Sunday, August 16, 2009

Always in Style - Choosing Your Hair Color By Kathy Amarati

There are different preparations used for hair coloring. These are discussed in this article, along with care for colored hair and precautions you need to take when changing you hair color.

DYES AND TINTS

Dyes and tints are both ways to color the hair. They penetrate the hair shaft and will not wash off.

Each manufacturer has his own formula and method of application. If you plan to dye or tint your own hair, study the manufacturer's instructions while you are still in the store, where the salesclerk can probably answer questions if you have them. When you are satisfied that you understand the directions, always follow them implicitly.

BLEACHES

Bleaching is another method of changing the hair tone. Instead of adding color to the shaft, bleaching removes it.

Properly done, bleaching need not damage the hair. The problems involved, whether you do it yourself or have it done, are being able to control the color and avoid a harsh, brassy, unnatural look, and to prevent over-bleaching, which makes hair brittle and porous.

Bleaching can be done at home by those with the required skill. A mixture of ammonia and fresh 20-volume peroxide may be used, or a manufactured bleach, preferably one with an oil base.

RINSES

A rinse is a temporary method of coloring the hair that lasts only until the next shampoo. Rinses, which are made in a great range of hues, are generally used to brighten or lighten the natural color. Usually they are poured over the hair thoroughly at the final rinsing. Among the most popular rinses are henna, which imparts a reddish cast, and those applied on gray or white hair. Some of these are used to avoid the yellowish tinge, while others are meant to add a faint bluish or lavender tone.

CARE AFTER HAIR COLORING

Colored hair requires special care. It should be washed with a bland colorless soap or liquid shampoo. This will safeguard your hair color. A shampoo that has color in it, such as a greenish tinge, might get into, and affect, the color of your hair.

No heavy lacquers should be applied to it. Some of these have a drying tendency. A hat or scarf should be worn when out in the sun, which has a way of taking color out of the hair.

A cream rinse after each shampoo will be beneficial. It will help make the hair easier to comb through.

Hair that has been strongly bleached should be handled with particular care, even when brushing or combing. This fact must be borne in mind constantly, as such hair mats easily and the temptation to yank on it will be strong.

PRECAUTIONS

When you have decided to change your hair color your, you should realize that certain precautions are necessary.

You should avoid having it permanented and colored on the same day, if possible. If both must be done, have the permanent first. A permanent is apt to affect the color of any hair, natural or dyed. If the hair were dyed first, having the permanent afterwards would alter the shade.

Hair does not react to coloring in the same way at all times. (In fact, some hair resists coloring entirely.) After you have been having yours dyed successfully for some time, you may be disturbed to find that on the next occasion it turns out differently. Several causes may account for this. Sometimes hair reacts adversely to dyes after exposure to sun, wind, salt water or chlorinated water, lotions, or other chemicals.

Never have your hair colored when your scalp shows cuts, abrasions, or other irritations. No dependable beauty shop would allow this to be done, in any event.

Whether the process is performed at home or in a shop, an accurate record of the formula for your color should be kept on file. This assures your having the same shade time after time, with the exceptions outlined.

Properly done, your hair color can greatly enhance your attractiveness.


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