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Understanding Hair Colours
Colourant Types There are a number of different colourant types on sale; these vary from the very mild which are applied each time the hair is shampooed to colourants which are permanent and last indefinitely.
Temporary Colourants These are a very simple form of colouring. They are applied to damp hair when the cuticle scales are open. The colour molecules lodge themselves between the cuticle scales, the cuticle closes when the hair is dried, locking in the colour. Normally the colour is removed at the next shampoo but if the hair is porous the colour may last a little longer. Temporary colourants will not give a drastic colour change and will not cover grey or white hair effectively. Examples include Shaders/Toners and coloured setting lotions. Semi-Permanent Colourants These last about six shampoos with a gradual fading of colour. The semipermanent colourants should not have to be mixed, they are used straight from the bottle or tube provided. They contain no oxydising agent and will not therefore, completely cover grey, or lighten the hair. Ideal for brightening the natural shade without drastic change, or for the first time colourant user. Examples; Harmony, Loving Care, Expression. Tone on Tone Colourants These incorporate the benefits of both semi-permanent and permanent colours. They add tones to the hair rather than dramatically changing the hair's colour. They are ammonia free, so gentle on the hair. They last up to 20 shampoos with the colour gradually fading out. Examples include L’Oreal Casting, Clairol Lasting Colour, Wella Soft Colour.	Permanent Colourants Permanent colourants last indefinitely; they can be used to obtain almost any desired colour effect. They can be used to: Lighten natural hair two or three shades. Darken the hair. Add colour. Cover grey hair. Tone pre-lightened hair after bleaching. All permanent colourants have to be mixed with a form of oxidant to give the depth of colour and the lasting effect. Following the mixing procedure the product should be applied immediately to the hair and left on for the required development time. The effect of a permanent colourant cannot be shampooed out of the hair; it will fade gradually, but the chemical ingredient remains in the hair until It grows out and is cut off. (A skin and strand test is vital before a first time permanent colourant application.) Examples include Recital, Excellence, Belle Color and Nice ’n Easy. Lighteners The lightening process is one which removes or ‘lifts’ colour pigment from the hair, making it appear lighter or more yellow. Normally, pre-lightened hair goes through many stages before reaching the desired degree of lift. The colour pigment is gradually dissolved away starting with the darker pigment and eventually leaving only yellow pigment. A suitable toning shade from either the Recital or Excellence range can then be applied to give the desired colour result. Example L’Oreal Super Blonde
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