Statistics say: more than 70 percent of Russian women prefer to adjust the natural hair color with the help of coloring tools. Today the market offers a rich assortment of special cosmetics that can be used independently at home.
Nevertheless, it is only at first glance that everything is easy and simple: I went to the store, bought the drug, spread it out and put it on the strands. The wrong choice of dye can not only spoil the mood, but also damage the health. The prospect of being left without hair, getting burned on the scalp, or provoking an allergy should make a woman think carefully about choosing a cosmetic.
Consider the steps you need to take to determine which hair dye is best for you.
Step one: choose the right color
You need to know your color type, which is primarily determined by the skin tone of the face. Look carefully at yourself in the mirror in daylight. What tone prevails? Light eyes and pale skin belong to the cold type, which means that the paint should be viewed with a frosty or ashy tint. If the skin is dark, has a golden or brown shade, and the eyes are brown, green or "tea-colored", then the type is definitely warm. In this case, suitable coloring tools, close to copper and gold.
There are four variants of appearance, taking into account which a woman determines which colors to her face:
- Color type “Spring” is a warm, non-contrast: choose light colors of copper, honey, gold,
- the color type “Summer” is cold non-contrast: an ash-blond blond, a nut-brown gamma with a cold sheen are successfully combined,
- Color type “Autumn” - warm contrast: looks great with copper and gold, black, chestnut warm colors,
- “Winter” color type - cold contrast: ashy tones, dark brown and black are perfect.
Natural dyes.
The most popular and best - henna and basma - are obtained from plants alkanes and indigo. They are sold in the form of a powder that must be dissolved in water to a porridge-like state. They have a lot of essential oils and tannins with a healing effect. These products do not change the natural pigment of the hair and do not cause allergies, which, of course, is their advantage.
But the color range of vegetable dyes is rather poor, it is limited to black, copper, red and chestnut shades. When applying henna or basma, it is also necessary to take into account that when coloring they give a bright, sometimes unpredictable color. And if he does not like it, then it is no longer possible to apply a chemical dye on top of a natural product. In this case, you will have to wait a long time until henna or basma are washed off.
Chemical dyes.
When using chemical dyes, it is necessary to mix two ingredients: an artificially produced coloring pigment and an oxidizing agent. Modern paints (can be in the form of a cream in a tube, mousse in a jar or liquid in a bottle) are easily applied, do not spread, paint over gray hair, contain oils, proteins and other substances that contribute to uniform coloring of the strands over the entire length, make hair shine and even feed them. And the problem is created by an ammonia-based oxidant, which, when combined with the coloring matter, forms a chemical reaction and contributes to changing the natural pigment to an artificial color. The degree of staining depends on the degree of the percentage of this component: the higher it is, the more aggressive it acts.
Many manufacturers today seek to replace ammonia with amines with more gentle properties. But any oxidizing agent in a chemical dye plays too important a role to minimize its presence. Therefore, curls when staining with such means subsequently need additional care. Balms and masks best support the condition of the hair, which received a new color, while experiencing stress.
Step three: choose the desired level of paint
When buying funds worth paying attention to what his level. There are only three of them, but each of them corresponds to a very specific result, which can be obtained by staining with the preparation.
Level 1 corresponds to all tint agents: shampoos, mousses, and balsams. They do not contain ammonia, do not penetrate deeply into the hair, but only give it a more saturated color. Shading dyes do not lighten or paint over; this is a very light toning preparation that is quickly washed off.
This method has advantages:
- in the process of coloring does not damage the hair,
- the original color returns fairly quickly,
- coloring by shading means is absolutely harmless.
Shading ammonia-free means - the best option for women during pregnancy.
Level 2 has a semi-resistant dye. He paints over gray hair, even if there is a lot of it on the head (up to 50% of the surface), but at the same time the color shade will not change much. With it you can not lighten, and change the original color of the strands can only be a couple of maximum tones, making them brighter. In addition, semi-resistant dyes give the hair an expressive shine.
In such preparations, an aggressive oxidizing agent is not used, and this is their main advantage. Semi-resistant paint does not have a damaging effect on the follicles, so it can be considered the most suitable, even the best for weakened hair. But with regular use of the tool requires caring procedures: the use of balms and masks.
Semi-resistant dye is washed off evenly, but you have to be prepared that after 5-7 washing steps you will need to reapply it.
Level 3 corresponds to resistant paints. They contain a carrier of color, an oxidizing agent and a balm. 6-12% solution based on ammonia and hydrogen peroxide provides not only an effective change in the natural pigment. It damages follicles, washes good fats and dries hair. And although today innovative ingredients are added to the coloring component, which softens the effect of the oxidant (special conditioners, nourishing oils, moisturizing substances), but they are not able to completely neutralize it.
Paints 3 levels have a high degree of stability, they do not wash out for a long time, do not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the color can hold up to 1.5-2 months. Such tools allow you to change the original tone of the strands by several orders of magnitude. For lightening hair, when performing highlighting and coloring always use only permanent preparations.
Resistant paint completely fills gray hair in any volume. It has a rich color palette, makes hair silky and shiny. But when applying you need to remember that it:
- does not wash off quickly, and even more aggressive means must be used for removal,
- may cause an allergic reaction,
- applied according to the instructions, kept for a specific time,
- not suitable for further use if left after dyeing.
Professional paints
For high-quality staining in the cabin, as well as at home, so-called professional paints are used. They are highly resistant, for them oxidizers of a certain concentration are selected. To work with them requires special knowledge of the mixing of drugs and application skills.
Professional paints have a rich color palette, shades can be mixed with each other, and you can add mixtones to them. In the course of dyeing, it is easy to correct the error using a special tool for washing.
For many women who like to experiment with their image and periodically change hair color, this option is preferred. Professional paints produce world famous companies. Based on feedback from Russian masters working with these drugs, TOP-8 manufacturers of the most popular hair dye products have been compiled. It includes:
- Wella professionals: it has three categories of color palette - light, dark and red shades,
- Estel Professional: creative colors and various shades, the paint has caring cosmetics, it is possible to choose oxidants of different concentration to it,
- Schwarzkopf Professional: the most famous paint Igora Royal completely paints over gray hair, has a rich color palette, contains a caring component,
- Matrix: creative colors (including branded “denim”, “woody motifs”, “metallic topaz”), has a high degree of durability, a large volume of tube,
- Cutrin: more than 100 shades, saturated colors, ammonia-free odor,
- Londa professional: paints gray hair well, has dense creamy texture and high durability,
- L'Oreal Professionnal: the rich color palette, including the mixton, has a low content of hydrogen peroxide,
- Keune: A very high degree of durability, a branded oxidizer and a serum for the care of colored hair are attached to the paint.
Numbers on the tube
Having decided on the basic color, type and type of dye, you can erase in the store at the last moment before buying the drug. On tubes instead of a clear name is a few numbers: what does it mean?
A set of numbers denotes colors and shades. To understand what kind of paint best meets the requirements, you need to know the principle of placement of characters.
Start to Point always means color saturation, for example: 1 - black, 7 - blond, 10 - platinum / blond.
Second digit, immediately following the point, corresponds to the shade, for example: 5 - light brown / brown, 9 - very light brown.
Third digit denotes an additional tone: 4 - copper, 6 - red, 8 - chocolate.
All three indicators together are read as a unique color and shade of the coloring drug. And here each has to decide for herself whether he is suitable or is it worth to look for a more suitable means for the hair.
But the main rule of choice is: the best hair dye is the drug that does not harm and will lift your spirits. After all, this is what every woman wants, isn't it?
Oil - an elixir for radiance of light oxen from John Frieda
Designed exclusively for blond hair, each drop saturates dry and dull hair, improves the shade of the blond. The composition contains argan and sunflower oils, which restore the structure of the blond hair, while enhancing the depth of color and returning the natural shine.
Oil is perfect for unruly blonde hair, giving them elasticity. John Frieda oil elixir protects the hair during heat treatment, so if you are a fan of straightening or curling hair, the oil will suit you without a doubt.
1. You have thin hair and you buy volume shampoo to make it look more full
Many girls, choosing such a shampoo, make the following mistakes:
- acquire only shampoo for volume, without conditioner,
- use the product on thin bleached hair,
- use the product with dry hair and dry scalp.
Such errors lead to the most negative consequences - lack of volume, dry hair, brittleness, destabilization of the sebaceous glands.
Unfortunately, shampoo to create volume is not for everyone. I recommend it only for healthy dyed or natural hair. And I do not advise you to purchase such products for thin, brittle and bleached hair. The fact is that the product for the volume dries the structure of the skin and hair, and if they are already damaged, the results can be very unpleasant.
2. Are you sure that the smoothing shampoo will help straighten hair
Many people, buying shampoo labeled "smoothing", think that it straightens hair. In fact, nothing like this happens. These products are created solely for the smoothness of long straight hair - shampoo simply removes the fluffiness of the structure, adds gloss and shine. And it's all! By the way, often these products contain hydrolyzed keratin, as a result of which the hair becomes more dense. If you have thin, or, for example, curly hair, then no effect, except that they will be clean, will not appear.
3. After lightening or dyeing you do not use moisturizing shampoo.
Moisturizing shampoo is suitable for any hair after lightening, toning, dyeing, perm and chemical straightening. Why, then, do you neglect them? The fact is that after chemical exposure to the structure of the hair loses a huge amount of water. Hair needs a lot of moisturizing ingredients, which, in general, give products for moisturizing.
Do you think that moisturizing shampoo makes the structure heavier? No, this is not true, as the composition simply lacks components capable of doing this.
4. You have combined hair, but you wash it with shampoo for dry hair.
The hairs on the ends are very dry, and at the roots they get dirty pretty quickly - is it familiar? And in order to somehow protect the weak ends, you wash your hair with a shampoo for dry hair. And this is a big mistake! It is suitable for dry and thin hair at the ends and in length, but if the scalp is oily, the product will increase the production of sebum, which will lead to excessive oily scalp. In short, you only exacerbate the situation!
So I recommend shampoo for combined hair. When choosing a product, you should be guided by the following: alcohol must be present in the composition for working with the skin, oils and extracts to regulate the porosity and moisture yield of the hair. And these products must be professional.
5. You have normal hair, but you wash it with shampoo for oily hair - just in case, so that it is less polluted
These shampoos are designed and designed exclusively for oily scalp, with excessive sebum production. As a rule, if a person has a disruption of the sebaceous glands and the initial stage of seborrhea, then it is best to choose a trichological shampoo. If the problem is cosmetic and is associated with disruption of the sebaceous glands as a result of diets, lactation, hormonal changes, then oily hair products will solve this problem easily.
If we talk about Egomania Professional, you can choose any product on which there are directions for use: "suitable for oily or prone to oily scalp."
6. Wash your head with dandruff shampoo, although you no longer have it
In no case should you use a dandruff product if you do not have it, even for prevention purposes! The fact is that remedies for dandruff problems - both fungal and contact - are created on complex prescription nets that can cause dry skin, contact dermatitis, and overdrying of the hair structure itself.
7. You have healthy hair, but just in case you wash it with a regenerating shampoo.
Regenerating shampoo is needed when the hair is damaged as a result of the chemical process - dyeing, lightening, etc. Applying it on healthy and good hair is simply meaningless, because such tools will lead to weighting of the structure and excessive compaction. Hair just lose volume - both in length and in the root zone.
I recommend using products for restoration only if you have undergone a course of strong moisturizing of the hair, as we described earlier, because the components need a basis for restoring the damaged structure, which can be fixed, and it needs to be created. So everything is simple: the first step is hydration, the second is recovery. All products for recovery work on the principle of making and filling the hair structure with active ingredients.
eight.You use shampoo for colored hair, although you haven’t painted it for a long time.
If you use shampoo for colored hair on natural hair, nothing terrible will happen, but there will be no effect. An extra waste of money! The product is created specifically for dyed hair, because they need a microfilm to hold the artificial pigment. So everything is simple: color protection is a microlamination, when each hair is covered with a breathable film by means of oils and polymers, which holds the pigment.
What happens to the hair during the dyeing process?
During the procedure, the coloring agent (you know, in most cases, the dye is a celebration of the chemical industry) is introduced into the hair shaft.
In this case, the upper layer of the hair, the so-called scales, which are several layers of dense keratin protein, takes over (the scales protect the hair shaft from the penetration of harmful substances from the environment, and also give the hair smoothness and elasticity).
What are the problems faced by owners of colored hair?
During dyeing, these scales partially open or collapse. As a result, hair is deprived of not only a protective layer (because of this, it becomes more susceptible to sudden changes in temperature, wind, dust, salt water), but also a neat appearance (open scales give hair a dull and lifeless appearance).
Products in the photo: tint balm care for cool brown shades, Wella Professional, Forever Blonde bleached hair conditioner, Paul Mitchell, Dyed shine shampoo “Luxurious Shine”, Dove, 3 Minute Miracle hair remover, AUSSIE, shine shampoo hair Dercos Nutrients, VICHY
Is it possible to avoid problems with dyed hair?
Of course, coloring has a negative effect on the hair. However, today the world of coloring and grooming products is so diverse (for example, there are paints with oils in the composition) that often enough colored hair looks and feels much better than unpainted ones.
Usually, problems after dyeing occur if poor-quality products were used, the composition was incorrectly chosen, or the master performed a very laborious task (for example, lightened hair with several tones in a short period).
But, in my opinion, in most cases the reason for bad hair is hidden even in something else, not in dyeing. Dryness, the appearance of split ends, brittleness, itching and reddening of the skin are usually just a consequence of the lack of proper hair care (this is also illiterately chosen means, and improper household hair care), as well as the aggravation of the problems that already existed before staining .
If, prior to dyeing, you took good care of your hair, followed the correct diet and followed the water balance in the body, then after high-quality dyeing no problems should arise.
Products in the photo: moisturizing and revitalizing hair mask Energy Mask, Organic Kitchen, silver shampoo, Bouticle, Dazzling Blond hair care treatment, Avon, shine shampoo color, Kemon, toning spray for painting hair regrown and gray hair, Syoss, Yantar restoring light hair conditioner, mi & ko
How to care for dyed hair at home?
Arm yourself with dyed hair care products. You need: shampoo and conditioner, any moisturizing or nourishing mask, oil for the ends of the hair.
Keep in mind, you need to buy shampoos and conditioners exclusively with the label on the bottle "for colored hair." This is not a marketing ploy! Such tools really help to thicken the shade and keep it saturated much longer.
But, of course, shampoos and conditioners do not solve the problems of growing roots.
Products in the photo: sun blondes shampoo, Schauma, anti-dandruff shampoo with argan oil “Supreme restoration”, Head & Shoulders, 3-in-1 “Color Brightness” hair product, Pantene Pro-V, shampoo-elixir for recovery and shine shine, Lisap Milano, shampoo to maintain bright hair color Color Infuse Red, Joico
How to wash and dry dyed hair?
I recommend applying shampoo twice. The first time the tool removes impurities from the hair and scalp. The second time - ensures the penetration of the product into the hair and the delivery of all the useful substances contained in the shampoo.
After the shampoo, which opened the hair scales, it is desirable to apply a nourishing or moisturizing mask (this product does not have to be specifically for colored hair). Keep the mask for a maximum of 20 minutes.
Next, apply air conditioning. His task - to close the scales, to ensure the smoothness and elasticity of the hair.
Coloring: an inside look
For clarity of the process, let's imagine the hair in the form of a wire, inside which there are a lot of fibrous structures, twisted in the form of a spiral, which contain amino acids (this is practically 85% of the hair volume). These ties are not very strong and are susceptible to destruction when in contact with water - by the way, that is why the hairstyle breaks up in moist air. In addition, the physical properties of the hair, its density and thickness, as well as color, depend on this layer. It is in the cells of the hair shaft that the pigment contains, which determines the natural shade.
On top of this layer is a shell of 6-10 layers of dense keratin protein, whose cells are transparent and completely devoid of pigment. They are arranged on the principle of shingles, one above the other, and thus perform a protective function, preventing the penetration of harmful substances into the inner layer of the hair and reducing the friction of the hair between them. By the way, the state of the cells in this shell directly affects the shine and silkiness of the hair. “The keratin membrane serves as a kind of shock absorber that protects the hair from mechanical damage and retains moisture and lipids for the elasticity of the inner layer,” explains Elena Flegontova, Ph.D., trichologist at the Tori cosmetology center. “This layer also keeps the hair in the follicle.”
Hit in color
If there was a perfect hair dye, it would have to meet the following criteria:
- Do not damage the hair shaft and dye the hair without disturbing their natural structure and luster,
- eliminate irritant action and do not affect sensitive skin,
- Give hair a color that will not change from exposure to air, ultraviolet radiation or salt water, and will not react to other cosmetics used for hair care.
However, the paints used today are in many ways far from ideal, and in most cases they have side effects that you should be aware of. So, when the pigment is oxidized, it loses its natural color. A similar process occurs when ultraviolet radiation affects the skin pigment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to oxidize melanin without also oxidizing some part of the basic amino acid cystine (an amino acid that maintains the structure of peptides and proteins in the human body) into cysteic acid, and it is estimated that during the normal bleaching process approximately 20% cystine turns into cysteic acid. The subsequent destruction of disulfide bonds significantly weakens the hair, which is why bleaching is considered one of the most damaging procedures for hair.
Life hacking No. 1: Attention to the scalp
With frequent staining, it is necessary to moisturize and nourish the scalp, since the process of hair formation occurs in the scalp. To do this, home care should include nourishing and moisturizing, or medicated (on the problem) lotions, ampoules and gels. It should be remembered that lotions can dry out the skin, so sometimes it is better to change them on gels or foams for the scalp.
Expert opinion
“When dyeing, a new pigment is introduced into the hair shaft, while the scales remain open, which gives the hair a dull, lifeless appearance. One of the ways to "close" these scales - application of keratin on the hair. Do not confuse this procedure with keratin hair straightening or botox hair treatments. In this case we are talking about keratin hair masks. Layfkhak: masks with keratin need to keep on the hair is not 15 minutes, but a few hours (in some cases, I recommend leaving the mask for the whole night). The next point - moisturizing hair. Various moisturizing sprays do an excellent job with this task. A mandatory requirement for the summer - the presence in the product SPF. It is also important to ensure that the scalp is protected from exposure to UV rays. "
Elseve Shampoo Care, by L'Oreal Paris
Color and shine, for dyed or bleached hair, L'Oreal Paris
After coloring the hair weakens, sometimes frequent washing and external natural factors only worsen their health. Elseve shampoo, an economical option, among all care products, for colored hair. The series from L'Oreal Paris shampoo and conditioner are great for redheads and blondes. The shampoo has a pleasant smell, well washed off. Long enough to keep the color when using up to 10 weeks. Ideal for thin and colored hair prone to frequent pollution.
How to choose a hair dye
The manufacturer places a number of indicators on each paint package. On them it is possible to determine in advance exactly what color you will receive as a result, without figuring this out by “trial and error”. In order to save your time and preserve the health of your hair, we tried to figure out what exactly this or that marking on the packaging with paint says.
It is better to keep this table handy:
Interpretation of the depth of the main color
- The number 1 - corresponds to black color.
- 2 - to dark dark chestnut.
- 3 - to dark chestnut.
- 4 - to chestnut.
- 5 - to light chestnut.
- 6 - to dark blond.
- 7 - to the light brown.
- 8 - to light blond.
- 9 - to a very light blond.
- 10 - blond blond.
- 11 and 12 — super brightening paint.
Interpretation of figures of the main shade
- The number 0 assumes a series of natural tones.
- Under the number 1 - blue-purple pigment (ashen row).
- Under the number 2 - purple hue.
- Under the number 3 - gold.
- Under the number 4 - copper.
- Under the number 5 - mahogany shade.
- Under the number 6 - red shade.
- Under the number 7 - coffee.
Sometimes manufacturers designate color with letters.
Deciphering the letter of the main shade
- C - ashen color.
- PL is platinum.
- A - super clarification.
- N is a natural color.
- E - beige.
- M - matte.
- W - brown color.
- R is red.
- G is gold.
- K is copper.
- I - intense color.
- F, V - purple.
Determination of paint resistance
- The number 0 - low level of resistance. It is usually found in shampoos or spray colors.
- 1 - dye without ammonia and peroxide to add shine to dyed hair.
- 2 - in the composition there is a peroxide and sometimes ammonia. This paint lasts about three months.
- 3 - resistant paint, completely changing the original hair color.
Now, having decided to change your image, you will have in advance a rough idea of the results of painting this or that paint. Well-chosen hair color is one of the key factors in creating an image, and this must be approached wisely.
In addition to marking on the package, you should also take into account the current color of your hair, the presence of highlighting or lightening.
With this information, you can easily experiment with images without risking a mistake when choosing a paint. Feel free to change your appearance, not forgetting to tell your friends about the secret of your success.
Products containing henna, basma and other natural dyes
Many brands add them to dyed hair care products to maintain color. Experts claim that in vain. Henna and Basma contain substances that tightly envelop the hair, not allowing any useful substances to penetrate into them. After such care, no useful components will fall into the hair structure.
Tint balms
Many use them to maintain hair color between stains, but you shouldn’t. Most of these products contain salts of heavy metals, which are deposited on the hair and are not washed out even by professional means. For saturation of color, you can use professional tinting masks, but not more often than once in two weeks, as they dry hair.
Folk recipes
In order for nutrients to penetrate into the hair structure, special conductors of chemical origin are necessary. Eggs, olive oil and similar components do not have such conductors, so they do not bring any benefit to the hair, and remaining on the hair can do more harm. Therefore, do not skimp on specially developed tools.
