothes in cool water

2. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the water

3. Leave the clothes soaking for 30 minutes

4. Rinse the clothes under cold water

That's it! Simple, affordable, and effective.

How to Remove Hair Dye Stains from Clothes – Additional Tips

Okay bestie, now you know how to remove semi-permanent vivid hair dye from clothes using several different methods. But before you go, we've got some bonus tips that'll make your life so much easier:

• Be mindful of colors: Before you go wild with any bleach-based products, think about the shade of your hair dye stain and the color of your fabric. You don't want to remove the stain but bleach out your favorite black jeans in the process!

• Check the care label: Always scope out the garment's care label before applying any stain remover. Some fabrics are delicate divas and need special treatment.

• Test first: Do a little patch test on a hidden area of the garment before going full-force on the stain. Better safe than sorry!

• Never mix certain chemicals: This is super important—don't mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar. That combo creates toxic fumes, and nobody has time for a trip to the ER.

• Air dry: After washing, let your clothes air-dry and double-check that the stain is completely gone before tossing them in the dryer. Heat from the dryer can set stains permanently, and then you're really stuck with them.

• Wear old clothes while dyeing your hair: This one's a game-changer. Keep a dedicated "dye day" outfit (preferably something you don't care about) so you won't stress about stains. Problem solved!

• Act quickly: The faster you treat that stain, the better your chances of removing it completely. If you spot hair dye on your clothes, drop everything and deal with it ASAP.

• Clean surfaces right after coloring: Here's something people forget—you might stain your clothes by accidentally touching a dye-covered sink or counter. Make it a habit to wipe down all bathroom surfaces right after you finish coloring your hair. Future you will thank present you!

• Keep an old towel handy: Sometimes dye drips happen. Instead of panicking and wiping it with your shirt (guilty!), keep an old towel nearby to blot up any fresh dye before it becomes a problem.

How To Get Hair Dye Out Of Clothes FAQ

What removes hair dye from clothing?

The best options for removing hair dye from clothing are stain removers (like OxiClean or Shout), hairspray or rubbing alcohol, and white vinegar. All three methods work great—just pick whichever one you have readily available!

Does permanent hair dye come out of clothes?

Yes! As long as the hair dye is still fresh and you act quickly, it should come right out. The key is treating it immediately before it has time to set into the fabric.

Does rubbing alcohol remove hair dye from clothes?

Absolutely! Here's how:

1. Scrape off any excessive hair dye that's still fresh

2. Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol

3. Soak the clothes in a bowl of cool water for 30 minutes

4. Wash the clothes in your washing machine

5. Air-dry the clothing and check if the stain is completely gone before putting it in the dryer (heat can set the stain permanently!)

Will vinegar remove hair dye from clothes?

Yes! White vinegar is an effective and safe method for removing hair dye stains. Here's the process:

1. Soak your clothes in cool water

2. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar

3. Leave the clothes in the water for 30 minutes

4. Rinse the clothes under cold water

5. Air-dry and check the stain before using the dryer

How to Remove Hair Dye Stains from Clothes - The Takeaway

And there you have it—everything you need to know about rescuing your clothes from hair dye disasters! Now you can experiment with all those gorgeous Arctic Fox shades without worrying about your wardrobe. Want more hair dyeing tips, tricks, and inspo? Follow @arcticfoxhaircolor on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, and Threads. We're always sharing fresh content to help you live your most colorful life!