A close-up shot captures the struggle of a hand, covered in colorful acrylic paint, trying to untangle a paintbrush from a tangled mess of vibrant hair.

How To Get Acrylic Paint Out Of Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

ByHulya Aksu Updated on

Having acrylic paint in your hair can be frustrating and stressful. If not removed properly, it can leave behind stubborn stains and damage your hair. The good news is that there are several methods you can try to get acrylic paint out of hair safely and effectively.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the steps and techniques to clean acrylic paint from hair.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Gently work the dried acrylic paint out of your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Then apply a mixture of baking soda and shampoo to your hair and massage it in. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed until the paint is gone.

Assess the Situation and Act Quickly

Getting acrylic paint in your hair can be a frustrating and messy situation, but don’t panic! By assessing the situation and acting quickly, you can effectively remove the paint without damaging your hair. Here are some steps to help you through the process:

Examine where and how much paint is in your hair

Start by carefully examining your hair to determine the extent of the paint. Is it a small spot or a larger area? This will help you decide the best approach for removal. If the paint is only on the surface of your hair, it will be easier to remove compared to paint that has seeped deeper into your strands.

Try to remove any wet paint immediately

If the paint is still wet, you have a better chance of removing it completely. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently blot the paint, being careful not to rub or smear it further into your hair. Remember, the key is to act quickly before the paint dries and becomes more difficult to remove.

Avoid spreading the paint further into your hair

When dealing with dried or stubborn paint, it’s important to avoid spreading it further into your hair. Instead of combing or brushing the paint, which could make it worse, try using a gentle touch. You can use a fine-toothed comb or your fingers to carefully work through the affected area, starting from the edges and gradually moving towards the center.

Remember that each situation can be unique, and the best approach may vary depending on the type of acrylic paint, the color, and your hair type. If you’re unsure or concerned about damaging your hair, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional stylist for their expert advice.

Use Your Fingers or a Comb

When it comes to removing acrylic paint from your hair, using your fingers or a comb can be highly effective. Here are some steps you can follow:

Carefully work out clumps of dried paint

If you notice clumps of dried paint in your hair, don’t panic! Start by gently working out the clumps using your fingers. Take your time and be patient, as rushing the process could lead to hair breakage. Begin at the ends of your hair and work your way up, being careful not to pull or tug too hard.

Start from the ends of your hair and work up

When removing acrylic paint, it’s important to start from the ends of your hair and work your way up. This helps prevent further tangling and minimizes any potential damage. By starting at the ends, you can gradually work out the paint without causing unnecessary stress to your hair.

Use a wide-toothed comb if needed

If you’re finding it difficult to remove the paint with your fingers alone, you can use a wide-toothed comb. This type of comb is designed to glide through tangled hair without causing breakage. Gently comb through your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up.

Take your time and be gentle to avoid any unnecessary damage.

Remember, the key to successfully removing acrylic paint from your hair is to be patient and gentle. Rushing the process or using excessive force can lead to hair breakage and damage. If you’re unsure about how to proceed or if the paint is deeply embedded in your hair, consider seeking assistance from a professional hair stylist.

Apply Baking Soda and Shampoo

Make a paste with baking soda and water

If you find yourself with acrylic paint in your hair, don’t panic! One effective method to remove it is by creating a paste using baking soda and water. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a gentle abrasive that can help lift the paint from your hair without causing damage.

To make the paste, simply mix equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl until it forms a smooth consistency.

Add shampoo and massage into hair

Once you have the baking soda paste ready, it’s time to add shampoo to the mix. Choose a gentle shampoo that is suitable for your hair type. Add a small amount of shampoo to the paste and mix it well. Then, apply the mixture to the affected areas of your hair and gently massage it in.

The combination of baking soda and shampoo helps to break down the paint and lift it away from your hair strands.

Let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing

After applying the baking soda and shampoo mixture to your hair, it’s important to give it some time to work its magic. Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for about 5-10 minutes. This will give the ingredients enough time to penetrate the paint and loosen its grip on your hair.

You can cover your hair with a shower cap or towel to prevent the mixture from drying out.

Once the waiting time is up, it’s time to rinse your hair thoroughly. Use warm water to wash out the baking soda, shampoo, and paint residue. Make sure to rinse your hair well to remove all traces of the mixture.

You may need to repeat the process a few times if the paint is stubborn or if you have a lot of paint in your hair.

Remember to be gentle while removing the paint from your hair to avoid causing any damage or tangling. If you’re unsure about removing the paint yourself, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help from a hair stylist or salon.

For more information on removing acrylic paint from hair, you can visit TheSpruce.com.

Use Other Home Remedies

If you find yourself with acrylic paint in your hair, don’t panic! There are several home remedies you can try to remove the paint without damaging your hair. Here are some options to consider:

Try white vinegar or lemon juice

White vinegar and lemon juice are both acidic substances that can help break down the paint and make it easier to remove. Simply mix equal parts vinegar or lemon juice with water and apply it to the painted area.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub the paint off with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo your hair as usual.

It’s important to note that vinegar and lemon juice may lighten your hair slightly, so it’s best to test a small area first before applying it to your entire head.

Consider a clarifying or dandruff shampoo

If the paint is stubborn and not coming off with vinegar or lemon juice, you can try using a clarifying shampoo or a dandruff shampoo. These types of shampoos are designed to remove build-up and residue from the hair, which may help break down the paint.

Apply the shampoo to the affected area, lather well, and rinse thoroughly. Repeat as necessary until the paint is gone.

Mineral oil or coconut oil may help break down paint

If the paint has dried and hardened in your hair, you can try using mineral oil or coconut oil to help soften it. Apply a generous amount of oil to the painted area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. The oil will help break down the paint and make it easier to remove.

Afterward, gently comb through the hair to remove any loosened paint, then wash and condition your hair as usual.

Remember, it’s important to be patient and gentle when trying to remove acrylic paint from your hair. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can damage your hair. If these home remedies don’t work, it may be best to seek professional help from a hairstylist or salon.

When to Seek Professional Help

Removing acrylic paint from hair can be a challenging task, and sometimes it may require the assistance of a professional. Here are a few situations where seeking professional help is recommended:

If paint persists after multiple attempts

If you have tried several methods to remove the acrylic paint from your hair but it still persists, it may be time to consult a professional. They have the expertise and specialized products that can effectively remove the paint without causing damage to your hair.

For hair dye removal as well

If you have accidentally mixed the acrylic paint with your hair dye or if you have a combination of paint and dye in your hair, it is best to seek professional help. They can assess the situation and determine the most suitable method to remove both substances without compromising the health of your hair.

To avoid damage from harsh chemicals

Some DIY methods for removing acrylic paint from hair involve the use of harsh chemicals that can potentially damage your hair. If you are concerned about the potential side effects of these chemicals or if you have sensitive hair, it is advisable to consult a professional.

They can use safer and more gentle methods to remove the paint without causing harm to your hair.

Remember, professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle these situations effectively. They can provide you with the best advice and solutions to ensure that your hair remains healthy and undamaged throughout the paint removal process.

Conclusion

Acrylic paint in hair can certainly be annoying, but armed with these tips you can get it out yourself in most cases. Start by acting quickly, and use your fingers, combs, and items like baking soda and shampoo to break down the paint.

For stubborn acrylic stains or to prevent excessive damage, seek help from a professional hair stylist. With some time and patience, you can get your hair back to its original beautiful state acrylic-free.

Hulya Aksu is the founder and editor-in-chief of Posh Seven Magazine, the leading lifestyle publication serving the affluent suburbs of Washington D.C. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Hulya moved to the United States to pursue her passion for fashion. She worked for major fashion houses before recognizing a need for a magazine that spoke to successful women in D.C.'s prestigious neighborhoods.

In 2007, Hulya launched Posh Seven Magazine from her home while on maternity leave. The magazine quickly gained an avid following for its insider's perspective on upscale living in communities like McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda.

Over the past 15 years, Hulya has built Posh Seven into a multimedia brand with print, digital, social media, and experiential components. Her visionary leadership and hyper-local approach has made Posh Seven a go-to resource for over 100,000 readers.

As founder and editor-in-chief, Hulya lends the magazine her impeccable taste and insights into luxury living. She resides with her family in Ashburn, Virginia where the Posh Seven headquarters are located. Hulya is deeply committed to serving the vibrant community of successful women who call D.C.'s affluent suburbs home.

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