Colorful hair dyes can be an enjoyable way to express yourself. From pastel hues to more daring options, there are several key points you need to keep in mind before opting for bright hues.
Ammonia-free hair dyes offer an alternative, gentler alternative that does not contain this harsh chemical and could potentially damage both your scalp and strands.
Ammonia-Free Hair Dye
If you’re an old-school colorist, chances are you are used to using permanent hair dyes that contain ammonia as they tend to be harsher on sensitive scalps and hair than alternatives without this chemical. There are now plenty of ammonia-free dye options on the market which offer great relief for sensitive scalps and strands alike!
Ammonia-free hair dyes typically utilize alkalis such as ethylene glycol monoethanolamine (MEA), cocamide MEA or dimethylglucamine (DMG). Like ammonia, these chemicals lift your cuticle so that pigment can penetrate deeper into the cortex for longer lasting results.
Ammonia-free hair dyes typically feature semi or demi-permanent formulas that wash out with six to eight shampoos, though L’Oreal Professionnel INOA’s oil delivery system enables it to achieve long-lasting color results without ammonia use. This technology uses oils to penetrate your cuticle and deliver color directly into the cortex of your strands for long-lasting color coverage.
Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Semi-permanent hair dye offers bright pops of color that last approximately ten shampoos. For optimal results, pre-lightened hair should be lighter as vibrant hues will layer better against its white canvas.
However, unlike permanent hair dye, semi-permanent dyes do not penetrate the cuticle to deposit pigments; rather they stain the strands with pigment and can be applied either wet or dry hair for use. It is an ideal way to cover grays or experiment with new hues without making a full change commitment.
Utilizing color-protective shampoo and forgoing heat-intensive styling techniques will extend the life of semi-permanent dye. Additionally, investing in deep conditioning masks once or twice every week to keep your scalp healthy and maintain vibrant hues that look fresh and vibrant is recommended to maintain an ideal outcome.
Color Depositing Shampoo
Color-depositing shampoos can be an invaluable asset to those who dye their hair at home between salon appointments. These gentle sulfate-free products contain semipermanent dye that deposits directly on your locks when you wash, making it easier than ever before to maintain color in-between appointments. With several yellow or pink hues to choose from, color-depositing shampoos offer convenient color upkeep at home in between salon appointments.
Violet shampoos like those from Shu Uemura can help neutralize unwanted yellow tones in dyed blonde hair while blue ones from Aveda neutralize reddish tones in black and brown locks. While wearing gloves in the shower will protect surfaces from staining from these colored shampoos containing pigment, wear gloves to use these shampoos; additionally, these products can be quite drying on hair so try switching up your routine with moisturizing conditioner for added support.
Color Remover
Hair color remover should be an integral component of any DIY dyeing kit, as it helps lighten or erase any mistakes made during dyeing processes. Furthermore, it can assist when dealing with darker or black hues which are harder to lift due to their natural pigments.
Colorists’ go-to solution, this fast-acting option comes complete with disposable gloves for ease of use. “I love this because it’s such a gentle vegan formula and works lightning-fast!” says Lee. Fleming points out its effectiveness for eliminating extra dye build-up at the ends (where pores tend to absorb dye more readily) as well as cleaning up dye stains on skin or clothing.
Hair color removers should only be used to gently lift away oxidized dye from your strands; they cannot restore your natural shade as peroxide-based dyes lighten it permanently. For full reversals, it is wiser to consult a professional.