How to Apply Hair Color

If you haven't already read my article on how to choose the right color (and the importance of using professional color) you should start there:

How to Choose the Right Hair Color
http://www.ehow.com/how_4791945_choose-right-hair-color.html

If you have your color in hand, this article will show you how to apply it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair color brush or application bottle with narrow tip.
• Plastic bowl
• Wire wisk (optional)
• Color & Developer
• Old towels
• Plastic shower cap
• Gloves

1. 
    
   Classic regrowth

   The first step is to make sure your hair is ready for coloring. If you use a lot of hair product like spray, mousse etc it may be a good idea to clarify before coloring. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with shampoo, lather into hair and wait five minutes. Rinse and let air dry.

2. 
    
   Gather your tools

   While your hair is drying, gather your supplies. Preparation will help you lessen any mess and make the job easier. Cover your bathroom counter with an old towel. Consider wearing disposable gloves to protect your hands and an old t-shirt. If you have sensitive skin, put a thin layer of Vaseline around your hair line (do not get it on the hair though). Make sure you have a timer or clock close by.

3. Once your hair is bone dry* hair, it's time to mix your product. Mix up your color according to the directions and until it’s perfectly smooth. Lumps mean you’re not done mixing. I find a wire wisk works really well. Through it in the dishwasher when you're done, the color won't hurt the wisk.

4. 
    
   Paint the color around the edges of your hairline

   What your trying to achieve requires different application procedures. If you’re tinting your roots to match the rest (or to cover gray), you use the plastic bottle and just apply to the roots. If you’re changing the whole look, then it’s a whole head procedure involving the brush and bowl.
   
   The first part you're going to start on is the edge of your hair all around your head.

5. 
    
   Small vertical sections each time

   The secret to getting good coverage is to section the hair as you apply. It’s not tough. Do you part first, then take the end of the brush or tip of the bottle and make another line about ½” away. Do that part, repeat until your whole head is done. For roots, use your finger and just rub it in a bit so that it covers the re-growth. For an all over color hit the roots first then go back to the beginning and “paint” on the remaining hair color with the brush.

6. Now cover your head in a shower cap or plastic cap, it will trap the heat from your head and help the developer open your hair cuticle and deposit color. Check your instructions. Most color processes between 30 and 45 minutes, set your timer so it doesn't stay on longer than necessary.

7. When your timer goes off, hit the shower. Get your hair a little wet and lather it with the color in there. Most color has a small amount of shampoo so it should lather. Rinse completely and wash with color care shampoo, follow with color care conditioner.

8. 
    
   One of my favorite brands: Biolage

   One last step: Maintenance. Color always fades. Even on natural (virgin) hair. Once you have chemically processed your hair, it happens even quicker. If you LOVE your color then don't wash for 2-3 days and then use shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair to maintain your investment in time and money.

Tips & Warnings

• For a semi permanent color, apply to slightly damp hair, it will only last a few weeks.
• Hair color can cause blindness, do not get it in your eyes.
• Be careful what you touch while you're processing, color will stain clothing, furniture, eye glasses etc.

[msmabry]

on 2/18/2009 Thanks for the tips! 5*