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Highlighting hair can be tricky, especially if you have dark hair. Sometimes highlights can look too blond, overly brassy and just not right on dark hair. It is important to know and understand a few key hair highlighting terms to get the best results. CitySaheli has been a long time client and fan of Patrick Carmichall (currently at Blondi’s salon), who has given us the scoop on what you need to know to achieve perfectly highlighted hair!
What is the difference between peroxide and bleach?
Bleach is a lightening agent used depigmatize hair. It removes color molecules from hair and strips the hair of all color. After the hair is bleached, toner is applied to color the hair. Bleach, when used on dark colored hair, continues to lighten the hair while the hair is wet.
Peroxide, also known as a developer or hydrogen peroxide, comes in different varieties and is used to lighten and oxidize the hair, rather than strip it of all color. Developer is mixed with a coloring agent to highlight hair.
CitySaheli Tip: Be sure to ask your stylist which process they are using. Each is used to achieve different results.
What are the different levels of hair color?
Semi-permanent color: This is color that partially penetrates the cuticle and slowly washes out after each shampoo. Ideal for moderate change in color intensity, covering up grey hair and trying something temporary.
Demi-permanent color: Color with little or no peroxide or ammonia, demi-permanent color lasts longer than semi-permanent. Ideal for enhancing tone and blending grey.
Permanent color: Hair color containing ammonia and peroxide that creates a long term change in the hair and penetrates all three layers of the hair. Ideal for full coverage.
When should you use glaze?
Glazing adds a great deal of shine back to your hair. Using glaze can also help your highlights last longer. It also serves as way to postpone getting your hair re-highlighted, since it glosses over the older color. Glazes are available tinted or clear.
CitySaheli Tip: Glazes at salons start at $35 and up. Want to try it out but don’t want to spend the bucks? Try the John Frieda Glaze at home.
Any tips for highlighting dark colored hair?
Ask your stylist what base they are using for your hair. The base will be the dominant tone for your hair. Using a dark ash base color will prevent your highlights turning orange.
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