What kind of colors exist?
Temporary: The effect is preserved until the first washing of the head. Dyes cover only the hair shaft, providing short-term coloring. Dyes are typically used to mask gray hair or as a one-time effect.
Semi-permanent: These typically contain no ammonia and wash out after 5-6 weeks. They are easy to use, do not contain bleach, and do not change the natural hair color, but simply add a layer of color that gradually fades away. These colors do not affect the nutrient profile of hair follicles, so they are considered safer and are recommended for weakened hair.
Demi-permanent: This type of dye is also not permanent and does not contain ammonia. But it is mixed with a developer, which allows it to penetrate the hair shaft, not just cover it, so the color lasts longer.
Permanent: This type provides the most durable effect due to the abundance of chemical components. These dyes are used to lighten, darken, or tone the hair. It works well with gray hair and changes the natural color of hair. The result lasts until the hair grows back. Although ammonia was originally the most common ingredient, manufacturers have started offering dye options without it. Color permanence has the opposite effect. Frequent use of permanent dye harms hair, drying it out, removing its natural protective lipid layer, and making it brittle.
Ammonia-free colors have a gentler effect but they are not suitable for everyone. They wash out faster, do not work well with gray hair, and cannot completely discolor hair. For blond and red hair, this dye is the ideal option.
What to look out for
Read the label to make sure that there is no sodium benzoate or amines in the composition. In addition, in 2017, the European Commission banned the use of components such as lyrial, atranol, and chloroatranol due to their increased allergenicity.
Choose colors that contain ceramides, panthenol, avocado extracts, vitamin E, jojoba, or olive oil. These will help in the process.
If the label says that the product is intended only for beauty salons, then it is suitable to buy for home coloring.
Do not dye your hair if you have an allergic reaction to previous coloring or if you have a rash on your face or a sensitive, irritated, damaged scalp.
How to care for hair after coloring
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Use products for colored hair: Special shampoos and conditioners will help keep the color longer.
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Avoid heat styling: Coloring is already a serious enough stress for the hair, and styling with a blow dryer or other heated devices will exacerbate the damage.
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Wash your hair less often: Frequent washing deprives your hair of the moisture it needs after coloring. Use only warm water, as hot water opens the hair cuticles and allows the pigment to seep out. If the roots of your hair become oily, simply spray it with dry shampoo.
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Moisturize: Using hair masks is a great way to moisturize and repair your hair. Apply a mask weekly for 20 minutes or leave it on your hair overnight.
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Get a haircut regularly: A haircut gets rid of split ends, eliminates hair breakage, and ensures healthy hair growth.
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Avoid chlorine: Chlorine deprives the hair of moisture and washes out the color. Therefore, always wear a cap in the pool, especially for the first time after coloring.
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Eat right: Be sure to include in your diet products rich in iron and vitamin A.
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Use the hair dryer: A hair dryer with a reverse air supply will allow you to keep the resulting color longer. This type of hair dryer smooths the cuticle, helping to restore the hair shafts, making them smoother and shinier.
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Don't color too often: Hair needs time to recover. Allow at least 1.5-2 months between treatments. However, the roots of the hair can be colored every 3-4 weeks.
