Frequently Asked Questions: Getting ready to color
- I would like to perm and color my hair to have a new look. Can I do both on the same day, or is it better to do one before the other?
- I need some hair advice. I'll be visiting my hairdresser for a cut next weekend, and it's also time for me to reapply my haircolor. Should I get my hair cut before or after coloring?
- Does the length of my hair make any difference in the amount of haircolor I will need?
- If I'm going to color my hair, when should I shampoo it?
- Can I mix shades?
- Lately I've been noticing that the bottom of my hair is darker or lighter than the top. Why?
- I would like to perm and color my hair to have a new look. Can I do both on the same day, or is it better to do one before the other?
- Clairol recommends that you perm first to ensure that the perming process will not interfere withy our newly applied color. If you're using a Permanent (lasts until your hair grows out or you recolor) haircolor, wait 7-10 days and shampoo at least once before coloring.
- Some Semi-Permanent (lasts though 8-12 shampoos) and Demi-Permanent (lasts through 28 shampoos) haircolors can be used the same day as your perm-as long as your scalp is not irritated and is in good condition.
- Check the package instructions to be sure. Either way, make sure you do a stand test before coloring your hair. Perms and relaxers can leave hair more porous and allow color to be absorbed faster.
- I need some hair advice. I'll be visiting my hairdresser for a cut next weekend, and it's also time for me to reapply my haircolor. Should I get my hair cut before or after coloring?
- We recommend cutting your hair first and then coloring it. And, of course, your color will enhance your cut.
- Does the length of my hair make any difference in the amount of haircolor I will need?
- Absolutely. If your hair is below shoulder length or very thick, you may need two boxes to fully saturate your hair. Also, keep in mind that the ends of long hair tend to absorb more color, so the timing may be different for your ends. So make sure you do your strand test.
- If I'm going to color my hair, when should I shampoo it?
- You generally shouldn't shampoo immediately before coloring because this will remove the natural oils that protect your scalp during the coloring process.
- It's best to shampoo 12-24 hours before coloring with a Semi-Permanent (lasts through 8-12 shampoos) or Demi-Permanent (lasts through 28 shampoos) product; shampoo 24 hours prior to using Permanent (lasts until your hair grows out or you recolor). But be sure to check the instructions inside the box because it can vary by product.
- Can I mix shades?
- Yes, but the hair advice we generally give is that, for best results, you mix shades no more than 2-3 shades lighter or darker than each other. In other words, you wouldn't want to mix a blonde and a black together. Also, you should mix the same brand of shades, so for example, only mix Nice 'n Easy with other Nice 'n Easy shades.
- If Lately I've been noticing that the bottom of my hair is darker or lighter than the top. Why?
- This effect sometimes happens if you don't do touch-up applications. If you apply haircolor to your entire head of hair whenever you see roots, you'll end up with coloring the older, more porous ends of your hair, which will result in color build-up. The solution is simple. Follow the instructions on your insert for Root Application only. Follow up with regular trims and your hair will look more consistent.
- Once coverage is more uniform, do a retouch application. First, apply color to your roots only. Five minutes before processing ends, color the rest of your hair, if necessary.