Hair Coloring Secrets

One of the most important reasons for the success or failure of a color treatment is the proper or improper selection of color. The reason many women return month after month and year after year to the same beautician is because of her skill in color selection and blending.

Some rules to follow in color selection are:

• When selecting color, be sure your patron's hair is clean and dry.
  Soiled or wet hair always appears darker than it is. Thus, when
  the hair is soiled or wet, you may find yourself selecting a color
  that is too dark.
• Have a Color Chart available, issued by the manufacturer of the
  product you are using. This will show you the range of colors and
  give you their names and numbers.
• Match the patron's hair with the color closest to it on the chart.

• When matching hair color, observe the hair nearest the scalp at
  the back of the head. This is where it is darkest.
• Do not look down at the hair. Raise the strand and observe it by
  pushing the hair up with the hand against the scalp. To study the
  color properly, look through the hair. In this way, you see depth
  as well as highlights.

Specific steps in color selection depend largely on the properties of the particular products you are using. Further instructions on color selection appear in the chapters on different methods of tinting.

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