When you choose the type of color you will be applying to your hair, it is important to understand the different types. How long do you want it to last? How committed are you to maintaining the color? How often do you want to reapply? These are some of the questions to ask yourself when choosing a type of color.
3 LAYERS TO YOUR HAIR
Cuticle - the outermost part of the hair shaft and is your hair’s protective layer.
Cortex - is located between the hair cuticle and medulla and is the thickest hair layer. It also contains most of the hair's pigment, giving the hair its color.
Medulla - the innermost layer of the hair shaft.
3 TYPES OF HAIR COLOR
Most of us do not have virgin hair (hair that has not been chemically treated or colored), so it is important to know what type of color lasts longer. The healthier your hair is, the longer your color will last.
TEMPORARY/SEMI-PERMANENT
Temporary or Semi-Permanent color only adheres to the outside (cuticle layer), which allows the color to last 6-10 shampoos. An example of this would be tinted or colored shampoos and conditioners.
PERMANENT COLOR
Permanent color goes into the cortex, the middle layer, and lasts until your hair grows out or you recolor. Hair color should be refreshed when your roots start to show, about 4-6 weeks.
DEMI-PERMANENT COLOR
Demi–Color works on the cuticle and cortex layer of the hair and will last 3-4 weeks. There is a softer regrowth and demarcation line, as this color does fade over time.