L’Oreal Hicolor is a line of permanent hair dye designed to provide long-lasting, vibrant color results. The Vanilla Champagne shade is a warm, sunkissed blonde that can add beautiful golden highlights and dimension to hair. Using Hicolor properly is important for getting the best color results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to successfully use L’Oreal Hicolor Vanilla Champagne hair dye.
Determine if Hicolor is Right for You
The first step is deciding if Hicolor is the right hair dye for your needs. Hicolor uses a formula that deeply penetrates the hair for permanent color that lasts through many washes. Here are some key facts about Hicolor:
– Works best on light or pre-lightened hair – Will not lighten natural dark hair
– Permanent results requiring grow out or color removal for change
– Uses ammonia in formula to open cuticle for permanent color
– Rich creams give saturated color results
So Hicolor works best on blonde, light brown or hair that has been pre-lightened. It will not lighten dark brunette or black hair. The results are permanent so it is a commitment. It’s also important to do a strand test to check color results before using.
Prepare Your Hair
Preparing the hair properly is crucial for even color results with Hicolor. Follow these tips:
– Hair should be clean, dry and tangle-free before applying
– Remove any buildup with a clarifying shampoo 1-2 days before
– Use protein treatments if hair is damaged or porous
– Lighten hair to pale yellow if wanting bright blonde
– Use petroleum jelly around hairline to protect skin
It’s important to avoid conditioners or products that could act as a barrier before coloring. Lightening any dark underlying pigment first will allow the bright Vanilla Champagne shade to come through vibrently.
Mix the Hicolor Creme
Hicolor uses a creme formula that requires mixing with developer. Here are the steps:
– Choose 10 or 20 volume creme developer based on hair’s porosity
– Mix in a non-metal bowl at a 1:1 ratio – equal parts dye & developer
– Stir thoroughly until creamy and smooth
-developer choice:
| 10 volume | For fine or porous hair |
| 20 volume | For thick or resistant hair |
The developer acts as an activator to allow the color to deposit in the hair cuticle. Porous hair needs less lifting so use 10 volume. Coarse hair needs more lifting so use 20 volume. Mix carefully in an non-reactive bowl.
Section and Apply Mixture
Working in sections makes application neat and even. Follow these tips:
– Separate hair into four sections using clips
– Start with lower back section, then sides, top, front
– Use tint brush to paint mixture from roots to ends
– Apply thoroughly from all directions to saturate
– Add more mixture as needed for full coverage
– Re-clip sections after applying to keep neat
Carefully separate the hair and use clips to hold the sections as you work. Use a tint brush to paint on the Vanilla Champagne mixture starting close to the scalp and brushing through to the ends. Fully saturate each section and re-clip after applying.
Processing and Development
After applying, allow the color to process fully before rinsing. Follow these guidelines:
– Cover hair with provided cap after applying
– Process for full development time listed
– Check for color development and leave on longer if needed
– Do not exceed max processing time to avoid damage
– Process at room temperature – heat is not needed
– Rinse thoroughly only once time is complete
Keep the hair covered with the provided cap during processing. Check after the listed development time to see if more time is needed for full color results. Rinse thoroughly only once the processing is complete. This allows the color to fully saturate inside the hair cuticle.
Rinsing and Conditioning
Rinsing out the hair dye is an important step. Follow these tips for rinsing:
– Rinse hair with warm water thoroughly
– Use towels to gently blot excess water
– Apply conditioner and let sit 2-3 minutes
– Rinse out conditioner thoroughly
– Towel dry gently – avoid rubbing
Rinse the Vanilla Champagne mixture out gradually with warm water until the water runs clear. Use towels to blot and soak up excess moisture. Apply conditioner and let it sit a few minutes to nourish the hair before rinsing again. Gently towel dry the hair and avoid rubbing hard.
Drying and Styling
It’s important to properly dry and style the hair after coloring with Hicolor. Follow these tips:
– Air dry hair partially then use a blowdryer on low heat
– Avoid using high heat from hot tools the first few washes
– Use a heat protectant if using hot tools
– Choose sulfate-free shampoos and rinse with cool water
– Use conditioner or masks to boost moisture
– Trim ends regularly to maintain vibrance
Let hair air dry partially before finishing with a blowdryer on low heat. The first few washes avoid heat styling. When you do use hot tools,always use a heat protectant. Sulfate-free shampoos help extend color vibrance. Boost moisture with conditioners and masks. Regular trims get rid of dry ends.
Maintaining Your Hicolor Results
To keep your Hicolor color looking fresh, follow these maintenance tips:
– Use color-safe sulfate-free shampoo and cool water
– Limit washing to 2-3 times per week
– Rinse hair with cold water after washing
– Use leave-in conditioners and weekly masks
– Avoid chlorine and salt water exposure
– Get regular trims every 6-8 weeks
– Use toning treatments to refresh color
– Re-color roots after regrowth using same formula
Washing hair less frequently preserves the color longer. When you do wash, use color-safe shampoo and cool water. Rinse with cold water to lock in color. Boost moisture with leave-in conditioners and weekly hydrating masks. Protect hair from chlorine and salt water which can cause fading. Get regular trims to prevent dryness and breakage. Use toning treatments to keep color vibrant between full color applications.
Correcting Issues
If you don’t get the desired results with Hicolor Vanilla Champagne, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
| Hair too dark | Lighten with bleach then re-color |
| Too brassy or orange | Use purple toning shampoo or gloss |
| Roots don’t match | Re-color using same formula |
| Fading color | Use weekly toning treatment |
| Dry, damaged hair | Deep condition and trim damaged ends |
If hair is too dark, lighten it with bleach then re-color. For brassiness, use purple shampoo or toning glosses. Re-color roots as needed to match. Fading can be corrected with toning treatments. Fix dry hair with deep conditioning and trims.
Conclusion
L’Oreal Hicolor offers gorgeous, vibrant color results when used properly. Preparing hair, mixing, applying, processing, and maintaining the color correctly allows the Vanilla Champagne shade to come through beautifully. Taking the time to follow all the steps will help you achieve salon-worthy blonde hair color at home with longer lasting results. Be sure to do a strand test first to ensure you’ll get the warm golden blonde tone you’re looking for with Hicolor Vanilla Champagne permanent creme dye.
