Applying Hair Color
The allure of change is always left lingering within a women’s mind. Maybe you’ve changed your hairstyle but now feel somehow enticed to experiment with a new color, or perhaps you just feel in desperate need of a change.
Enhancing your look, covering gray or an exciting new change are some of the main reasons women opt for another, sometimes daring, hair color.
Before embarking upon this exciting journey however, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various types of colouring techniques and to make the right decision for you - personally.
There are four types of hair colouring:
Temporary Hair Color
The function of this hair color is it basically keeps unwanted tones at bay and enhances your natural hair color. The color pigment molecules are large and they cannot penetrate through the cuticle layers. These molecules only stay on the surface of the hair, thus this color doesn’t last long. With this temporary color you don’t need to do a patch test.
Semi-permanent Hair Color
This hair colouring lasts through a few washes and your natural hair color will be the same after the treatment has worn off. The effects depend on the texture and porosity of your hair. The higher the porosity the better the color, but it will wash out quicker. The absence of ammonia ensures that the color molecules cannot enter the cortex of the hair; thus this treatment is not permanent. It’s advisable to do a patch test before you apply this treatment.
Demi-permanent Hair Color
This treatment is longer lasting than the semi-permanent hair colouring. The color pigment molecules are small and penetrate the hair. There will be deposits of color within the cortex as well as upon the surface of the hair. This procedure is commonly used to cover grey hair. This procedure is however not used to lighten hair. It’s advisable to do a patch test before you apply this treatment.
Permanent Hair Color
During this procedure hydrogen peroxide is used to achieve permanent color. Generally hair is lightened, grays are covered and hair is harmonized. Ammonia opens the cuticles, then these molecules enter the cortex altering or adding color and this will be permanent. Always deep condition after this treatment, this will close the cuticles. It’s advisable to do a patch test before you apply this treatment.In general it’s a safer bet to have this hair colouring method done at a beauty hair salon.
Generally hair color is readily available in most stores, and a lot of people opt to color their own hair. The instructions on the packages are thorough and self explanatory. Before you attempt to do this on your own do a strand test to see exactly what the outcome will be.
Always wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo a few days before colouring, this will remove any residue from the hair and won’t spoil the outcome. Maintain your hair color by using shampoos and conditioners specifically for color treated hair, this will ensure longevity of the hair color.
Remember when coloring all your hair, the roots will show quicker and these will need a touch up. The out grow of highlights are not as obvious and will need a touch up after every 8-14 weeks.
If you are highlighting your hair ask a friend to help you, alternatively visit a beauty salon. See our step-by-step article with illustrations, giving you the knowledge to highlighting your hair successfully.
If your skin has a yellow undertone avoid golden, light blonde and golden brunette hair colors. Red shades should be avoided if you have a pink undertone. Skin tone of a whitish and pale color should avoid black hair color, as this will look eerie.
- Enjoy your new hair color!
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