How to Apply Colour Products
The method of applying a hair colouring product will vary depending on the desired effect, product used and hair type. There are however, general rules and techniques that can be applied in most instances; these have been developed for use in modern salons using the latest dyes and bleaches. In all cases protective gloves should be worn. Do not use a strong acid conditioner where red tones have been added to the hair, these can cause premature loss of red pigments.
Plant-Based Colour
Hot water is added to this product prior to application; make sure that this has cooled down before applying on to the hair.
- Pre-wash and towel dry the hair
- Start on top of the head by taking a triangle section
- Apply the product on the full section
- Place the section round the top of the head
- Work around the head, taking more sections and place them on top of the previous coloured sections
- Work your way down until all the hair is covered
Temporary Colour
Conditioners and lotions containing added pigments should normally be applied to pre-shampooed, towel dry hair. Excess moisture will dilute the product. Setting lotions or rinses should normally be applied directly from the bottle or applicator. Spread the product through the hair using a comb and process for the indicated time. Thoroughly rinse out shampoos and conditioners; setting lotions are leave-in products.
In the case of colouring gels or paints, these should be directly applied to dry, styled hair. If necessary, use fingers or a styling brush to distribute evenly.
Semi-Permanent Colour
This colour group does not normally include added ammonia-based ingredients or hydrogen peroxide. Care should still be taken not to get chemicals on to the face or neck or on to clothing.
- Pre-wash and towel dry the hair
- Divide the hair into sections for overview
- Deposit the product on the hair with a brush or application bottle
- Use the tail of the comb only to divide the sections
- Emulsify or distribute evenly with a wide toothed comb
Demi Permanent Colours
These products will normally use a weak hydrogen peroxide solution; apply a skin protection cream around the hairline and use protective clothing.
- Divide the hair into sections for overview
- Do not take sections wider than 2-3cm, depending on hair thickness
- Deposit the product on the hair with the brush or application bottle
- Use the tail of the comb or brush to divide the sections
- Emulsify or distribute evenly with a wide toothed comb
Permanent Colour
Permanent colour requires the use of peroxide-based chemicals, hence special care needs to be taken when applying these. Before application a barrier cream may be used around the hairline to protect the skin on the face and neck.
A wide range of techniques are available to the hairdresser, these will partly be influenced by whether the hair has been previously coloured or not.
Oxidative Tints
- Divide the hair into sections for overview
- Do not take sections wider than 1-2cm, depending on hair thickness
- Deposit the product on the hair with a brush
- Use the tail of the brush only to divide the sections of hair
- Do not comb through
