Coloring Hair: Everything You Need to Know

Although summer is coming to an end, that does not mean your fun hair colors have to suffer.

Whether it is natural, relaxed, or extensions, a pop of color can just change your hair needs.

With the changing season, naturally, comes the change of hair. It is an unspoken ritual for many women to color their hair bundles with the seasons.

Whether it's highlighting, color blocking, or a full head of color, hair color can be refreshing. 💗

Coloring hair can be beautiful, but it can be extremely damaging to hair if not maintained properly.

Hair Color Trends for Fall

Fall is quickly approaching, and the warm hues of hair are on the horizon.

Colors that are popular for the Fall are seemingly plucked right from the landscape.

Bright reds and red undertones are Fall favorites. Copper-colored hair or Ombres is perfect for a splash of color.

Many girls even opt for blondish hair like Beyonce or Ciara's golden brown tresses.

These colors compliment all skin tones and provide a warm, earthy feel that is perfect for the fall weather.

Whatever you choose, be sure to keep it fun, healthy, and moisturized.

Types of Hair Color

It is important to educate yourself about ways to achieve healthy locs of beautiful jet black, vibrant orange, or soft pink strands.

Whether you choose to get your hair dyed at the salon or you're a do-it-yourself kind of girl, knowing what's going on in your hair is important.

Hair Bleach is crucial if you're looking for a drastic change, like going from black to blonde or brown to purple; this lifts your natural hair color and lightens it, making it easier to dye and giving the color a chance to pop.

However, be mindful of the bleach used on your hair.

There are different volumes of bleach.

Some bleaches are stronger than others, and the strength of the bleach you should use is based on the color, texture, and strength of your hair follicles as well as the look you desire.

Most Common Volume Peroxide Levels:

• 10 Volume - Used mostly for changing the shades of the hair with a tint or undertone.
• 20 Volume - Will lift a hair color 1 - 2 shades.
• 30 Volume - Lightens the hair 2 - 3 levels
• 40 Volume - Most extreme lightener for taking a 1B hair to a #613 Blonde.

Toner follows the bleach, which is used to balance out the colors in your hair.

What Types of Dyes Should I Use?

Permanent Dyes

Need to be mixed before application to ensure amazing color and strength.

These colors can last up to 28 washes or until the hair starts to grow and shift. Since they are stronger, these dyes may be more harmful to hair.

Semi-Permanent Dye

Temporary Color is an easier way to transition hair to a different color.

These can often be bought at local beauty stores and used straight out of the box.

Semi-permanent dyes can fade with washes and exposure to natural elements such as air and sunshine.

This option does not require bleaching and does not alter your natural hair color.

Although easy and cost-efficient, semi-permanent hair color may need to be reapplied and fade out altogether after about six weeks.

However you choose to achieve your desired color, be sure to practice good hair care choices and be patient.

Hair Color Products

Coloring hair is a skill that takes experience if you are looking for professional results.

The route you choose is up to you, but we always recommend working with a stylist that colors hair exceptionally well.

You can usually see their hair coloring style by looking at their Instagram account.

If you are looking to color the hair yourself and need the products to do so, you should consider either professional-level (recommended) or store-bought options.

Professional Hair Color:

• Paul Mitchell
• Pravana
• Schwarzkopf
• Professional Kenra Color

Store-Bought Hair Color:

• Clairol
• Revlon
• L'Oreal

Stylists stick with professional hair color products because they are aware of the sensitivity of hair and the damage hair coloring can do if not done correctly.

Different Ways to Rock Your Dye

In the same way, there is not just one color or dye meant for everyone; there isn't only one way to wear a colorful new look.

Here are a few ways to wear the color you've seen in your dreams. Highlights and lowlights refer to the act of partial color in one's hair to bring a mix of hues and tents. Like this Body Wave Highlight Wig!

Highlighting your hair makes hair shades lighter, while lowlights take your hair a few shades darker.

Some people do highlights and lowlights together to get a multi-dimensional look.

Beyonce and Jennifer Aniston are perfect examples of highlighted and lowlighted hair.

They are two celebrities who play with the dimensions of brown and blonde hair  hues.

Both are ideal for any hairstyle; they are mainly rocked in long waves or short layers to accentuate the colors.

More Color Styles

Color blocking your hair adds fun, style, and color all in one move.

It is essentially taking a large portion of the hair and adding a dye. Color blocking has been a hot trend that you may not even notice, #Mermaid on Instagram, or even think of Cruella Deville of Disney; now she was the queen of color blocking!

It's a bold way of rocking a new hair color.

Dip Dye & Ombre are prominent across YouTube's everywhere!

When dip-dying, one only bleaches and dyes the ends of their hair for a flash of fun.

Ombre refers to a style of coloring in which hair goes from dark at the roots to light at the ends or vice versa like this Chestnut Ombre Wig.

Before you start giving off Justine Skye vibes with a full head of purple hair, you may want to consider the other coloring options to test out what colors you love best and what your hair can handle. Or just get a Straight Purple Lace Front Wig!

A full head of color is different and risky; be willing to experiment and take care of your hair.

Also, look up The Drip Hair Color Technique!

Coloring Hair Extensions

While coloring your natural hair can be a fun and new experience, to achieve your favorite colors quicker and with less strain on your hair, one can also get these looks through hair extensions.

If you are new to coloring or simply want a quick way to try out a new color, you may want to consider purchasing extensions and getting them dyed to achieve your ideal results.

Some stylists would charge from $15-$30 a bundle to dye hair for clients, even without providing installation services. Choosing to buy colored wigs is another way to switch up your look.

Think of Nicki Minaj; she does not stress about her hair to achieve her beautiful Barbie-like hairstyles; she has a plethora of wigs.

You can purchase a wig, such as the ones on Private Label Extensions, and have it fully customized to fit your style preferences.

If you're looking for a full head of color, think of Rihanna in her Man Down video. With a full head of bright red hair, opt for blonde bundles.

Starting off with blonde bundles skips the need for bleaching and quickly allows the hair color to take for brightness and durability.

This hair is often listed as 613 for hair color at Private Label such as the Russian Blonde Body Wave.

However, if these are virgin extensions, they will require the same process when being colored.

A few tips for maintaining bundle integrity are to detangle the hair before coloring, follow regular dyeing processes, rinse with cool water to seal in color, and finally, allow hair to air dry.

Coloring Natural/Relaxed Hair

Coloring your natural hair can be tricky, and bleach (developer), toner, and dyes are complicated business processes.

Be sure that it is strong enough to undertake the process of bleaching and color.

To test the strength of your hair, pull your hair straight and add some water to the top; if it takes longer than 10 seconds to absorb, then your hair is dye-ready!

Hair Porosity Matters!

Another tip is to place your hair in a bowl of water.

All the healthy hair will float at the top, while more damaged hair will absorb water and sink.

This test has to do with the porosity level of your strands. Hair Porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb moisture.

One can have a high or low porosity, which can make dying and maintaining the color and integrity of your hair difficult.

Do not fret, however, if your hair does not initially pass the test. Take some time to lower or heighten your porosity level so that the color takes to the hair and is less prone to breakage.

A few ways to reduce your porosity are to do protein treatments, deep conditioning, and use coconut or olive oil.

These methods will give your hair the protein and essential oils it needs to resist moisture and be stronger against harsh weather conditions.

To bring your porosity level up so that your color and condition can take evenly and nicely, opt for a heat treatment to open up your hair cuticles.

While dyes and colors are fun, it is more important to have strong, healthy hair.

Take the time to learn about your hair and what method of coloring is best for you.

How to Quickly Add Hair Color

As you know, coloring hair can be a delicate process.

What if you could quickly add some hair color without any risk? You can! Consider using clip-in hair extensions that can be in and out of your hair in minutes.

Taking Care of Your Hair Color

Dyed hair is more prone to shedding and breakage and, therefore, needs extra care.

First, test the color out on your hair before diving right in. With all the colors, skin tones, and combinations available, it is easy to get excited about a new look and make hasty, unhealthy decisions regarding your hair.

Try highlights, a rinse, or a semi-permanent color to ensure that the color is the right color for you.

Don't Rush Coloring Hair

Additionally, be patient if you are switching your color from black to blonde.

It will take a few sessions to lighten your hair gradually in a safe, healthy way. Be mindful of the products used in your freshly colored hair.

Consider using a leave-in conditioner, along with sulfate-free shampoo, as sulfates can dry out hair.

When choosing the perfect shampoo and conditioner, be sure to opt for products that offer color protectants to increase the longevity and brightness of the product.

Make it a priority to keep hair moisturized.

As with natural hair, moisture is essential to hair health. Keeping hair oiled is necessary with colored hair due to the extra processing and stripping of the hair; it can quickly become more brittle, causing breakage.

Use a good conditioner to replenish hair and seal in moisture with oils. Remember to get frequent trims. 💇🏿‍♀️

It is important to keep hair protected from split ends and frizzy hairstyles.

Regular trims ensure that all hair is growing healthy and flaunt those soft hues flawlessly.

Do you have some tips on coloring hair? Drop them in the comments below!

And get some coloring ideas for winter!