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Comprehensive Guide to Hair Coloring Techniques

Apr 22, 2025

Milady Standard Cosmetology 2016 - Chapter 21: Hair Coloring

Learning Objectives

  • LO1: Reasons for hair coloring.
  • LO2: Hair porosity's effect on hair color.
  • LO3: Types of melanin in hair.
  • LO4: Levels and their role in hair color formulation.
  • LO5: Identify primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
  • LO6: Role of tone and intensity in hair color.
  • LO7: Categories of hair color.
  • LO8: Role of hydrogen peroxide in hair color.
  • LO9: Action of hair lighteners.
  • LO10: Key questions for hair color formulation.
  • LO11: Importance of patch tests.
  • LO12: Preliminary strand test purpose.
  • LO13: Procedure for virgin single-process color service.

Importance of Studying Hair Coloring

  • Hair coloring is a popular and creative salon service.
  • It allows stylists to express creativity and artistry.
  • Knowledge of hair coloring chemicals is crucial for safe client services.
  • Hair coloring can enhance haircuts, cover gray, and address hair imperfections.

Understanding Why People Color Their Hair

  • Cover or blend gray hair.
  • Enhance existing hair color.
  • Make a fashion statement.
  • Correct unwanted tones from environmental exposure.
  • Complement a haircut.

Hair Structure and Porosity

  • Cuticle: Outer layer, protective, and contributes to hair strength.
  • Cortex: Middle layer, contains melanin, adds strength and elasticity.
  • Medulla: Innermost, not involved in coloring.
  • Porosity: Low, average, and high porosity affect hair color application and results.

Types of Melanin and Levels

  • Eumelanin: Black/brown colors.
  • Pheomelanin: Blonde/red colors.
  • Mixed Melanin: Combination of both.
  • Level System: Identifies lightness/darkness (levels 1-10).

Color Theory

  • Primary colors: Red, yellow, blue.
  • Secondary colors: Green, orange, violet.
  • Tertiary colors: Mixes of primary and secondary colors.
  • Complementary colors neutralize each other.

Categories of Hair Color

  • Temporary: Easily shampoos out, no chemical change.
  • Semipermanent: No-lift, deposit-only, fades after several shampoos.
  • Demipermanent: Deposit-only, gentle fade, no lightening.
  • Permanent: Lightens and deposits, contains ammonia and peroxide.

Developers and Lighteners

  • Hydrogen Peroxide Developers: Volumes 10-40, affect lift and color development.
  • Lighteners: Disperse natural pigment, essential for achieving lighter shades.
  • Double-Process Coloring: Involves pre-lightening and toning.

Hair Coloring Procedures

  • Patch Test: Essential for detecting allergies.
  • Preliminary Strand Test: Assesses color result on a small hair section.
  • Application Techniques: Proper methods ensure consistency and desired outcomes.

Special Effects Techniques

  • Highlighting: Lightens strands to add depth.
  • Reverse Highlighting: Darkens strands for contrast.
  • Cap, Foil, and Baliage Techniques: Methods for applying highlights or lowlights.

Gray Hair Challenges and Solutions

  • Formulating for gray involves understanding the coverage needs.
  • Pre-Softening: Enhances color penetration for resistant gray hair.
  • Use of neutrals for effective blending.

Safety Precautions

  • Perform patch tests.
  • Avoid applying color if scalp abrasions or metallic colors are present.
  • Follow manufacturer's directions precisely.
  • Use protective measures like gloves and proper draping.

Conclusion

Hair coloring is a multifaceted service requiring knowledge of color theory, hair structure, and chemical products. Proper consultation, testing, and formulation are critical for achieving desired results and ensuring client safety.