Brunette, Blonde, Beyond: Types of Hair Color
Hair colour is one of the most popular and impactful ways to change your appearance. Whether you want to cover up gray hair or completely transform your look, many different types of hair colour are available. Each type offers its unique benefits and drawbacks, making it important to understand their differences before deciding.
In this guide, we will explore five of the most common types of hair colour: permanent, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, temporary, and highlights. We will discuss how each type works, their longevity and maintenance requirements, and their pros and cons. By the end of this guide, you should better understand which type of hair colour best suits your needs and preferences. So, let's dive in and explore the world of hair colour!
Why Hair Color is Important
Hair colour is not just a way to switch up your look; it also has a major impact on your appearance and overall self-confidence. The right hair colour can enhance your features and make you feel more attractive, while the wrong one can leave you less confident.
But beyond personal preferences, hair colour plays a significant role in society. It is often associated with youth and vitality, making it a popular choice for those looking to maintain a youthful appearance. It can also convey certain messages about an individual's personality or style.
In addition, hair colour can be used to cover up gray hairs, often associated with aging. This is why many people turn to hair colouring as they age to maintain a youthful look.
Lastly, hair colour can also be a form of self-expression. With so many colours and techniques available, individuals can use hair colour to express their individuality and stand out.
With the rise of social media and photo-sharing platforms, hair colour has become even more relevant, allowing individuals to showcase their unique style and personality online.
Types of Hair Color
Now, you may be wondering what the different types of hair colour are and how they differ. Let's take a closer look at each type.
Permanent Hair Color
As the name suggests, permanent hair colour is designed to last until your hair grows out or is cut off. It contains ammonia and other chemicals that open up the hair cuticle and allow the colour to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. This type of hair colour provides full coverage for gray hairs and can dramatically change your natural hair colour.
While permanent hair colour offers long-lasting results, it also requires a higher level of maintenance and can cause damage to the hair if used frequently. Therefore, choosing a high-quality product and following proper aftercare techniques is important.
And most importantly, keep in mind that once you have dyed your hair with permanent colour, it cannot be easily reversed or washed out. If you decide to change your hair colour again, you will need to wait for it to grow out or seek the help of a professional colorist.
Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Semi-permanent hair colour is a gentler alternative to permanent hair colour. It does not contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals, making it less damaging to the hair. This type of colour only coats the outer layer of the hair and gradually fades with each wash, typically lasting up to 6-8 weeks.
Semi-permanent hair colour adds shine and enhances natural shade without dramatically changing it. It can also be used to darken or lighten your hair by a shade or two.
However, since semi-permanent colour does not penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, it cannot provide full coverage for gray hairs and may not last as long as permanent colour. Additionally, frequent use of semi-permanent colour can cause build-up on the hair and make it difficult to achieve desired results with other types of hair colour.
Demi-Permanent Hair Color
Demi-permanent hair colour falls somewhere between semi-permanent and permanent. It contains a small amount of ammonia, which helps the colour penetrate slightly deeper into the hair shaft, resulting in a longer-lasting colour covering up to 50% of gray hairs.
Like semi-permanent colour, the demi-permanent colour will gradually fade with each wash and does not cause significant damage to the hair. It is a great option for those looking for more coverage and longevity than semi-permanent colour but who want to commit to something other than permanent colour.
However, it's important to note that since demi-permanent colour contains ammonia, it may still cause some damage to the hair. It also cannot lighten hair significantly, making it more suitable for darker shades or toning highlights.
Temporary Hair Color
A temporary hair colour is a non-permanent option that offers the most temporary results. It comes in various forms, such as sprays, gels, and chalks and can be easily washed out with just one or two shampoos. This colour is great for special occasions, costume parties, or if you want to try out a new look without committing to it.
Temporary hair colour does not penetrate the hair shaft and only coats the outer layer, making it less damaging than permanent or semi-permanent colour. However, it also means that the colour will only last for a short time and may transfer onto clothing or other surfaces.
Highlights
Highlights are not a type of hair colour but a technique used to add dimension and depth to the hair. They involve lightening small sections of hair, typically using bleach, to create contrast and mimic natural highlights from the sun.
Highlights can be added to any hair colour, including permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary. They can be customized to suit your natural hair colour and desired level of contrast, making them a versatile option for those looking to add some dimension to their hair.
However, highlights require more maintenance than all-over colouring, as they must be touched up every few months as the roots grow out. They can also damage the hair if not done properly, so it is important to consult a professional colorist for the best results.
Now that you are familiar with the different types of hair colour, you can choose which one suits your needs and preferences best. Whether it's to cover grays, express your individuality, or change up your look, everyone has a hair colour option.
Always follow proper aftercare techniques and seek professional help when making major changes to your hair colour.
How to Choose the Right Hair Color for You
With so many hair colour types available, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the decision:
Determine your skin tone: The first step in choosing a flattering hair colour is determining whether you have warm or cool undertones in your skin. This can easily be done by looking at the veins on your wrist - if they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones, and if they appear green, you have warm undertones.
Consider your natural hair colour: Choosing a hair colour that is no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour will result in a more natural-looking result.
Think about maintenance: How much time and effort will you put into maintaining your hair colour? If you prefer low maintenance, opt for a semi-permanent or temporary option.
Seek inspiration: Browse through magazines or social media platforms like Pinterest for hair colour ideas and find pictures of people with similar skin tones and features to understand better what the colour will look like on you.
Please consult a professional: While at-home hair colouring kits may seem convenient, it's always best to consult a professional colorist. They can advise which colours will suit you best and ensure your hair stays healthy throughout the colouring process.
By following these tips and choosing the right hair colour, you can achieve your desired look and feel confident in your choice. Remember, hair colour is a fun and versatile way to express yourself, so have fun experimenting with different shades and techniques!
Where to Not Use Permanent Hair Color
While permanent hair colour may seem like the go-to option for a long-lasting and dramatic change, it's important to consider where it may not be suitable. Here are some instances where permanent hair colour should be avoided:
On damaged or over-processed hair: Applying permanent colour on already damaged or over-processed hair can cause further damage and breakage. It's best to give your hair a break and focus on repairing it before using permanent colour.
On sensitive or irritated scalps: The chemicals in permanent hair colour can be harsh on the scalp and may cause irritation or allergic reactions. If you have a sensitive scalp, opt for a gentler option like semi-permanent or temporary colour.
On eyebrows or eyelashes: The skin around the eyes is very sensitive, and using permanent hair colour on eyebrows or eyelashes can be dangerous. It's best to stick to specifically formulated dyes for these areas.
During pregnancy: While there is no concrete evidence that hair dye causes harm during pregnancy, it's better to err on the side of caution and avoid using permanent hair colour. Opt for a safer option like henna or vegetable-based dyes.
Always read and follow any hair colour product instructions before use, and consult a professional colorist if in doubt. Safety should always come first when it comes to hair colouring.
Does Hair Color Fade in the Sun?
The answer is yes; hair colour can fade in the sun. Just like how our skin can get sunburned and tanned, our hair is also affected by UV rays from the sun. However, this does not mean you must avoid the sun to maintain your hair colour.
Choosing a hair colour with built-in UV protection can help prevent fading from the sun. These hair colours usually contain ingredients like titanium dioxide, a barrier between your hair and the sun's rays. You can also use leave-in conditioners or hair oils with UV filters to protect your hair colour.
Another factor that contributes to fading is the type of hair colour used. Semi-permanent and temporary colours fade quicker than permanent ones, so touching up your roots frequently when using these dyes is important.
Using heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons can also cause hair colour to fade. Limiting these tools or using heat-protectant products when styling your hair is best.
And finally, proper aftercare plays a crucial role in maintaining your hair colour. Use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners, and avoid washing your hair too frequently to help preserve the colour.
Tips for Preventing Hair Color Fading
To prevent your hair colour from fading, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use a sulphate-free shampoo: Sulfates can strip the hair of natural oils and cause premature fading. Look for shampoos labelled as "colour-safe" or "sulphate-free."
Wash your hair less frequently: The more you wash your hair, the quicker your colour will fade. Try to stretch out the time between washes and use dry shampoo.
Avoid hot water: Hot water can open up hair cuticles and allow colour molecules to escape. Use lukewarm or cool water when washing your hair.
Use a deep conditioner: Colored hair can be prone to dryness, leading to fading. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair hydrated.
Protect against UV rays: As mentioned earlier, the sun's rays can cause colour fading. Protect your hair with SPF products, or wear a hat when spending time in the sun.
By following these tips and using products specifically formulated for coloured hair, you can help extend the life of your colour and keep it looking vibrant. Regular touch-ups at the salon can also help maintain your desired shade.
FAQs
What is the difference between permanent hair dye and semi-permanent hair dye?
Permanent hair dye chemically alters your natural hair color, allowing for more dramatic changes, such as going from dark hair to a significantly lighter shade or completely covering grey hair. It requires regrowth touch-ups but offers long-lasting color that doesn't wash out. Semi-permanent hair dye, on the other hand, coats the hair surface without deeply changing the natural color, gradually fading over several washes.
Can semi-permanent hair dye effectively cover grey hair?
Semi-permanent hair dyes are generally less effective at covering grey hair compared to permanent hair dyes. They can partially blend grey hair by adding a tint or enhancing the natural hair color, which might be sufficient for those with minimal grey hair or looking for a temporary solution. For those seeking complete grey coverage, permanent hair dye is usually recommended as it provides a more opaque color and longer-lasting results.
Is it possible to achieve a lighter shade with semi-permanent hair dye on dark hair?
Achieving a lighter shade on dark hair using semi-permanent hair dye is challenging because these dyes do not contain the bleaching agents required to lift the darker pigments of your hair. Semi-permanent dyes are better suited for adding gloss, enhancing natural hair color, or going darker.
What is hair gloss, and how does it differ from permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes?
Hair gloss is a treatment that provides shine and revitalizes dull hair, offering a boost of color and enhancing the vibrancy of both natural and colored hair. Unlike permanent hair dye, it doesn't change the hair color drastically but can help tone, deepen, or add a sheer layer of color to the hair. Compared to semi-permanent hair dye, gloss treatments typically last a shorter amount of time and are more focused on improving hair's overall shine and health rather than depositing significant color.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right hair colour and taking proper care is essential in achieving a beautiful and long-lasting result. Consider skin tone, maintenance level, and professional advice before deciding.
Be mindful of where permanent hair colour should not be used and take precautions to prevent fading from the sun and other factors. By following these tips, you can confidently rock your new hair colour and express yourself fun and versatilely. So experiment with different shades and techniques, and have fun with your hair!
Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and consult a professional if needed for best results. With the right approach, you can achieve your desired look without compromising the health of your hair.
Salon Haze is an award-winning hair salon in Vancouver, Kitsilano area. We are specialists in colour and style. If you are considering a new colour or style for your hair, contact us, and we’ll talk you through all the options to ensure your choice of colour reflects your personality and complexion.
Call today for a free consultation with one of our stylists. We have the best hairdressers and the best hair colourists in Vancouver. Call now at 604-620-9986 or email us at service@salonhaze.com.