Learn The Basics of Hair Color:

Great Information to Help You Get The Color You Want

 

 

Scroll Down for FAQ’s

Did you know that 60% of the U.S. population over age 25 uses some type of hair color? For the first time in history it is now acceptable for men, women and children of almost every age to wear color in their hair. If you are considering trying hair color for the first time, or are just trying to find a new colorist, this article will help explain the facts about hair color.

 

First of all, let’s define some of the terms and catchphrases.

           Level; the degree of light to dark on a scale of 1-10, 1=black, 10=lightest blonde, 6=lightest brown, 7=darkest blonde. (illustration)

           Tone or Shade; the actual colors such as red, gold, ashe, platinum, auburn, etc. Be sure that your colorist clearly defines what these words mean as they are very subjective. This is where pictures help.

           Permanent Hair Color; hair color that has the ability to lift (or lighten) your natural color, and can deposit tone (color). Hair color can not lighten hair color. It can only lighten natural color. Permanent color stays in your hair until it is chemically lightened or is cut out.

           Semi-Permanent or Glosser; sheer, translucent color that stains the outer surface of the hair shaft. Usually creates a high shine. Lasts 2-6 weeks, depending on the application.

           Bleach or Lightener; a solvent derived from ammonia that can lighten natural or artificial pigment. Modern lighteners, when used properly, are safe and cause minimal damage. If you are lightening your hair 5 or more shades bleach must be used.

           Toner; a soft, pastel blonde hair color, either permanent or demi-permanent. Usually used immediately after a lightening service.

           Double Process Blonde; first lightening the hair 5 or more shades, then applying a toner to create the blonde tone that is desired.

           Demi-Permanent Hair Color; hair color that can only deposit tone (color). Demi-permanent color is like applying stain over wood. When the color is finished you can still see the variation in tones and levels of the natural hair coming through, just like the grain in wood. Usually lasts 2-4 months and gradually fades out.

           Tint or Single Process; an all over color, either permanent or demi-permanent, usually meant to hide grey.

           Color Correction; what happens the next day after you and a friend have a few glasses of wine and decide to play hairdresser; an expensive hangover.

 

 

FAQ’s (frequently asked questions):

 

Does Haircolorxperts cut hair also?

Absolutely! Our stylists are kept up to date with the latest styles and techniques as well receiving thorough training in the classic looks.

 

Do you do men’s hair?

Yes we do. Appointments are not always necessary. Feel free to walk in and check.

 

Do you offer perms and straighteners?

We now offer a full range of texture services including soft support waves, traditional perms and relaxers, and Japanese Thermal Straightening.

 

Do you offer services for African-American clients?

We have stylists that are qualified to work with every type of hair and ethnicity.

 

Do you have Spanish or French speaking staff?

Yes. Si and Oui. Please call to find out more.

 

Will having my hair colored frequently cause damage?

Yes and no. All permanent hair color will cause a certain amount of damage. When done by well trained professionals (Haircolorxperts perhaps) the damage is so minimal you probably won’t notice it.

 

What causes my hair color to fade?

Improper application, bad formulation and inadequate processing are some of the causes. It’s not an easy process and it takes skill. Sun, tanning beds, overly alkaline or acidic shampoos are also culprits. Use a high      quality shampoo and conditioner with anti-oxidants specifically designed to help prevent fadage. Wella Color Preserve, BioTouch and System Professional are a few of our best choices.

 

Can you get highlights or color if you have a permanent or straightener?

Yes, if your hair is still in good condition after your perm or relaxer. A good stylist will refuse to do the service if they determine that your hair is too damaged. It’s all about the skill of the person doing your hair. With the brand of permanents we use at Haircolorxperts, Iso by Helene Curtis, many times you can have your hair permed and colored on the same day. The rule of thumb is, Perm First, Color Second.

 

I have been coloring my own hair for a long time. What’s different when you do it?

A professional colorist will give you a lot more options of how you could look. There are so many cool ways to design hair color these days that you couldn’t possibly try them all. Having the objective opinion of a skilled stylist to help you decide what will work well with your look and lifestyle is invaluable.

As for the products, our hair color is a totally different formulation from what is sold over the counter. We stock over 125 different shades and products in our dispensary to give us the flexibility to custom formulate multiple shades for each client.

Home hair color is usually derived from beef tallow (the same stuff the pioneers used to make candles from). Sometimes it turns out great and sometimes not so great. Not so great can be very expensive to fix. Because of the waxy consistency of home hair color , it can be very difficult to remove, even with professional products.

 

Is it safe to have my hair colored while I’m pregnant? Is it safe period?

Ask your physician. Many don’t recommend it, however the studies done by the FDA point to some risk of bladder cancer from the darkest browns and black hair color. Those studies involved feeding the hair color to lab rats in the equivalent of a quart of color per day. How much, if any, color is absorbed through the skin and hair has never been studied. Any effect on the fetus has never been tested. Anecdotally, how many mothers in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s colored their hair during their pregnancies? Probably a lot and the instances of birth defects and bladder cancers don’t seem to remotely correlate.

 

 

Have a question? Send it in and  I will try to give you a personal response.

Include a phone number and I’ll give you a call.

Larry Dunlap/Owner/Stylist

 

larryhcx@nc.rr.com

The Arboretum      133 Weston Parkway       Cary, North Carolina 27513     919.678.1212

 

Cameron Village     2030 Cameron Street     Raleigh, North Carolina 27605     919.755.0559