How to Remove Hair Dye from a Wall

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When removing hair dye from your walls, you will get the best results if you work when the stain is fresh. Rubbing alcohol may remove hair dye from your walls. Alternatively, because nail polish remover contains acetone, it may remove the stain if the alcohol cannot. Additionally, try using the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove hair dye stains from your walls. [1] If either of these strategies strips the paint from your wall, then you may need to repaint your wall.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Removing Hair Dye with Rubbing Alcohol

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-1.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Wet a cotton ball with alcohol and rub it on an inconspicuous spot on the wall, first. Check for stains, discoloration, or residue. If the alcohol produces any unwanted affects, then try a different method. [2]
    • You should always test products and solutions on small, hidden areas first before using them on larger surfaces to avoid unwanted effects.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-2.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold the cloth with your finger on top of the bottle’s opening. In a quick motion, turn the bottle upside down then right side up again to dampen the cloth. Then gently rub the cloth over the stain in a circular motion. Once the stain begins to transfer to the cloth, use a different area of the cloth to finish cleaning the stain. [3]
    • Alternatively, you can use nail polish remover if the rubbing alcohol does not work. Just remember to wipe the area clean with water before applying the nail polish remover onto the stain. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-3.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a wet towel to remove the rubbing alcohol from the wall once the stain is gone. Then use a clean, dry towel to dry the area.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Magic Eraser to Remove Hair Dye

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-4.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Squeeze the eraser to remove any excess water before applying it to the hair dye stain. [5]
    • Remember to test the eraser on a small, hidden area first before applying it to larger surfaces.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-5.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure to scrub the stain gently. However, if the stain is not coming out, you may scrub harder. If the eraser becomes dry, re-wet it and keep scrubbing until the hair dye stain is removed. [6]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-6.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Wipe a clean, dry towel over the area. If you want, you can clean the area first with a wet towel before drying it.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Repainting Your Wall

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-7.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use fine-grit, 120 sandpaper to sand the area. Working from the top to the bottom, sand the area in a horizontal motion, i.e., parallel to the ceiling and baseboard.
    • Use a sanding pole to sand large areas like an entire wall.
    • To avoid a patchy appearance, you may want to sand, prime, and repaint the whole wall.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-8.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The cloth will remove any debris leftover from the sanding. Wipe until all the debris is removed. Then dry the surface with a clean towel, or let it air dry. [7]
    • You can use a gentle cleanser or plain water to clean your wall.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-9.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apply the coat with a separate primer brush in a straight up and down motion. You may need to let the primer set for 24 hours, however, it depends on the type of primer you bought. Therefore, make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-10.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Do this once the primer is dry. Sand in a horizontal motion until the surface is smooth. Then wipe down the surface again to remove any debris. [8]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-11.jpg\/aid8581939-v4-728px-Remove-Hair-Dye-from-a-Wall-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Dip a clean or new paintbrush into your bucket of paint until one-third of the brush is covered in paint. Tap the brush against the side of the can to remove excess paint. Paint the area in a straight up and down motion.
    • Let the first coat dry completely before applying a second or third coat.
    • When painting the wall, try to paint in full daylight so you can get an even finish.
    • You can sand in between paint jobs to get a professional look.
    • Apply as many coats as you need until the color you want is achieved.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get dye out of the sink?
    Community Answer
    Try using rubbing alcohol, bleach, and/or vinegar.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Try to remove hair dye stains as soon as possible. The quicker you act, the easier it will be to remove.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Clean Mold off of a Ceiling (Plus Prevention Tips)
      How to
      Get Rid of Nicotine Stains on Walls
      How to
      Remove Sticky Tack Stains from Walls
      The Best Ways to Clean Your Ceiling (Plus How Often to Do It)
      How to
      Clean Smoke Off of a Ceiling
      How to
      Clean Walls with Vinegar
      How to
      Clean Wallpaper
      How to
      Clean Plaster Walls
      How to
      Clean Drywall
      How to
      Stop Efflorescence
      How to
      Clean Mold Off Walls
      How to
      Get Ink or Dye Off a Painted Wall
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://household-tips.thefuntimesguide.com/magic_erasers/
      2. ↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/how-to-remove-hair-dye.html
      3. ↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/how-to-remove-hair-dye.html
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7iO9ZEJ1Qk
      5. ↑ http://www.mrclean.com/en-us/shop-products/magic-erasers/magic-eraser-original
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCqBinGmOmo
      7. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/whats-the-best-way-to-repaint-already-painted-walls-677680468
      8. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/g151/13-painting-secrets-the-pros-wont-tell-you/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to remove hair dye from a wall is to clean it off as soon as you can. Try using rubbing alcohol to remove the hair dye. Just dip a clean, white cloth in rubbing alcohol and wipe the stain with it. You can also use nail polish remover instead of rubbing alcohol. Another option is using a magic eraser. Soak the eraser under running water and squeeze it well to remove the excess water. Then, scrub the hair dye in a circular motion to remove it. To learn how to repaint your wall to cover up hair dye, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 131,451 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Velia

        Dec 10, 2021

        "I got some hair dye on the wall, googled how to remove it and this popped up. I tried the nail polish remover and ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement