Whether to apply colour touch on wet or dry hair is a common question many people have when using this type of hair colour. Colour touch is a demi-permanent hair colour that deposits colour while also conditioning the hair. There are benefits and drawbacks to applying it on either wet or dry hair, so choosing which way to apply it depends on your specific hair type and colouring goals.
Applying Colour Touch on Wet Hair
Applying colour touch to freshly washed, towel-dried hair is recommended by some stylists and colourists. Here are some potential benefits of using colour touch on wet hair:
- The cuticle is more open, allowing better colour deposit into the hair shaft.
- Wet hair can be sectioned cleanly for even application.
- The formula spreads easily and evenly on wet hair.
- There is less risk of overlapping already coloured sections.
- The hair can absorb moisture and conditioner from the formula.
When applying colour touch to wet hair, it’s best to work in sections. Start by dividing clean, damp hair into four sections. Work the colour into one section at a time, beginning at the back of the head. Ensure the formula is evenly distributed from roots to ends. Once the application is complete, process according to the manufacturer’s recommendations based on your hair type and desired results.
Applying Colour Touch on Dry Hair
Applying colour touch to dry, unwashed hair is also an option. Here are some of the advantages of using colour touch on dry hair:
- Oils in unwashed hair can act as a barrier, preventing uneven colour absorption.
- Seeing where you have already applied colour is easier on dry hair.
- There is less dripping and mess when working with dry hair.
- You can touch up selected areas or target regrowth more precisely.
- The formula may penetrate and deposit better in porous, dry ends.
When working with dry hair, section the hair cleanly and neatly to ensure the colour is distributed evenly. Use clips to separate the sections. Start applying the formula on the underside and work upwards. This prevents drips from getting on already coloured hair. Process according to the directions based on your hair type and goals after completing the application.
Should You Apply Colour Touch to Wet or Dry Hair?
Now that we’ve examined the pros and cons of applying colour touch to wet or dry hair, how do you choose which method is right for you?
Here are some tips to help decide:
- For more even colour results from roots to ends, wet hair is best.
- If your main goal is targeting regrowth, dry hair makes it easier.
- On damaged or very porous hair, wet hair will allow better colour absorption.
- For minimal mess and no dripping, work on dry, unwashed hair.
- If your hair is strong, healthy, and undamaged, either wet or dry hair will work.
- Ask your stylist what they recommend for your particular hair type and colour goals.
Performing a patch test is advisable before a full colour application. This gives you a chance to see how your hair absorbs and deposits colour when wet versus dry. Here is a comparison of patch test results on wet and dry hair:
| Wet Hair | Dry Hair |
|---|---|
| Colour appears brighter and more intense | Colour is slightly more muted on first application |
| Absorbs evenly from roots to ends | More precision targeting regrowth |
| Formula spreads smoothly with comb or brush | Formula is thicker and stays where applied |
As you can see, the results vary slightly between wet and dry hair when first applied. But once the timed processing is complete, the final colour results even out significantly. Either application method can produce beautiful, shiny, conditioned hair.
Application Tips for Wet or Dry Hair
Follow these tips to get optimal results whether applying colour touch to wet or dry tresses:
- Always thoroughly brush hair before application to detangle and remove shedding hair.
- Section hair cleanly and neatly to make application easier.
- Wear gloves during application to avoid staining hands.
- Use a tint brush, comb, or your gloved hands to distribute the formula evenly.
- Start from the back and underneath sections, working upwards.
- Thoroughly saturate all hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Avoid overlapping sections that have already been coloured.
- Time the processing accurately based on your hair specifics.
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water until water runs clear.
- Follow with a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner.
What About Colour Touch on Semi-Wet Hair?
Somewhere in between fully wet and completely dry hair is towel-dried, semi-wet hair. Applying colour touch to hair that has been lightly towel-dried after shampooing is a good compromise. Here’s why it works well:
- Hair still has some moisture but isn’t dripping wet, minimizing mess.
- The cuticle is slightly open from washing, allowing colour to penetrate.
- It’s easier to section and manage than fully wet hair.
- Regrowth can be precisely targeted like with dry hair.
- There’s reduced unevenness or splotchiness in colour.
Semi-wet, freshly towel-blotted hair combines the best aspects of wet and dry hair colour application. For most people, this is an ideal way to apply colour touch.
How to Maximise Results from Colour Touch
To get the longest lasting, most vibrant colour from any application of colour touch, keep these key steps in mind:
- Prep hair with a clarifying shampoo before colouring.
- Dry hair with a towel before application if desired, don’t skip conditioning.
- Divide hair into clearly sectioned quadrants.
- Saturate every strand, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
- Time the processing accurately.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Use colour protecting shampoo and conditioner after colouring.
- Limit washing to every 2-3 days to prolong colour.
- Use heat protecting sprays and limit heat styling tool use.
By properly preparing your hair, carefully applying colour touch, and following up with the right hair care regime, you can achieve beautiful, lasting colour results.
Conclusion
Applying colour touch to either wet or dry hair can produce gorgeous colour results. Though wet hair often allows for more uniform results from roots to ends, dry application gives more precision when targeting regrowth specifically. Most hair types can benefit from application on semi-wet, freshly towel dried hair after shampooing. Perform a strand test to see if your hair absorbs colour best wet, dry or semi-wet. And be sure to properly prep, apply, time, and maintain your colour touch for maximized results.