Special effects haircoloring refers to using dye to color hair in vibrant, unconventional colors like pink, blue, green, purple, and more. It allows people to express themselves through unique, eye-catching hair hues beyond traditional color options. Special effects haircolor utilizes vivid, semi-permanent dyes to create dramatic looks.
What are the different types of special effects haircolors?
There are several major types of special effects haircolors:
- Semi-permanent hair dye – Deposits color without lightening or removing natural pigment. Lasts 4-8 weeks.
- Demi-permanent hair dye – Penetrates slightly deeper for longer-lasting color up to 24 weeks. Still fades out gradually.
- Direct dye – Vibrant, deposit-only color that coats hair strands. Washes out quickly in 4-6 shampoos.
- Bleach and tone – Lightens hair first so vivid tones show up better on lighter base. More damaging than other options.
- Temporary hair color – Short term, rinses out in 1-2 shampoos. Easy to apply but not very durable.
- Hair chalk – Colored chalk that applies color to coat the outside of hair. Washes away instantly with shampooing.
- Hair mascara – Colored mascara-like products that temporarily tint the outer hair shaft.
What are the different techniques used?
There are a variety of techniques hair stylists can use to create special effects haircolors:
- Full head application – Applying color evenly throughout all hair.
- Root touch-up – Refreshing growth at roots with more vibrant color.
- Ombre – Darker roots transitioning gradually into lighter ends.
- Sombre – Subtler ombre with close, natural-looking colors.
- Balayage – Hand-painted highlights in sweeping strokes.
- Foilyage – Foil highlights with seamless grow-out result.
- Dip dye – Dyeing only the mid-lengths and ends.
- Chunking – Creating chunks of contrasting color.
- Color melting – Blending together multiple colors.
What is the process?
Here are the key steps to achieve special effects haircolor results:
- Consultation – Discuss desired look and best approach. Assess hair health, texture, current color.
- Strand test – Apply dyes to small section as test for color results and reactions.
- Prep work – Shampoo hair and optional lightening if needed.
- Mixing – Prepare desired formulation of haircolor.
- Application – Apply hair dye using chosen technique(s).
- Processing – Allow color to develop fully.
- Rinsing – Rinse out dye thoroughly.
- Styling – Cut, blowdry, and style hair as desired.
- Maintenance – Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Refresh color as needed.
What special tools or products are used?
Some key tools and products for special effects haircolor include:
| Tools | Products |
|---|---|
| Foils | Vivid semi-permanent dyes |
| Applicator brush | Developer |
| Tint bowl and brush | Color-safe shampoos/conditioners |
| Wide-tooth comb | Purple shampoo for toning |
What are the safety precautions?
It’s important to keep safety in mind when using hair color chemicals:
- Do an allergy test 48 hours before full application.
- Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep chemicals away from eyes, nose and mouth.
- Rinse thoroughly after processing.
- Perform regular hair health treatments.
- Avoid overlapping chemicals with other services.
- Strand test color first for unanticipated results.
What level of maintenance is required?
Special effects haircolor requires more frequent maintenance than natural haircolor:
- Hair needs re-coloring every 4-8 weeks as vivid tones fade.
- Use color-depositing shampoo/conditioner to refresh color between applications.
- Purple shampoo helps keep bright shades from getting brassy.
- Avoid washing hair daily to retain color longer.
- Use heat protectant when heat styling to maintain integrity.
- Get regular trims to snip away faded ends.
- Deep condition weekly to ensure hair health.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
- Allows for creative self-expression.
- Fun way to change up your style.
- Semi-permanent colors don’t damage hair severely.
- Vibrant colors photograph well on social media.
- Doesn’t require a drastic commitment.
Cons:
- Requires very regular maintenance.
- Can dry out and damage hair over time.
- Vivid tones may not be workplace appropriate.
- Can stain skin, clothes and furniture.
- Fades unevenly leading to frumpy grow-out.
Conclusion
Special effects haircolors allow for fun, artistic self-expression through the hair. Vivid, semi-permanent dyes can create looks from subtle ombre highlights to dramatic full-head colors. Proper techniques and safety precautions should be used during application and maintenance. While requiring high-maintenance, special effects haircolor gives those looking to frequently change up their style the ability to do so without long-term commitment.