Colouring Information (Part 2)

PERMANENT COLOUR

Permanent colours are used for many, many different things and can be used to create some of the most stunningly beautiful effects on the hair. From simply covering unwanted ‘lighter’ hairs through to creating texture and movement with hi lights, low lights and many other marvellous techniques. This type of colour requires some commitment on the part of the client because the roots will need to be re touched every 4/6 weeks. Permanent colours are mixed with peroxide. 10/20/30/40 volume depending on your choice of lightening or depth. The more lift you require the higher the peroxide level. The more depth you require the lower the peroxide level. The newer colour ranges such as Joico Verocolour and Fudge Head Paint (not to be confused with Paint Box) contain humectants (moisture retainers), conditioning agents and reconstructing properties, so now we can condition as we colour. Permanent colours work in many varied ways but the finished result is that the colour pigment, once inside the hair, reaches deep into the Cortex and swells and cannot be removed by shampooing, thus resulting in a permanent locked in colour.

As with any colour ranges that use paraphenylinediamines or Tolulinediamines, health and safety requires a patch/skin test 24 hours before the application to make sure there are no contra indications (reactions). Remember that even if you have had colour many times, there could be a chance that you have become sensitive to these chemicals since your last application. If by choice the client does not wish to carry out a patch/skin test for any reason, a special release form should be signed to relinquish all responsibility from the hairdressing operator.

This page, with the exception of Fudge Paint Box, has been a generic look at colour and should cover most ranges and technicalities. I sincerely hope that has been of some enlightenment to all whom have read it, clients and hairdressers alike. It should now have given you a better understanding of how and why colour works and when you approach you hairdresser in the future you should be able to communicate with them on a equal basis, understanding most of what they are saying and at least some of the technical terms they use.

I hope you enjoyed this little piece of education and if there is a good response to this part of the web page I will do one on Perming and Texturizing style support systems. Please let me know what you think.

If you think of anything that may improve the site please E-mail me from the address given on the main page.

And thank you for visiting my web page, I will be updating it with photographic images and various information soon.

copyright © Paul Rowland 2001