Home » Blog » 8 commonly asked questions about coloring your hair

Deciding whether to start coloring your hair is a big step if you have never done it before. You may be feeling a bit nervous especially after reading some of the horror stories out there…hair falling out, damaged hair, brassy orange hair, just to name a few. So to help put your mind at ease we came up with the top 8 commonly asked questions about coloring your hair.

1. Should I color my hair myself or go to a professional?

If you are coloring your hair for the first time, you should go to a licensed professional . A professional hairstylist will be able to consult with you on what color would look best with your skin tone. Also, having a professional do a strand test is the best way to make sure you are not allergic to the products and to ensure that your hair will get the desired results you are looking for without damaging it.

2. Will coloring my hair damage it?

If you are using a permanent hair color you have to lift the hair using hydrogen peroxide (developer). This process raises or opens up the cuticle layer of the hair to allow the color molecules to penetrate the cortex depositing the color which could damage the hair if not done properly. If you use the wrong level of peroxide or if you constantly change your hair color (over-processing), this is what will cause damage to your hair. However, if you use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent they will help add extra shine and condition to the hair but will only last a couple of shampoos.  For more information on how color can damage your hair, see our post on ‘Does Hair color Damage Your Hair?‘. 

3. What’s the difference between semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent?

Semi-permanent hair color does not contain peroxide so it can not lift the hair, therefore it can only make the hair darker and not lighter. The color will only last about six to twelve shampoos because it only deposits the hair color on the outermost layer of the hair. This is a good choice to try if you are afraid you may not like the color. Also, semi-permanent will enhance the shine and condition of the hair since it is not lifting.

Demi-Permanent hair color contains low amounts of peroxide which unlike semi-permanent, it can lighten the hair slightly. Demi-permanent deposits the color between the cuticle and cortex, therefore, making it last longer, anywhere from 12 – 26 washes.

Permanent hair color just as the name suggests, it is a permanent hair color and will last until the colored strands grow out. Permanent hair color can lighten hair up to 4 levels anything more than that is not recommended as it can cause damage to the hair.

4. Will the color cover my grey hair?

Yes, hair color will cover your grey hair depending on what formula and brand you use. If you have more than 50% of grey hair it is probably best to use permanent hair color.

5. How often should I shampoo my hair after receiving a color service?

After you receive your color service, wait at least 24 hours before shampooing your hair…48 hours is even better. Try and limit your washing to 3 times a week, especially if you have a more intense color like, red.

6. How long do I have to wait before re-coloring my hair with a different color?

This all depends on the condition of your hair. It is best to consult with your hairstylist about your options. If you have damaged hair, it is probably best to wait until your hair is in better condition or until the color grows out. If you don’t like the color of your hair, talk to your stylist about a color corrective service. Learn more about how often you can dye your hair in our Beauty Tips sections of our blog.

7. Can I get color and highlights all on the same day?

Yes, as long as your hair is in good condition, you can get a color service and highlights all on the same day.  

8. Can I lighten my hair a couple of levels without bleaching or stripping the color?

If you are trying to go from a dark shade color to a light shade of color, you will need to bleach the hair. To lighten the hair, you have to use some type of bleach or peroxide to remove the pigment in the hair. Once the pigment is removed, the hair cuticle lifts allowing the hair color to be absorbed. See our post about ‘Do you have to bleach hair prior to dyeing it?‘ for more information on bleaching.

Adding color to your hair allows you to achieve a variety of different looks from funky and bold to a more natural subtle look. There are many different hair colors and brands out there, to find out which is the best for your hair consult with a professional or visit your local beauty school for their expert advice. Be sure to also check out our article on how long it takes to dye hair for more information on coloring hair.

If you are interested in hair color or how to color hair, a career in beauty could be just for you. Our cosmetology program teaches all sorts of hair styling expertise, including coloring, cutting, texturing, and more. Schedule a tour today and meet with a Career Planning Specialist to see if Empire Beauty School is the perfect fit for you.