Hair Coloring

Though originally used to color grey hair, Hair coloring now has become a fashion trend among people, particularly youngsters. However, for different people, the purpose of using hair color can be different. Hair coloring is most commonly used to change gray hair to its original color; it is also used to get desired shade of hair color. Sometimes it is used to restore the original color of hair, which has got discolored after using chemicals like tints, relaxers, sun bleaching, etc. Hair coloring products are characteristically categorized on the basis of time length they effect the colored hair. The most common classifications of hair colors are temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent (also known as 'deposit') and permanent.

Temporary Hair Color
Temporary hair color has large pigment molecules and thus, do not enter the cuticle layer, allowing only a coating action that can be removed by shampooing. To coat the surface of hair, acid dyes are used that have a low affinity to hair and that’s why they can be easily removed after a shampoo. The color strength of temporary hair color can be improved by applying bleach before the application of the hair color. Temporary hair color is available in a range of product forms, such as rinses, shampoos, gels, sprays, foams, etc. This type of hair color is generally used to provide brighter and more vibrant shades, such as orange or red.

Semi-Permanent Hair Color
This type of color is devised to deposit color on the hair shaft without lightening it. Its formula has smaller molecules than those found in temporary colors, and thus capable of partly penetrate the hair shaft. Such color has no developer, but can be used with heat for deeper penetration. As compared to temporary hair color, it also lasts longer, generally intact up to 4-5 shampoos. Semi-Permanent Hair Color are best for damaged and fragile hair. Moreover, this type of hair color has no ammonia.

Demi Permanent Hair Color
Demi Permanent Hair Color has smaller color pigment molecules that those of semi permanent hair color, however still larger than molecules of permanent hair color. This type of coloring is done by mixing permanent hair color with low volume developer that avoids the ammonia from the permanent tube, and deposits color molecules only into the hair shaft. Since Demi are gentler than permanent hair color, they are best for tint-backs and colorpriming. Demi Permanent color also works great for toning pre-lightened hair.

Permanent Color
Permanent Color has very small color pigment molecules, allowing penetration to the hair shaft. The products and lighteners that come under this category have a developer, or oxidizing agent, and an alkalizing ingredient. This color serves the purpose of raising the cuticle of the hair fiber so the shade can penetrate; helping the formation of shades within the hair fiber, and bringing about the lightening action of peroxide. Permanent Color is just apt for grey hair coverage as it contains an oxidizing colorant (containing ammonia and peroxide), to lift and deposit the new color into the hair shaft.

One should be careful while selecting and applying this color, because this color will not fade or become less vibrant if it's doing its job. When your roots start to grow, you natural hair color will reappear and you must color it more than once to maintain the new color. To get rid of the new color, you have to either remove the color with a stripping process, or color it back to its natural color. Either way, permanent hair color is usually hard to maintain, and to get rid of.

Coloring Hair At Home
Are you bored of your hair color? Do you want to revamp your look? If yes, then the easiest way to change your look would be to opt for hair coloring. A new hair color can add a new dimension to your personality, making you look more confident and impressive.

How to Choose the Right Hair Color
Sometimes, the color we choose for our hair does not come out to be the same, as it appears in the swatch book of the product. It may be because of the 'underlying color pigment' of your hair that plays a key role in the final outcome of the hair color.