5 Major Types of Hair Color
Changing hair color every now and then is a liberating experience. Somehow changing the color of hair takes you to a different character. It won’t change who you are, but it creates a different level of image you want to portray. Do you want to be fiery red or a sophisticated jet black? Pink hair is super fun, while purple could be edgy.
Whatever color you want to rock this season, it is important to know the different types of hair color and how they work on your hair. What are the effects? Are there any cons you need to consider before having it? Knowing the five major types of hair color will let you know how to maintain it or address possible damages.
Temporary
If you want to experience a different hair color without planning to keep for a long-term, this method is perfect for you! Temporary hair color coats the surface of the hair shaft with the desired color. It doesn’t penetrate deep into the hair structure like other hair treatments. Therefore, it is less damaging. The color becomes less vibrant with every shampoo until hair turns back to its original shade. Technically, it’s just a “stain”, so temporary hair dyes usually wash out after one or two shampoos.
Permanent
Wearing a desired color of hair for long-term can benefit from a permanent hair color. This is perfect for toning hair or covering gray hair. It is also known as “oxidation” technique because it uses an oxidizer such as hydrogen peroxide. The solution for a permanent hair dye also contains ammonia, which opens the hair cuticle to allow color particles to seep through. It works by penetrating deeply into the hair’s cortex, so the color stays longer. You need less recoloring sessions to cover fading. Reapplication simply depends on the rate of your hair’s growth.
Semi-Permanent
You can take a temporary look a little further with a semi-permanent hair color. The product often comes in the form of gels, creams, and mousses. It contains smaller particles than temporary color, so it absorbs better into the hair shaft. There could be small to zero concentration of oxidizer and ammonia to the solution. They don’t contain bleaching agents, so when you want to lighten your shade, this method is not for you.
A semi-permanent color is a good way to try out new colors without making an enduring commitment. You can apply a semi-permanent hair dye for root touch-ups or when growing out permanent color too. It could last for about six weeks and fades progressively.
Highlights
For looks that do not require total dying of hair, the highlighting technique comes into play. This is done by placing color on different segments of hair. Most highlights usually use permanent hair color. The amount of highlight depends on the hairstyle you want to achieve. Today, there are many trending looks you can try to refresh your tired locks. An ombre is the most popular look even Hollywood celebrities are wearing. This style is a seamless transition from a darker shade from the roots to a lighter highlighted color towards the ends.
How You Color It Matters, How You Care for It Matters More
Coloring your hair creates micro pores in your hair shaft, which causes it to absorb and release moisture more easily. The color fades every time your hair gets wet as well. This makes your colored hair look dull and dry. To avoid that, you need a good hair treatment for colored hair that protects it while keeping its vibrant hue last longer.
Hair Treatment for Colored Hair
Color-treated hair needs constant TLC. From a daily hair care routine to a weekly recovery treatment, it’s something you and your colored hair desperately needs. A good hair treatment for colored hair should be a holistic hair care system. Here are a few tips to make its color last as your hair stays vibrant and shiny.
Shampoo
Shampoo less frequently. Two to three times per week is enough to retain the natural oils of your hair. Look for shampoos specially formulated for colored hair. Then avoid hot water when shampooing. Heat can strip out hair dye faster because it opens the surface of the hair strands. This causes fading, so it is better to stick to lukewarm water. This is especially true for semi-permanent and temporary hair color.
On the in-between days, you can benefit from a color-safe dry-shampoo to avoid frequent washing. Remember that colored hair fades faster when constantly wet.
Conditioner
Conditioners generally create a form of protective layer over the hair shaft. This helps minimize effects of exposure to sun and air, such as frizz and dryness. Use a leave-in conditioner that protects your hair from damage heat-styling tools tend to cause. There are special conditioners made for colored hair available in the market today.
Mask
Combat the common after-effects of hair dying with a rich conditioning treatment that hydrates your hair. This type of hair treatment for colored hair brings the moisture back to the hair strands. It helps protect the hair from going dry, lifeless, and stiff. Look for products that help preserve the color. Some of them may even be shade specific. Hair masks are typically left on your hair for about 10 minutes, allowing moisture and nourishment to seep in. Make it a habit to do this special pampering to your hair at least once a week.
Home Remedies
Changing hair color involves chemical treatment. To ease the damages effectively, go for natural options! You can find from your kitchen ingredients that are safe hair care alternatives. Great examples are eggs and mayonnaise. Try mixing 1 fresh egg with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to make a protein-rich hair mask. Cover your hair with the mask for about 45 minutes, then rinse. It repairs protein damage and restores the health of your hair.
Other good-for-hair kitchen finds are:
- Avocado
- Banana
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Coconut milk
- Olive oil
