How to Use Hair Coloring Techniques

You can dramatically change your look with a new hair color. There are various hair coloring techniques which when done properly can give you that perfect natural look. But you should understand basic hair coloring laws to use hair coloring techniques correctly. To avoid a hair color disaster, you can use some of these hair coloring tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider various factors to determine the best shades or highlights for your hair. When choosing the hair color, you should consider factors like facial shape, complexion, haircut, eye color and hair length (see Resources).

2. Select the correct color tone and level you desire by using hair color charts or swatch books; there are warm and cool tones and levels of colors that range from 1 to 10. To get a perfect match to the desired hair color, you should be aware of these two factors. Note that for very dark natural hair colors, pre-lightening may be necessary before hair coloring to get the desired color.

3. Know there are many different types of hair color. Hair color can be permanent, demi- permanent, semi- permanent or temporary (see Resources). The choice depends on your needs (like permanent color for gray hair). You can buy these kits to color your hair at home.

4. Use hair coloring techniques like highlights, twilighting, lowlights, veiling and chunking to create contrast, depth and shine on a wide range of hair color bases. You can achieve some of these effects with weave caps, foiling or baliage (see Resources). There are many highlighting kits available for home use. But for best results, it is advisable to go to a professional hair colorist.

5. Preview the new hair color by performing a strand test. You can make any necessary adjustments by adding or subtracting color to the hair color formula. Avoid using hair color if there is severe breakage or damage to the hair after the strand test.

6. Begin at the crown or nape of the neck when coloring your hair for the first time. Your natural hair color is darker in these areas. Color your hair only when it is completely dry for best results. To keep hair color from fading quickly, use shampoos and conditioners for color treated hair after you have colored your hair.

7. Consult a professional hair colorist if you have hard to color shades like black or platinum hair and also avoid doing double process coloring (pre-lightening) at home.

Tips & Warnings

• In Step 2, level 1 is black and level 10 is lightest blonde. So if your natural hair color is a level 6 and you want to achieve a level 8 color than you can use a level 10 hair color to achieve the desired hair color.
• For best results, see a professional hair colorist for any of these hair coloring techniques or when coloring your hair for the first time.

Resources

• Check here for information on how to choose hair color
• Get information here on types of hair color
• Check here for more information on coloring techniques