Types of Hair Coloring

Who hasn't looked into the mirror and wished that their locks looked just a little bit different? Hair coloring offers us a chance to experiment with different shades and tones. Different types of hair coloring have different effects on hair. If you want to pep up your natural hair color, you have a range of options. If you want to turn your hair bright pink or cover up gray patches, your hair coloring choices are significantly more limited.

Bleach

Hair bleach (peroxide) removes the topmost layer of pigment in the hair, revealing the lighter pigment underneath. Bleach is useful if you want to go blond or as a pretreatment for further coloring. However, it can be tricky to bleach your own hair so you may want to have the process done at a salon. If you do want to bleach your own hair, remember that you may need multiple treatments to achieve a true blond color (if you have darker or red hair, you may end up with brassy orange locks). Bleaching always damages the hair to some extent. To lessen the damage, use conditioners before you bleach.

Temporary Coloring

There are two types of temporary dyes---semi-permanent and demi-permanent. Semi-permanent coloring (also known as "glaze") lasts for 6 to 12 shampoos. It doesn't contain ammonia or peroxide, which means that it doesn't damage your hair, but it also can't radically alter your hair color. Semi-permanent coloring isn't good for covering up gray hair. Demi-permanent dye (which is sold as "semi-permanent" dye in drugstores) lasts for 12 to 24 shampoos. It has a bit more power to darken or brighten hair, as it does contain a small amount of ammonia. Both semi-permanent and demi-permanent coloring fade over time.

Permanent Coloring

Permanent coloring won't wash out or fade away. That's because it contains both ammonia and peroxide. The combination of these two substances break down hairs' natural pigment, so it can be replaced with the color of the dye. Permanent coloring is best for covering gray hairs and radically changing hair color. Just remember that, since permanent hair coloring doesn't fade, you'll have to redye your hair or strip the dye if you don't like the color. You'll also be left with roots when your hair grows out.

Other Coloring

Spray-in and comb-in dyes are popular for Halloween. They are easily applied and disappear with a few shampoos. Unsweetened Kool-Aid powder also works as an inexpensive costume dye, if you add the powder of your choice to conditioner and apply it to hair. However, it's a messy process and you may smell like Kool-Aid afterward. Kool-Aid coloring works best on blond hair---people with dark hair may not notice any effect.

Natural Coloring

"Natural" hair color does not contain ammonia and only uses small amounts of peroxide (ideally only 3 percent and, in any case, less than 10 percent). It does still contain chemicals, though. Avoid natural hair dyes that contain coal tar. Henna is a completely natural form of hair coloring that can turn hair darker or add red tones. It fades away in 4 to 6 weeks.

Resources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration---Hair Dye Facts
• Henna For Hair