Kayla Young
Hair bleach is a powerful chemical used to lighten hair color. While bleach is an excellent tool for creating rocking locks, it’s also an intense and damaging chemical. Oh, and it can be challenging to remove from the skin.
Unfortunately, this is a common situation that happens to many of us.Â
There you are, bleaching your hair at home, following the instructions to a T, and yet you end up with bleach on your hands.
We have put together this guide: How to Get Hair Bleach Off Your Hands.
If you’re in a pinch and need to get hair bleach off your hands ASAP, here are a few methods that might work for you.
Contents
How To Get Hair Bleach Off your Hands
Hopefully, you’re not trying to use your phone to look up this article while your hands are soaking in bleach, getting it all over your phone.
Here are the basics of how to get hair bleach off your hands.
1. Try Soap and WaterÂ
The first method you should try is the typical soap and water cleaning. Bleach is an alkaline substance, and soap is acidic, so the two cancel each other out. First, wet your hands with warm water and add a dollop of hand soap.
Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
If the bleach stains are still visible, repeat this process until they disappear. This may work best if the bleach has only been on your skin for a few moments. However, if it has been there for a longer time, then you’ll need to use a stronger detergent.Â
This may work best if the bleach has only been on your skin for a few moments. However, if it has been there for a longer time, then you’ll need to use a stronger detergent.Â
2. Use Vinegar
If soap and water don’t do the trick, vinegar might be your next best bet. Vinegar is also acidic, so it can help neutralize the bleach on your skin. Create a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water in a bowl or cup.
Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
You can also create a paste using baking soda and vinegar. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar in a bowl to form a paste. Apply the paste to the bleach stains on your skin and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
3. Use Hydrogen PeroxideÂ
Hydrogen peroxide is another option you can try. It’s crucial to use a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide as high concentrations can damage your skin.
You can easily find the right hydrogen peroxide solution at the drugstore with a concentration of around three percent.Â
A cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide should be used on the afflicted regions of your skin only. It would help if you also left it for a few minutes before washing it off. Then, you can rinse with either warm or cold water. This method should work the magic.
4. Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great way to get hair bleach off your hands. First, soak your hands in lemon juice for a few minutes, then rinse them with warm water.
The acid in the lemon juice will break down the bleach, making it easy to remove. The lemon juice will also help soften your skin, making it feel refreshed and new.Â
5. Use Baking SodaÂ
Baking soda is another excellent option for getting hair bleach off your hands. All you need to do is make a paste with baking soda and water, then apply it to the affected areas of your skin. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
The baking soda will help neutralize the bleach and make it easier to remove. Plus, it will help to soothe your skin if it’s feeling irritated from the bleaching process.Â
6. Toothpaste
This is one item that we can’t miss in our homes. If you don’t have the time to rush out to a drug store to buy hydrogen peroxide, toothpaste is a great alternative. The abrasive properties of toothpaste help break down the pigment, making it easier to rinse away.
In addition, toothpaste is gentle on the skin and won’t irritate as bleach can. Simply apply a generous amount of toothpaste to your hands and rub it in for about a minute. Rinse away with warm water and repeat as necessary.
How to Prevent Getting Hair Bleach on Your Hands
Once you get bleach off your hands, it is a good idea to stay in the know and learn how to prevent it from staining your hands the next time you dye or bleach your hair. Here are some preventative measures to follow on your next venture:
1. Wear GlovesÂ
This is an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning. Wearing gloves will help to protect your hands from bleach and dye. You can find gloves at most drugstores or beauty supply stores. Ensure you get gloves that fit snugly so they don’t slip off or leave room for the liquid to seep in.Â
Wearing gloves will help to protect your hands from bleach and dye. You can find gloves at most drugstores or beauty supply stores. Ensure you get gloves that fit snugly so they don’t slip off or leave room for the liquid to seep in.Â
Dye and bleach will easily stain nails, so get proper fitting gloves!
2. Wash ImmediatelyÂ
If you get hair color or bleach on your hands, it’s essential to wash it off immediately. The longer it sits on your skin, the harder it will be to remove. So, make sure you have soap and water nearby to wash away any mistakes quickly.
3. Apply VaselineÂ
Another good way to protect your hands is by applying a layer of Vaseline around your nails and on the back of your hands.
This will create a barrier between your skin and the hair dye or bleach. Just be sure to wash it off when you’re done dying or bleaching your hair.
What Happens If You Fail To Get Bleach Off Your Hands?
If you don’t remove hair bleach from your hands and it’s left on for too long, it can cause skin irritation. The bleach can dry out your skin and make it feel tight and uncomfortable. In extreme cases, it can even cause blistering or burns.
So, if you notice any irritation developing, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. You may also want to apply a moisturizer to help soothe the skin.
It would be best to avoid bleaching your hair altogether if you have sensitive skin. Plenty of hair color options don’t require bleaching, so you can still get the look you want without relying on bleaching.
Conclusion
The best way to remove hair bleach from your hands is to use a mild soap and warm water. If the bleach has dried on your skin, you can try using other solutions mentioned above. Once you have removed the bleach, moisturize your hands to prevent them from becoming dry and irritated.
However, instead of all the hassle, why not try preventative measures the next time you bleach your hair?
