Written by Lana Nickerson |
Coloring your hair is perhaps the quickest and most dramatic way to change your look. It is also a good excuse to go out and buy a new wardrobe!
However, different coloring methods suit different hair styles, so get some expert advice when deciding which one to choose. Here are some things to consider before you get started:
Skin Tone: Your new hair color should complement your skin tone. Fair-skinned people won’t look as good with very dark hair because it draws color out of their skin. Dark, tanned skin won’t look as good when mixed with a one-tone blonde; but four or five blonde, chestnut or honey tones look fabulous.
BLONDE: If you want to be blonde, talk the process through with your colorist (or stylist) before you go for it. The change should be relatively painless on virgin dark brown hair, but if your hair has been permanently tinted then the process will be a much longer process. Never attempt this kind of dye job on your own for the first time.
RED: Red is the ultimate sexy shade, it’s a color that cries out for attention. Hair holds on to red-toned pigments well, so going copper-top can be easy for most people. But be warned – if you are blonde you will usually have to go two or three shades darker than your natural color to achieve a rich red (brunette), and it’s not easy to reverse.
BROWN: Brunette is always a safe choice as it suits nearly every girl in town. Varying the shade with highlights can achieve a huge range of looks. From chocolate brown and bronze shades to honey or dark blonde, combinations of natural tones give incredible shine while darker-pigmented tints add condition to your hair.
BLACK: This is by far the easiest color because the molecules in black tints are larger and will cover all hair types very effectively. Caution is needed when using black as it only tends to look good on people with darker and olive skin tones.
Is there such a thing as natural hair color?
Yes, but natural botanical hair colors from plants like henna and chamomile infusions are semi-permanent and will not last as long, nor will they give you consistent results. Unfortunately, in order for any hair color to be permanent, oxidative (peroxide) dyes must be present. However, there are permanent natural hair coloring products that use natural botanical ingredients and can gently provide beautiful permanent hair color while minimizing exposure to harsh chemical damage; both to you and your hair.
Modern, commercial permanent hair coloring products will typically contain these three ingredients in varying amounts:
Hydrogen Peroxide is a bleaching and oxidizing agent, detergent and antiseptic. A good natural permanent hair color contains the least amount of peroxide necessary to open the hair cuticle; typically 2-4% by volume, compared to commercial color products that may use 10 times as much.
p-Phenylenadiamine (PPD) is the coloring agent. It is an extremely toxic chemical which may cause severe allergic reations in some people. A good natural hair color will use only the minimum amount necessary, as little as 0.08% can be effective. Some commercial hair coloring products may contain up to 6%.
Ammonia is a toxic reactive and corrosive chemical widely used in fertilizer, plastics and explosives. Together with peroxide, it is used to open the hair cuticle and remove existing color in preparation for the new color. High quality natural hair coloring products do not need to use ammonia.
What’s better for my hair, semi-permanent or permanent color?
Semi-permanent color gives your hair a higher shine and enhanced condition, but it won’t lift natural hair color. Also, a semi-permanent tint will not cover large amounts of grey hair (more than 50%). If a permanent tint is used correctly and has significant amount of natural plant extracts (more than 97%), you will always achieve a beautiful effect.
Will coloring my hair damage it?
Hair coloring can damage your hair if you apply too many permanent colors to your hair, or if you are constantly changing your hair color. In this case, you must regularly use deep conditioning treatments and the right shampoo. Also, applying an oil to your hair before washing, like avocado or jojoba oil, can help to protect and restore your hair. Essential oils can also be added to your shampoo like Lavender, Orange and Rosemary.
Why can colored hair look dull?
Over-processing is the main cause of dull hair. If your hair is starting to look dull, try using a natural hair color that contains important natural elements like Golden Millet, as well as Olive Leaf, Birch, Grape seed and Walnut extracts. These elements play an important role in maintaining the health, structure and shine of your hair.
Coloring Tips
• When you have more than 50% grey hair, your selection of color is greater and it is easier to obtain lighter shades
• The quality of shampoo you use can play a major role in hair color fading. Use a shampoo specifically made for color treated hair.
Safety Factors
Hair color is considered safe for use by pregnant women if the harmful fumes or odors can be avoided. Most people are under the misconception that the problem with coloring hair during pregnancy is only the penetration of the product into the scalp or the skin. The truth of the matter is that the danger comes from inhaling the toxic fumes too. If it’s a warm day, sitting outdoors while your hair processes is a great way to avoid inhaling fumes and the sun will help your hair color process more effectively or ask your stylist to cover your hair with a plastic bag to keep the fumes enclosed.
References:
1. SanoTint Product Information for Hair Professionals
2. VIVASAN Product Reference
3. science.howstuffworks.com/hair-coloring2.htm
4. www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html
For more information, contact Lana Nickerson at (775)826-VIVA, or write to info@vivasanusa.com.
Visit Sanotint at www.vivasanusa.com
