Answers to your top colour questions

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How do I know if I might react to colour?

You should always do an allergy test (even if you’ve coloured your hair before). It’s easy to do.

1. 1. Mix a spoonful of colour (and the same amount of the developer) in a bowl
2. 2. Put some on a cotton bud and dab it on the inside of your elbow
3. 3. Leave it on for 48 hours (make sure you don’t wash it off!)

If you don’t have any redness, itching, burning or rashes, you’re okay to colour.

What do I need to think about before I colour?

Our top three recommendations are

1. 1. Always read the instructions on the box (and don’t forget to wear gloves!)
2. 2. Do a strand test
3. 3. Stick to the recommended timings

How do I know if I’ll like the colour I’ve chosen?

You can try the colour out by doing a strand test and…

• • Cutting ¼ inch wide strand of hair from your roots (ideally from the back of head) and taping the strands together
• • Completely covering it with the mixture remaining from your allergy test
• • Leaving the colour on for the recommended time
• • Rinsing it off and leaving it to dry

This will give you a good indication how the colour will look on your hair.

How many boxes of colour should I buy?

If your hair is longer than shoulder length or very thick (and if you’re doing an all-over application), you may need two boxes to fully saturate your hair. Also, keep in mind that the ends of long hair tend to absorb more colour, so you may need to reduce your processing time to prevent your colour from going too dark.

Do different hair types need different time to colour?

Always read the instructions carefully. In general, thicker/coarser hair takes more time to absorb colour, so it might require more time.

Also, hair that's dry or permed may absorb colour quickly, so it’s worth regularly checking your colour as it develops. 

Before you colour your hair, we always recommend a strand test.

Should I have my hair cut before I colour it?

Ideally...Cut first, colour later so you’re able to see the full effect of your colour.

Can I have my hair keratin straightened and colour it?

It’s advisable to check with a professional hairdresser. As a general rule, you should wait at least two weeks after a keratin treatment to colour your hair.

Can I shampoo my hair before I colour it?

Where possible, you shouldn't shampoo immediately before colouring, because this will remove the natural oils that help protect your scalp during the colouring process.

It's best to shampoo 12 - 24 hours before colouring when using a non-permanent hair colour; shampoo 24 hours prior to using permanent colour.

I would like to perm and colour my hair. Can I do both on the same day?

If you’re going with a permanent colour, wait 7-10 days and at least one shampoo. Also do a strand test first as permed hair can be more porous so your colour may absorb faster.

Can I use any conditioner after colour?

It's best to use a conditioner specifically designed for coloured hair.

How long will my colour last?

Demi-permanent hair colour will last up to 28 shampoos - if you wash your hair every day, that's about 4 weeks. Permanent hair colour lasts until your hair grows out and should be refreshed when your roots start to show, after about 4 - 6 weeks.

My colour has turned out too light

If your colour is too light, you can get a box of the same brand one shade darker and re-colour. HOWEVER…. when you are re-colouring, keep the colour on for HALF of the recommended time, check your colour every 5 minutes and rinse when you think the colour is dark enough.

My colour has turned out too dark

If you don’t want to wait for your colour to fade naturally (or grow out), try a clarifying shampoo (NOT one meant for colour-treated hair) the day after you colour. It will help to wash out some of the colour.

My colour looks patchy

Colour your hair one more time, focusing on the blotchy bits. Next time, opt for two boxes of colour instead of one to make sure every strand is covered.

Can I mix shades?

Yes, just keep in mind that for the best results you should mix shades no more than 2-3 shades lighter or darker than each other. Also, make sure the amount of colour you mix matches the same amount of developer.

When should I start timing my hair colour application?

Set your timer as soon as you've finished applying your hair colour.

How long can I keep a box of hair colour before using it?

If you don't open the bottle, your hair colour products will generally last up to three years.