Different Types of Hair Color
Different types of hair color are used for many reasons. Some people use color to cover their gray hair; others use it to change their hair color to something different. Understand how to choose a hair color and differences between the various dye types to make the process of changing your hair color a little easier.
Hair Color Shades
Hair color comes in a variety of shades from more natural colors like blond and brown to trendier colors like purple and pink. For red hair, choose from an array of shades like light strawberry, coppery red or vibrant auburn. Change your hair color to brown or brunette for shades like chocolate, mahogany or copper. Choose hair colors based on what complements your skin tone. When selecting a hair coloring product, keep in mind the shade and how long you want the color to last. Early forms of hair color were derived from plant products or metallic compounds. Today, hair dyes contain chemicals that color, bleach and protect the color.
Temporary hair color
Temporary hair colors are hair colors that do not last very long. They wash out immediately or wash out over a period of six to eight weeks. Temporary hair colors only color the hair's surface. The color pigment deposits on the outer layer of the hair shaft called the cuticle. Temporary color is bought in various forms like color rinses, gel sprays and colored shampoos. Temporary colors work best when used to cover gray hair, deepen a lighter color or add tone to your natural hair color. This type of dye does not lighten darker hair.
Semi-permanent hair color
If you are unsure of a new color or want to change your hair color without a long term commitment, then a semi-permanent hair color is the solution. Semi-permanent hair colors only deepen hair color and wash out in six to twelve weeks. They use an activator to breach the cuticle. Semi-permanent colors are bought in liquid, aerosol or gels.
Permanent hair color
Permanent hair colors penetrate the layer below the cuticle and deposit color pigments. Because permanent colors use hydrogen peroxide, this type of dye is used to darken hair or lighten dark hair. The hydrogen peroxide breaks down the cuticle so it reaches the depths of the hair shaft.
Get informed on how to pick a hair color and the differences between the types of dyes to eliminate any confusion as changing your hair color allows you to create a different look that ranges from the dramatic to the more natural.