Many women like to experiment with hair color, some do this to get rid of gray hair, some to brighten and refresh a dull hair color and others just want to try different looks using new colors. Hair coloring is extremely popular and it is estimated that more than 65% of women color their hair at some point in their lives. And, the newest craze is also highlights, which many women and especially younger women are choosing to give themselves a modern, fresh, young and unique hairstyle and look.
It is a fact that coloring the hair is an ancient past time, and while we can now go to a salon or the beauty isle to get our hair color, in ancient times men and women colored their hair using various home made chemicals, pigments and plants. One of those is Henna, which is still used today to create various shades of red.
These days, there are large numbers of alternatives for hair color and many different shade options as well. Coloring the hair can add some real spice to short and long hair, it can add, shine, luster, brightness and of course drama, as seen with girls who add pink or blue highlights to their hairdos. A good color also goes great with very straight hair, like the Jennifer Aniston look, learn more at how to straighten hair. A great color can be used to cover up gray hairs and women find this is a wonderful way to look and therefore feel younger and more confident.
Taking Proper Precautions With Hair Color
While getting a color can be fun, it is serious business that uses dangerous chemicals which are not something to be toyed with. If not used correctly, hair color can cause damage to the hair and scalp and can have long term effects on the health of the hair, such as permanent damage and chronic dryness. Certain steps should be taken to make sure that it is done properly, such as going to a salon and having it done by a professional.
Coloring at home is a good option because it can save a lot of money as salons have gotten more and more expensive, but it’s important to follow all directions to the letter to avoid any mishaps that might occur. Correcting improper color or fixing damage can cost more in the long run that getting the color at the salon in the first place.
Types of Hair Color Options Available
Hair color is available in two main forms. The one you choose is up to you, it depends on various factors, let’s take a look at these.
Permanent Dyes
This is the most long lasting way to color hair. Permanent does not mean forever. These do not wash out with shampoo. It is just the type of hair color that lasts the longest amount of time, usually 3 months. The dyes are applied to the root of the hair and then down the strands and they contain peroxides and ammonia and so are very toxic. If you hair is all ready damaged or weak this is not recommended. Note that as the hair grows this type of hair color will create those ugly roots in your original colour.
One of the key factors of permanent hair color is that it usually means that you will have to continue to get the color regularly or else you will have to endure however long it takes to grow out the original hair that includes the ugly root issue. For those that have long hair this might be a real issue and could take a really long time. Many women now use the various color enhancing and color lengthening shampoos and conditioners that are supposed to help the color stay vibrant longer and maintain the color longer.
Semi-Permanent Dyes
Also known as Demis, these dyes last the shortest amount of time, about 4-6 weeks depending on the individual and the amount of shampoos being performed. Usually these wash out gradually with each shampoo and is completely gone after 12 times of shampooing. While these may need to be refreshed more often, they are less aggressive and so blend better into the hair and do not cause the root issues that come with permanent dyes.
This is a great option for experimenting with colors, first time dyers and those that just want to color for an occasion and not be stuck to having to color forever. Since the root problem is a none issue, the demi color will just gradually wash out and there is no need to worry that half your hair is a different color than the other half.
Basic Hair Dying Procedure
- The hair is divided into 2 independent quadrants and then each part is separated with a clip
- Plastic gloves are used and the dye solution is mixed and prepared. If doing it at home, follow all directions on the box
- Thin strips of color are applied liberally to each quadrant one at a time
- Leave alone for prescribed time
- Rinse well with warm water