How to Remove Hair Dye Stains From Clothes and Towels

Why hair dye clings so hard

Permanent hair dye comes with a developer (hydrogen peroxide) that makes the colour oxidise and bond inside the fibre. It is designed to sit permanently in hair – and unfortunately treats textile fibres the same way. Semi-permanent dyes and plant dyes such as henna behave a little differently and are sometimes easier while fresh. But once the dye has oxidised and dried, it is effectively a dye in the fabric – very hard to reverse.

Act immediately – a fresh stain is everything

The most important thing you do is to be quick. The less the dye has developed, the more comes out.

1. Blot up the excess with a dry, white cloth straight away – do not rub.
2. Rinse from the back under cold water to push out as much as possible before the dye develops.
3. Place a clean cloth underneath and dab with a mix of washing-up liquid and a little white vinegar.
4. Move to a clean part of the cloth often, so you do not smear the colour wider.

Alcohol and hairspray lift fresh dye

Alcohol dissolves fresh hair dye. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or an alcohol-based hairspray often works – and the technique is the same as for marker: let the colour travel down into a cloth, not out into the fabric.

1. Place a clean, white cloth under the stain.
2. Dampen a cotton bud or cloth with alcohol and dab gently on the stain.
3. Change the cloth often and work from the edge inwards, until no more colour comes off.
4. Rinse, then wash the garment as normal.

White fabric and towels: oxygen bleach

On white and colourfast fabric – for example the classic towel with hair dye on it – an oxygen-based bleach ('oxi') is the safest heavy treatment. Soak the item and repeat several times rather than going too hard. Never use chlorine bleach on coloured fabric, and be patient: dye often lets go over several rounds, not on the first attempt.

Coloured fabric – and when it is a lost cause

On coloured fabric, alcohol and dye removers are a real risk: they can pull out the garment's own colour just as readily as the hair dye. Always test on a hidden spot first. If the dye has dried in and fully oxidised, it may be impossible to remove at home – do not ruin the fabric chasing it. It is better to stop and get a professional assessment.

When should you send the garment to us?

If the item is valuable, coloured or delicate, or the hair dye has dried in, let us take a look. Wherever you are in Norway, we treat the stain according to the fabric and its care label, so the treatment is as gentle as possible. You order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions