How to prevent staining your skin when coloring your hair

As almost anyone who's attempted to dye their hair at home knows, no matter how careful you are, even the natural & semi permanent hair dye products can leave embarrassing stains on your face, ears, neck, and hands. You can prevent this with a few quick, easy steps, taken before you begin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Head Band, Hair Ties, Hair Clips, or Hair Pins
• Petroleum Jelly - any brand will work
• Tissues or washcloth
• Latex or non-latex gloves - located at most drug stores with the first aid supplies

1. Pull all hair away from face and neck using hair bands, clips, etc.

2. Using fingertips (with or without gloves), scoop out a liberal amount of the petroleum jelly product.

3. Smooth petroleum jelly, in a small to medium thickness, along the entire hairline. You will want to extend this coverage about 1 - 2 inches from the entire hairline.

4. After applying your hair dye, check the mirror for spots that the dye may have had contact with the skin - where you had not applied the jelly. You will begin cleaning some of these areas with a tissue or washcloth and a mild facial cleanser / astringent. Reapply petroleum jelly to this area after cleaning.

5. After completion of the dye process, wipe off excess jelly with a tissue or washcloth.

6. Wash your face as usual. A mild facial astringent should help remove left over petroleum jelly.

Tips & Warnings

• You may wish to get the assistance of a friend or loved one for the back of your hair. However, a hand mirror (in conjunction with a stationary mirror), or using your fingertips to "feel" the line can be just as effective.
• Once you have covered the hair line (front, sides, and back) you may wish to extend this coverage. Don't forget the neck, shoulders, tops & back of ears, etc.
• Most home hair color kits will come with gloves. I recommend purchasing a box of your own surgical style gloves. These are better fitted (allowing you more agility) and less likely to rip / break or bleed through - keeping your fingers safe from staining, as well.
• Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to petroleum products. If you have never these products before, do a skin test before using this method.
• Avoid contact with eyes / mouth. For external use only! Read the label on the petroleum product for other information or warnings.
• Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to latex products. Use non-latex gloves if you are not sure.