What precautions should I take during application to avoid staining and irritation?

Wear the nitrile gloves provided (or buy a box) — latex can degrade with prolonged contact. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a dedicated barrier cream along the hairline, ears, and nape before starting; this prevents the intense fuchsia from staining skin, which can take days to fade. Cover countertops, sinks, and towels with disposable cape or plastic sheeting; the pigment penetrates grout, laminate, and fabric instantly. Perform a patch test 48 hours before first use: dab a pea-sized amount behind the ear or on the inner forearm, leave 30 minutes, rinse, and watch for redness, itching, or swelling. If your scalp is sensitive, scratched, or you have active dermatitis, postpone use until the skin barrier is intact. Rinse the colour with cool water until the runoff runs clear — warm water opens the cuticle and washes out more pigment.