When colouring hair extensions the first and most important consideration is whether you have human hair or synthetic hair.
Colouring synthetic hair (as well as using heat on this type of hair) simply won’t work.
If you have human hair, it is possible to colour your hair if necessary. Please note: Your best option is to avoid colouring by matching the hair extensions to your natural colour or as close as possible. However, this is not always possible. When choosing a colour from your extension supplier, try to choose a lighter shade and then colour the extensions darker. This is less damaging to the hair than lightening the hair extensions.
Colouring Hair Extensions
When colouring, it is preferable to use a semi-permanent colour. These generally wash out in 6 to 10 shampoos and contain no potentially damaging peroxide or ammonia. Once the semi-permanent is gone, it leaves your hair the same colour as it was before being coloured. Because of its gentle nature, however, semi-permanent colourants won’t change hair colour very dramatically. It has a slightly translucent quality that makes it better suited to enhancing rather than altering your natural colour.
Semi- permanent hair colour will take your hair one or two levels darker, or maybe even a shade brighter. The lack of chemicals means semi-permanents have no lightening power whatsoever. Therefore, if you are unsure about what hair extension colour to chose when purchasing, it is recommended you choose a lighter colour and dye darker.
Semi-permanent colour is ideal for giving your hair a change of tone rather than radically changing your hair colour. If you have dark hair with dreams of being blonde, semi-permanent color is not for you.
Demi Permanant Hair Color
Demi-permanent hair colour lasts from 12 to 20 shampoos. It contains a small amount of peroxide – which means some hair damage – but no ammonia, making demi-permanent colour a midway option between semi-permanent and permanent colour. Demi-permanent colour does a bit more than semi-permanent. It stays in hair longer before fading away. In addition, demi-permanent colour does a better job of darkening hair and adding brightness. The peroxide can lighten hair, but only slightly – usually less than half a level. Peroxide is not recommended on hair extensions as it will cause damage
With semi-permanent colourants, shampooing loosens their pigment molecules, causing color to progressively diminish untill all the molecules are gone. Because of this, you will never experience tell-tale roots with semi permanent color.
A common problem clients have with their hair extensions is that the hair tone is too warm. This can be remedied fairly easily. You simply need to use a good quality toner to adjust to a more ash tone. A hairdresser can offer this service or you can buy them in many hair supply retailers. In Australia, Priceline and Hairhouse Warehouse both stock this product.
Good luck with your hair colouring and remember, if you’re in doubt seek professional consultation from your hairdresser.
Tags: colouring, hair extensions
