Different Coloring Methods

Coloring products have come along way since their introduction to the beauty industry and, due to their constant improvements, more women than ever are coloring their hair. While the list of coloring methods is long and extensive, ranging from basic all-over color to block coloring, there are 3 main types: temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent color.

The first of the coloring methods is applying temporary color. Temporary rinses coat the hair shaft and quickly wash away with the first shampoo. These treatments are the least chemically harmful to ones hair and won't provide any dramatic change.

Semi-permanent colors also coat the hair shaft but will last between 4 and 8 shampoos as it will gradually fade from ones hair. Adding slightly more dramatic results, this coloring method will also slightly darken hair, regardless of its natural color.

For the permanent coloring method, color completely penetrates the hair shaft and permanently changes the pigment of it inside and out. This usually occurs in either a one or two-color process, in which the natural hair color is removed and is replaced with a new one. In a two-color process, such as highlighting, the natural color of the hair shaft is first stripped away through the use of a bleaching agent and then another color is applied over-top to adjust the shade.

Regardless of which of the coloring methods is used, though, the natural color of the hair shaft and its characteristics will also aid in determining both how much processing time is needed, or how quickly color is absorbed, and how the final color will appear. The levels assigned to hair color range from 1-10, one being black and 10 being light platinum blond.

Highlighting is a coloring method involving only selected portions of ones hair, lightening pieces to create a streaked look. Low-lighting is the same concept as highlighting, but is used to darken the hair shaft. These types of color can either be applied with foil (for longer hair) or a cap (for shorter hair.)

It may seem obvious that hair coloring chemically alters the appearance of ones hair but what many do not realize is that each time hair is colored, its structure changes as well. Each time color is applied the outside layer of the hair, known as the cuticle, is raised so that color can be pushed into the strand. With each coloring it becomes progressively harder for the hair shaft to close to its natural state. This is where hair damage begins. The first signs of color damage result from when the hair shaft becomes unable to close itself, causing the dry, brittle feel we associate with stressed and over-processed hair. Therefore if colored hair is not properly maintained, or signs of damage are ignored, it is possible to alter the structure of the hair shaft so much that it will completely break down and may even disintegrate.

To properly care for color-treated hair, cosmetologists recommend using products specifically designed to maintain color. These products include shampoos and conditioners aimed at restoring nutrients to damage-prone, colored hair. Hats or hair products, such as leave-in conditioners, are also helpful in sealing in color against fading caused by the sun. Other hair damage prevention tips include combing with a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush, only blow drying hair until it is almost dry to avoid over-processing, and regularly using deep conditioning treatments to avoid the onset of damage.