Nicotine Stain in Moustaches
A: This is a fairly common issue for smokers, and there are a number of ways to combat the buildup. It’s the sticky tobacco tar, rather than the nicotine itself, that leaves behind that yellow-brown residue. The stains are mostly on the surface and can usually be removed with a clarifying shampoo or cleaning process. Below are some of the easiest options.
1. Purple Shampoo
You don’t specify your hair color, but a lot of smokers with gray hair notice staining most readily. If you are gray, my first recommendation is to look for an anti-yellowing shampoo (purple shampoo). I don’t usually endorse specific brands on here, but I’ve used Clairol Shimmer Lights with clients to combat gray-dulling issues. It removes buildup and contains a cool violet pigment that neutralizes yellowing, brightening gray hair back to white.You’ll want to wear gloves when using purple shampoo because it can temporarily stain fingernails. Apply a small amount and massage it carefully into the mustache, while keeping it away from your lips and eyes. An old, clean toothbrush works great for precision control here.
Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water. You should see good results after the first application. Repeat daily until the stain is gone. There is also a formula of Shimmer Lights for blonde hair if your hair is blonde rather than gray.
2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Another technique is old-fashioned baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide (the standard first-aid formula, not hair color developer). Dip an old toothbrush into the peroxide, dab it into the baking soda, and gently brush it into the mustache.Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse completely. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to buff away tar, while the peroxide breaks down the stain. It may take a few uses to completely clear up.
3. Clarifying Shampoo
If you don't have gray or blonde hair, simply look for a good clarifying shampoo. These are specially formulated to strip product and mineral buildup from hair, and they will work on mustache stains over a few washes without altering your natural hair color.Diluted lemon juice or an apple cider vinegar rinse can also work wonders as a natural clarifying alternative.
Clarifying products and baking soda can strip away your skin's natural moisture. Once you’ve rinsed out your treatment, apply a tiny dab of beard oil or conditioner to keep your mustache soft and protect the skin underneath.
4. Smoker’s Toothpaste
Finally, you can use a smoker’s toothpaste to help scrub away the residue. Some people prefer this method simply because getting shampoo or peroxide near the mouth tastes pretty vile! Since smoker’s toothpaste is designed to remove tough tobacco stains, it will work on mustache hair too.©hairfinder.com
See also:
Is smoking bad for your hair?
How to take yellow out of hair
How can I get the yellow caused by cigarette smoke out of my platinum blonde hair?