Acrylic paint is typically used to make art or craft projects. Even though it's water based, when it sticks to your hair it's a big hassle. It also dries quickly, so it's best to wash it off when it's still fresh. Below you will find some ways to get acrylic paint out of your hair without damaging your scalp.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Shampoo
The steps outlined below will work best if the stains are small, and only a few strands of hair are stained with paint.
Step 1. Wet your hair with warm water, or take a warm shower
Massage the affected head area with your fingertips to soften the dry paint.
Step 2. Apply a generous amount of shampoo to your hair and massage gently
Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing off.
Step 3. Comb with a fine-toothed comb to remove the softened paint
Step 4. After removing all the paint, rinse your hair thoroughly
Step 5. Use conditioner to keep strands smooth
Method 2 of 2: Using the Oil
If the 'shampoo method' is not enough, you can use the 'oil method', which is useful in case of dry paint stains that are not too large.
Step 1. Get some olive oil, or baby oil
Pour a generous amount into the palms of your hands.
Step 2. Run your hands through your hair over the paint-stained areas
Check that the affected parts are smeared with oil, but not to the point of dripping.
Step 3. Take a fine-toothed comb and use it to remove the paint with gentle strokes
Make sure you do this gently, so as not to tear the hair or break the ends.
Step 4. Continue combing the entire hair
Add oil as needed.
Step 5. Once the paint is completely gone, shampoo as usual
Advice
- The oil acts as an additional conditioner, and helps soften the hair.
- The steps described work best if the paint has just begun to dry on your hair. If the paint is completely dry, it is still possible to remove it, but it takes more time.
- If almost all of your hair is stained with acrylic paint, you may have a hard time trying to remove it without professional help - ask your hairdresser for assistance, as you may end up ruining your hair further trying to do it yourself.
- Another common product you could use to remove paint is peanut butter. Apply it in the same way as oil using the 'oil method'.
