How to Get Paint out of Hair

Remember the last time you decided to paint one of the rooms in your home?

You chose the color, purchased the paint, and eagerly set about transforming your room. However, your enthusiasm was soon dampened when you discovered that the paint was going not just on the walls and ceiling…but was splattering over your clothes and hair too!

Your situation took a turn for the worse when you tried to remove the paint from your hair, only to find it seemingly impossible to do so.

Don’t panic, There are several ways how to get paint out of hair including natural methods and chemical ones.

First Check the Type of Paint, Then Read on for the Best Removal Solutions

As you probably know, there are different types of paint. The most common types are: latex-based paint, oil-based paint and water-based paint.

It’s important for you to know which type of paint you’ve accidentally (or deliberately!) got into your hair. Only by having this information can you decide which paint removal method would be the most effective.

Okay… are you ready?

For latex-based paint

The first method for removing latex/acrylic paint from your hair is to soak your hair in water for several hours. Latex/acrylic paint is not completely waterproof. So by soaking your hair in water for a significant period of time, you can begin to break down the paint. Once the paint starts to weaken, you can begin to separate it from your hair.

The obvious downside to this method is that you need to allow a few hours for it to work.

If the first method doesn’t appeal to you, then this one might… WD-40. Yes, that’s right, the lubricating spray that is normally used to fix things like squeaking doors. Surprisingly, it can also be used to remove latex/acrylic paint from your hair. The trick is to apply WD-40 to the parts of your hair that have been covered in latex/acrylic paint. Once you’ve applied the WD-40, gently rub it into your hair. This will loosen the paint, and enable it to be washed off if you shampoo your hair fully with hot water. (Follow the lather, rinse and repeat process.) The disadvantage is that it can be harsh to your hair and your skin.

For oil-based paint

The best method for removing oil-based paint from you hair is to use a product that you’re likely to have in your kitchen cupboard… olive oil. The secret to this method is to apply the olive oil to the parts of your hair covered in paint. Once you’ve done this, use a fine-tooth comb to remove the paint from your hair. (Please be gentle!)

If the paint has dried into your hair, then consider applying liberal amounts of olive oil to your hair, wrapping your hair in plastic wrap, and then waiting for a few hours. This will soften the paint, and allow it be removed with a fine-tooth comb.

There are no real downsides to using olive oil, and in fact, many people use it as a hair conditioning treatment.

For water-based paint

This type of paint is probably the easiest to remove from hair. The method simply involves applying your usual shampoo to the parts of your hair covered with water-based paint. The next step is to run a fine-tooth comb through your hair to remove the paint. You’ll just need to rinse your hair after this.

However, if the paint has already dried, then you may need to let the shampoo sit on your hair for a period of time. This is to allow the paint to soften. Once this process is complete, follow the combing and rinsing suggestion above.

This paint-removal method is popular, as most people will have shampoo in their home. The only downside is time (if you have to wait for the paint to soften).

I don’t know the type of paint: How do I remove it from my hair?

You found a tin of paint in your garage or loft that was unlabelled. You opened the tin, loved the color, and decided to start painting your bedroom ceiling with it. You know the rest of the story… (Before long, your hair had changed color!)

Luckily, even if you don’t know the type of paint that has ended up on your hair, there are a few universal methods of how to get paint out of hair.

First up, simply try removing the paint by picking it off your hair using your fingernails. This can be an effective and chemical-free method, but be prepared to test your patience!

The second option to try involves products that are likely to be lurking in your kitchen and bathroom… dish soap and toothpaste. Dish soap can be applied to your hair (along with water), and with strenuous rubbing can remove paint from your hair. If this fails, however, then try toothpaste. It’s abrasive properties can help to break down the paint, allowing it to be washed away with shampoo.

Getting paint in your hair is a messy business. However, by using one of the methods listed in this article, you should be able to remove it without too much effort or stress.

A final piece of advice for you…

Next time you choose to paint, consider wearing a shower cap. This will prevent paint from coming into contact with your hair. As the saying goes – prevention is better than cure!

Featured photo credit: Public Domain Pictures via publicdomainpictures.net

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