Hair Colour

Colouring and bleaching: fashion, aesthetics and youth

Today, our society is very focused on personal image and a youthful appearance, and more and more people are regularly dyeing their hair. The cosmetics industry, and hair dyes in particular, is constantly evolving to offer innovative products that also protect hair, taking into account quality, non-toxicity, and environmental responsibility.

One of the most versatile tools for hairdressing professionals, and one of the most appealing fields, is working with hair colour. In the past, colouring methods were rudimentary and based on natural compounds, unlike today, when the active ingredients are known and the final result of the dye can be predicted, thanks to the evolution of modern cosmetics.

Hair colour changes can also occur naturally. Natural hair colour is not static but dynamic, undergoing various changes throughout life. The production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour, varies throughout a person's life, resulting in significant changes in skin and hair pigmentation. Before dyeing our hair, the first step is to carefully choose the desired colour. Once the desired shade is selected, it's essential to understand the corresponding numbering system.

Types of hair colouring

• Permanent hair colour is the only type that completely covers gray hair and allows for a total colour change. These dyes contain ammonia and an oxidizing agent, essential for locking in the colour and preventing it from washing out. This type of colouring requires maintenance every 4 to 5 weeks due to the roots becoming visible as the hair grows out. These dyes do not disappear completely, and you have to wait for your hair to grow out to regain your natural colour.
• Temporary hair colour is that which remains in the hair until the next wash after application. The molecules that make up these dyes are large organic compounds that resist humidity and brushing, but not enough to withstand the detergents in shampoo.
• Semi-permanent hair dyes are chemical compounds designed to last between 20 and 28 washes, depending on the specific product. They are direct dyes that don't require chemical reactions to colour the hair; they don't change the original hair colour but rather slightly darken the base tone. They don't contain ammonia, so they won't lighten your hair, but they do add a very natural shine and enhance your natural hair colour.
• Bleaching involves removing all or part of the hair's natural colour. It's used when you want to lighten natural hair by more than four shades and dyed hair by two shades. First, you need to bleach the hair to remove the pigment and turn it white, so you can then apply the desired colour.
• The highlighting technique is used to pigment certain strands of hair, minimizing damage and achieving very subtle effects. This technique can create many effects, such as gently lightening the natural tone, styling, lightening the ends, and more.
• Stripping is the technique used to remove the remaining compounds used in hair colouring that could interfere with the colouring process. The reducing agents used to remove artificial pigments from the hair will depend on the type of dye used.

Recommendations for hair colouring

Below, we will provide a series of recommendations and tips to follow for the care of your scalp when colouring your hair:

• Before using any colouring product, we recommend that you do an allergy test to find out if your body is allergic to any of the components that formulate the dye.
• Follow the instructions detailed for each dye and remember to use protective gloves for your hands.
• The day before colouring your hair, it's important to wash your hair with a nourishing shampoo to revitalize it.
• After colouring your hair, be sure to take care of it with products for colour-treated hair and, if you are going to be in the sun, use products that contain sunscreen.
• Once the dyeing process is complete, remove any stains or dye residue that may remain on the skin.
• To help the colour set better, apply nourishing masks all over your hair.
• If it's your first time colouring your hair, avoid colours that are too dark or aggressive, because you'll need some time to adjust to your new look.
• Avoid colouring your hair too often, as these types of products damage it.