All you need to know about colouring
The colouring side of hairdressing is for all sorts of people: Male, Female, Young and Old. Some choose to cover their grey some choose to enhance their present style. Here are some of the different colours you could use:
Semi pemanent - A semi is great for poor conditioned hair, the keratin present in the colour puts life back into the damaged areas. It also contains a very small amount of peroxide ensuring no more dry hair but a shiny vibrant look. It can cover up to 30% grey hair so if those hairs are creeping through thick and fast, a semi permanent colour is the answer. They cannot lift the pigment out of the hair, so if your thinking about going lighter a semi is not for you, it is ideal for varying natural tones or going darker. If the semi is not covering the grey that you have it is because it does not have the strength to, a permanent colour will have to be used.
A true semi permanant does not require a peroxide or an activator in order for it to work. Examples of this product are colour mousses, gels and sprays, setting lotions and paints. These true semis give subtle effects in grey hair, refesh fading colours and produce bright colours on pre-lightened hair. These products only last until the hair is shampooed. They are great to experiment on the hair, and to try out a new look before going for the permanent colour. Great to change your image for a short time, or even for the evening.
Permanent - This product covers 100% grey so if they have crept through already and you want to cover them up, use permanent colour. Some people have resistant hair and even this does not work. Extra coverage colours do the trick, and heat on your hair also helps the colour penetrate. This range of colours are not as natural as others but will cover the grey hairs, this means that regrowth will be visible and probably have to be topped up more regularly but as we know it is worth it in the end. The fact these colours needs to be more effective on your hair they have a larger amount of peroxide present in their makeup. This means more damage to the hair and on a more regular basis. Colouring your hair more means more looking after so make sure your using a colour care shampoo and conditioner. This will ensure the colour does not fade, your hair will be kept in better condition. These products are not as harsh as normal shampoos and conditioners, they have a variety of ingredients that will assist in retaining moisture in the hair, as the permanent colour can strip them out of the hair.
Quasi permanent - This product covers a high percentage of grey hair, more than the semi but less than the permanent. Quasi colours look more natural than a permanent colour, so if you can get away with using this product then go for it. It also leaves a lovely shine on your hair as well, like the semi permanent and also nurses that dry damaged hair. This is a good colurant to use on dry hair as it is not too damaging to the hair and has it's own moisture retainer already.
Remember these colours will also stain skin and nails so ensure you wear gloves to apply the colour. You may be able to obtain stain remover from your local chemist, hair dresser. Some people have suggested to use ash and shampoo applied to a cotton wool pad. although I wouldn't ever suggest this myself a lot of my older clients swear by it. I have found a benefit to use the facial scrubs that have grains in them they tend to lift the dead skin folicals from the face.
Different techniques of applying colour
Foiling - When putting foils in hair it allows you to apply a variety of different colours and in different sections of the hair. It is a very effective way of applying the colour and probably the most popular. It also allows your natural colour to be present aswell.
The cap - The cap is a cap that is put onto your head and has holes in it allowing you to pull hair through. This creates a highlight effect and is also popular too. When pulling the hair through it does hurt, this technique i find is best for short hair.
applying to the scalp - This tecnique is usually used when it is roots that need to be covered or a full head colour. Plane but classy and is also popular.