Colouring Information (Part 1)

There are many different types of colour. Some are for those Bold, uncontrollable people to those sophisticated, soft and easy going sorts of people.

This page is dedicated to the art of sufferance for some, necessity for others and a sheer joy for many.

Right, let’s start with the types of colour:

TEMPORARY

These are colours such as hairsprays, gels, colour enhancing shampoos and conditioners, mousses and blow/setting lotions. They all have a large molecular weight and cannot penetrate the cuticle. So the colour is removable with the first wash. However, very porous hair can sometimes grab the colour resulting in the hair being ‘stained’. We use this type of colour to combat dominant tones in the hair and to hold in Red tones for longer, brighten Blondes and to enhance tones in others.

SEMI PERMANENT

This type of colour contains no ammonia and no peroxide and is applied straight from the bottle or tube. The molecular weight is slightly lighter than temporary colours resulting in some of the pigment entering just slightly under the cuticle and should last between 6/8 washes. Applied to pre washed and towel dried hair it will give natural hair colour a boost and previously coloured hair more tone and depth. Some Semi permanent colours such as Fudge Paint Box create extremely vibrant colours ranging from Lime Spyder (yes, you’ve guessed it, vibrant Green) to Cherry Bomb (correct again, vibrant Red). These colours are only for those brave heart individuals whom exude confidence and flamboyancy. Fudge Paint Box will last anything between 20/45 washes depending on porosity.

To gain maximum colour vibrancy, the hair has to be pre lightened.

DEMI PERMANENT/QUASI COLOURS.

This type of colour is mixed with very, very low volume peroxide; it will add tone and depth and cannot lighten. Many companies now use their permanent colour shade guide and colour range and mix it with a special colour generator to create boundless colours. These colours are ideal for people who want a colour without commitment, as they will fade gradually over 16/20 washes and will not create root problems. Most new colour ranges have calibrated ammonia systems (which I am not even going to try and explain here). Resulting in damage free colouring. With the low volume colour generator being used, once inside the cuticle, the pigment expands, trapping some of the colour inside the hair giving a more than Semi permanent and less than permanent result.

copyright © Paul Rowland 2001