In this section you will find some simple reminders of what to look for before you purchase a color.  This isn't a complete list but it's a good way for you to guage your color readiness.

One of the most frequent questions we receive is which brand of color do I choose.  Listen, it's not about the brand as much as it is about the color. If Brand A doesn't carry the shade you want, then it doesn't matter if Brand A is better than Brand B.  It being "better" doesn't help you achieve the color you desire.

Once you find a color that has "Me" written all over it, if that particular shade isn't offered by another manufacturer, you've made your choice.  If you find a similar color by another manufacturer, read the box, consider how it will work on your natural hair color, ask a sales person if you're in a reputable beauty supply and then make your decision.


Try to find a product that processes without additional heat.

Got Dreadlocks?  You will probably have to buy at least two boxes of the product (overestimate don't underestimate) in order to color your entire head.  If you have shoulder length dreadlocks or longer, it's best to purchase 3-4 boxes.  For very long dreadlocks, guessitimate the appoximate need, add 2 more boxes to your estimate.  Remember, you can always return the unopened boxes.

If you're purchasing 4 or more boxes, this may be a time to consider the cost effectiveness of coloring at home.  When you add up the cost of coloring products, gloves and the mess involved with coloring very long hair, this might be a good time to consider professional services.  Although getting your hair colored by a professional may still be slightly more, there's less chance for user error.  The longer your hair is, the longer it takes to apply the color.

Worried about coloring damage?  Look for products that contain no ammonia, no peroxide, no alcohol.   Although products that make this assertion may have a derivative of the above elements, they still maybe less damaging than the conventional method.  Keep in mind, the more extreme your hair color choice, the more you're going to have to forgo the notion that you can color without chemicals.

Colors that are similar to your natural shade are the easiest. The results will be a very natural lightening/darkening of your hair.  Even if you don't know what you're doing, you stand a greater chance of getting away with errors.

When coloring, color your hair first...avoid the roots.  Meaning, do not apply color directly to the new-growth area (the first 1-1.5 inches of hair that sprouts from the scalp).  Reason being, your new-growth area will process a lot faster than the rest of your hair.  By applying color to this area too soon, you may end up with over-processed/brassy tones.  Allow the color on the length of the hair to process for 15-25 minutes (or according to manufacturer's instructions).  For the final 10 minutes, apply the color to new-growth.

Seek professional advice before following up the use of henna (even after several months) with any chemical procedure.  Henna, unlike other temporary dies, takes a significant amount of time to wear away from the thair shaft.  The residue left by the henna may negatively react with chemical colors and result in an undesirable shade and damage.

When all else fails, ASK!  Many of the people working in beauty supply stores have ample knowledge of the products that they carry. It's a good idea to ask questions before you commit yourself to a particular product.  Visit the website of the manufacturer of your hair color.  Most manufacturer's such as Clairfol and Loreal have websites which offer plenty of how-to information.

Be sure to deep condition your hair during the weeks following your hair coloring procedure.  Permanent colors tend to be drying to the hair.  By deep conditioning, you will help to insure your hair stays moisturized as it recovers.


How to Colour with Permanent Coloring Products
The best advice I can give you when coloring you hair at home is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. That detailed list of procedures was included in your coloring kit for a reason. READ and FOLLOW the directions provided. Here are some additional tips...

Examine your scalp for cuts or abrasions as you could have adverse reactions if the product permeates and infects even the smallest opening. Never color a freshly shampoo'd head of hair. According to the manufacturer's instructions, perform a patch or skin test. Doing so will help you better determine the processing time needed to achieve the shade you desire.

Have a clock/timer nearby.  Be sure to complete the application in the time allotted by the manufacturer.  For lockwearers, processing your color will be different.  Using a 20 or 30 Volume developer, process the locked portion of your hair first, then the roots.

When you're ready to color, divide the hair into 4 sections and apply the color to the least porous section of the hair...the crown.

If you're dying dreadlocks, apply the product to the dreadlocks first as they will take longer to accept the color.  Process the shaft of the dreadlocks for 15-25 minutes before applying to the roots.  This area will process more quickly so add the color to this portion last.  Process for 5-15 minutes.

Your total processing time should not exceed that of the manufacturer.  Some colors suggest using heat to help speed along the process and help the color take better.

Foil wraps are also a good way to maximize the color of dreadlocks.  Once the color has been applied to the dreads, wrap them in salon tinting foil and process accordingly.

When time's up, rinse your hair with lukewarm water and until it runs clear.

Most kits come with a conditioner and should be used as directed.  Some professionals suggest shampooing the hair twice (especially if you have dreadlocks) to insure that all of the colorant has been removed. After shampooing, apply the conditioner as directed.

FOR LOCKWEARERS:  A neutralizing shampoo will help remove the coloring product.  Once you have rinsed your locks for several minutes, use the neutralizing shampoo to cleanse your locks.  Squeeze them as you cleanse.  Rinse thoroughly. 

The neutralizing step is optional.  It's merely a precautionary step.  It will however strip your color.  On the other hand, it will make sure you have removed the chemicals.  Use your best judgment and regardless of what you do, the next step is a must then RINSE, RINSE, RINSE!

Your next step is to deep condition.  The harsher the color, the more you need to deep condition.  Allow the conditioner to set on your hair according to the manufacturer's instructions or for 5-10 minutes.

RINSE THOROUGHLY!!!  Your final rinse should be intense.  The water won't always run completely clear as you will find that over the next few shampoos, the color will gradually wear away until the more subdued permanent color is revealed.  You'll be able to tell the difference between harmless residue and improper rinsing.

In the weeks following your coloring, it's a good idea to continue with your deep conditioning routine until your hair is able to recover from the chemical procedure.  There is more information on coloring dreadlocks in the Dreadlocks FAQ section of this website.

Here are some helpful hints from the people at Clairol

Hydrience Helpful Hints for Red Shades
Apply the entire Clairol product to damp, unwashed hair.

Completely saturate hair using all the color available.

For maximum red color results, leave color on for 30-45 minutes.

First-time users should reapply Clairol product from the roots to the ends, four weeks later.

Hydrience Timesaving Tips
Don't waste time searching. Keep the essentials handy: old button-down shirt, "coloring" towels.

Set the kids up with a fun video.

Get up 30 minutes earlier and color first thing in the morning. One shower and you're set.

Multitask time: Give yourself a pedicure or check emails while you wait to rinse.

Crank up your favorite tunes and enjoy.

Get a haircoloring buddy. Catch up regularly with a friend while you help each other color.

Finally, take some time to reconnect with family and friends. Put a plastic bag over the phone for less mess.

Have extra boxes on hand. You never know when you'll have a few minutes to get Clairol colorwonderful•.

COPYRIGHT INFO:  Call your Clairol Color Consultants at 1-800-CLAIROL (800-252-4765)  If you plan to make a dramatic permanent haircolor, seek a professional.