In this Guide

Solid Colours

Permanent Tint

What it is: Permanent tint, often referred to as “all-over colour,” provides a complete, lasting colour change. It uses an oxidative dye process to fully penetrate the hair cuticle, depositing new colour pigments.

Best for:

Full grey coverage: Completely masks grey hairs for a uniform look.
Significant shade changes: Ideal for going darker, or for a subtle lift to achieve a lighter, yet natural-looking shade.
Long-lasting results: The colour remains vibrant, and you’ll primarily see regrowth at the roots as your hair grows.

Things to note: Requires regular root touch-ups (typically every 4-8 weeks) to maintain a seamless look.

Gloss (Demi-Permanent Colour)

What it is: A demi-permanent colour treatment that deposits tone onto the hair’s surface without lifting its natural pigment. Glosses are formulated with a gentle, acidic base that helps to smooth the hair cuticle.

Best for:

Boosting shine and vibrancy: Adds incredible lustre and richness to your existing hair colour.
Enhancing natural tones: Perfect for deepening your natural shade or adding subtle warmth or coolness.
Blending first greys: Can offer sheer coverage for early grey hairs, creating a softer blend rather than a full cover.
Refreshing faded colour: Revitalizes previously coloured hair between permanent tint appointments.
Low-maintenance: Gradually fades over 4-8 weeks, resulting in a softer grow-out with no harsh root line.

Things to note: Does not provide full grey coverage or lighten hair.

Toner

What it is: A specialized demi-permanent colour application used after a lightening service (like highlights or bleaching). Its acidic formula helps to close the hair cuticle, which is opened during the lightening process.

Best for:

Refining and neutralizing unwanted tones: Think banishing brassiness (yellow/orange tones) or adding desired cool, ash, or golden hues.
Achieving precise shades: Allows to customise the exact blonde, pastel, or vibrant shade you envision.
Adding shine and condition: Leaves lightened hair looking healthier and feeling smoother.

Things to note: Toners are designed to work on pre-lightened hair and will not lighten natural hair. Their effects typically last up to 4 weeks.

Bleaching

What it is: A chemical process that uses an alkaline agent (typically hydrogen peroxide, persulfates, and ammonia) to remove natural or artificial pigment from the hair. It works by opening the hair cuticle and dissolving the melanin inside.

Best for:

Significant colour transformations: Essential for achieving very light blonde shades (e.g., platinum), vibrant fashion colours, or preparing hair for pastel tones.
Removing previous colour: Can be used as a corrective measure to strip old dye.

Things to note: Bleaching is the most intensive hair colour service and can cause damage if not performed correctly. It’s crucial to have this service done by a professional, follow an excellent at-home haircare routine, and consider Epres or similar bond-building treatments to maintain hair integrity.

Dimensional Colours

Highlights & Foiling

What it is: A technique that involves lightening specific strands of hair from root to tip using foils to isolate and process them. This creates a more defined contrast against your base colour. Different patterns and densities (e.g., traditional highlights, babylights, lowlights) can be used.

Best for:

Adding brightness and dimension: Creates a more pronounced pop of lightness throughout the hair.
Creating strong contrasts: Ideal for a classic highlighted look.
Blended grey coverage: Can be strategically placed to blend and camouflage grey hair rather than fully cover it.
Fuller, brighter appearance: Can make fine hair appear thicker and add luminosity.

Things to note: Typically requires more frequent touch-ups than balayage (every 6-12 weeks) due to the defined root line.

Balayage

What it is: A French word meaning “to sweep,” balayage is a freehand highlighting technique where colour is painted directly onto the hair’s surface. This creates a soft, sun-kissed, and seamless blend from roots to ends.

Best for:

Natural, lived-in look: Mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun.
Low maintenance: The diffused application means no harsh regrowth lines, allowing for longer intervals between appointments (often 3-6 months, with potential for gloss refreshes in between).
Soft dimension: Adds brightness and movement without a strong contrast.
Versatility: Can be customised for subtle accents or more significant lightness.

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