Immerse yourself in the alluring world of hair coloring and discover the captivating technique of adding depth and dimension to your locks by coloring underneath your hair. This innovative method allows you to create subtle or dramatic effects, enhancing your natural shade or experimenting with vibrant hues. Whether you’re a seasoned colorist or embarking on your first hair coloring adventure, this guide will empower you to achieve salon-worthy results in the comfort of your own home.
Before embarking on this exciting journey, it’s crucial to understand the basics of hair coloring. Similar to painting a canvas, hair coloring involves applying chemicals to alter the pigment of your hair strands. However, hair is a complex structure, and the coloring process can vary depending on your hair type, porosity, and previous treatments. To ensure the best possible outcome, it’s recommended to consult with a professional hair colorist who can assess your hair’s condition and guide you toward the most suitable color and technique.
Furthermore, preparing your hair for coloring is essential. A few days before the big day, avoid washing your hair to allow natural oils to accumulate on your scalp. These oils will act as a protective barrier, minimizing potential damage during the coloring process. Additionally, avoid using heat styling tools or harsh chemicals that could weaken your hair. Lastly, gather all necessary tools and materials, such as gloves, an old towel, a mixing bowl and brush, and of course, the hair color of your choice. With proper preparation and a touch of artistic flair, you’re ready to embark on your transformative hair coloring adventure.
Preparing Your Hair
Before diving into the exciting world of under-hair coloring, it’s crucial to prepare your tresses for the transformation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful and vibrant result:
1. Wash and Condition
Start with a thorough wash using a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt, product buildup, or natural oils. This will allow the color to penetrate deeply and evenly. Follow up with a nourishing conditioner to replenish moisture and prevent damage.
For optimal results, consider incorporating a protein treatment into your pre-coloring routine. This will strengthen your hair shafts and improve color retention. Choose a treatment specifically designed for color-treated hair to avoid weighing it down.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash hair with clarifying shampoo |
| 2 | Condition with nourishing conditioner |
| 3 | Consider protein treatment for strengthened hair and color retention |
After washing and conditioning, towel-dry your hair until it’s damp but not soaking wet. This allows the color to penetrate effectively without diluting its intensity.
Creating the Highlight Sections
Creating the highlight sections is a crucial step in the process, as it determines the placement and size of the colored areas. Here’s a detailed guide on how to execute this step:
1. Determine the Number of Highlight Sections
The number of highlight sections depends on the desired effect and the length of your hair. For subtle highlights, 5-10 sections may be sufficient, while for more dramatic results, you can go up to 15-20 sections.
2. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into several horizontal sections, using clips to keep them separate. The width of each section will determine the thickness of the highlights. For thin, natural-looking highlights, use narrow sections (about 1 cm wide), and for thicker, bolder highlights, use wider sections (up to 2 cm wide).
| Highlight Placement | Description |
|---|---|
| Horizontal Lines | Create even, horizontal lines of highlights throughout the hair. |
| Vertical Lines | Place highlights vertically, creating streaks or ribbons of color. |
| Diagonal Lines | Create a more dynamic look with diagonal highlight lines. |
3. Protect the Hair
Use a heat-protectant spray or serum to protect your hair from the heat of the bleach. This will help minimize damage and keep your hair healthy.
Applying the Color
Once you have prepped your hair and gathered your materials, it’s time to start applying the color. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Section off your hair: Divide your hair into small sections using clips or hair ties. This will help you apply the color evenly and prevent it from getting tangled.
- Apply a barrier cream: Apply a barrier cream around your hairline and ears to protect your skin from the color. This will help prevent stains.
- Start at the roots: Using a brush or comb, start applying the hair color to the roots of your hair. Be sure to work in small sections and apply the color evenly.
- Comb through the color: Once you have applied the color to all of your roots, use a wide-toothed comb to comb through the hair. This will help distribute the color and ensure even coverage.
- Leave in the color: Allow the hair color to process for the amount of time specified on the instructions. This will typically be around 30 to 45 minutes.
- Rinse and condition: Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Apply a conditioner to help moisturize and nourish your hair.
Tips for Applying the Color
Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results when applying hair color underneath your hair:
- Use a color that is one to two shades lighter than your natural hair color.
- Apply the color in small sections to prevent it from getting tangled.
- Comb through the color with a wide-toothed comb to ensure even coverage.
- Leave the color in for the amount of time specified on the instructions.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and apply a conditioner.
Developing the Color
1. Choose the right color: Consider your natural hair color, skin tone, and desired look when selecting a color.
2. Prepare your hair: Wash and dry your hair to remove any dirt or oils. Avoid using styling products before coloring.
3. Section your hair: Divide your hair into sections using clips or bands to make the application easier.
4. Apply the color: Wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. For underneath coloring, focus on the bottom layers of your hair. Use a brush to apply the color evenly, working from roots to ends. Avoid touching the scalp to prevent staining.
| Hair Color | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Blonde | 20-30 minutes |
| Brown | 30-45 minutes |
| Black | 45-60 minutes |
5. Rinse and condition: Once the processing time is up, rinse out the color thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and protect the color.
6. Style: Blow dry or style your hair as desired. Enjoy your vibrant underneath color!
Rinsing Out the Color
Once the color has sat for the recommended amount of time, it’s time to rinse it out. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Turn the water to cool. Using cold water will help to close the hair cuticle, which will lock in the color.
- Gently rinse your hair. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently rinse out the color. Do not scrub or massage your hair, as this can cause the color to fade.
- Rinse until the water runs clear. This may take several minutes. Once the water runs clear, you can be sure that all of the color has been removed.
- Use a color-safe conditioner. This will help to detangle your hair and make it feel soft and smooth.
- Wait 24 hours before washing your hair. This will give the color time to fully develop.
| Hair Type | Rinse Time |
|---|---|
| Thin Hair | 5-10 minutes |
| Medium Hair | 10-15 minutes |
| Thick Hair | 15-20 minutes |
Once you’ve rinsed out the color, you’re all done! Enjoy your new look!
Conditioning the Hair
Moisturizing and repairing the hair is essential before bleaching or coloring it. A deep conditioning treatment can strengthen the hair and reduce breakage during the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to conditioning your hair effectively:
- Choose a deep conditioning treatment. Look for a product specifically designed for damaged or chemically treated hair.
- Apply the conditioner. Section your hair and apply the conditioner generously from roots to tips. Avoid getting it on your scalp.
- Cover your hair. Wrap your hair in a plastic cap or shower cap to help the conditioner penetrate deeper.
- Wait 20-30 minutes. Allow the conditioner to work its magic for the recommended time.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse out the conditioner completely with lukewarm water.
- Conditioning table:
- Dry your hair. Towel dry your hair gently and let it air dry if possible.
| Hair Type | Conditioner Type |
|---|---|
| Dry and damaged | Moisturizing conditioner with natural oils |
| Chemically treated | Protein-based conditioner to repair damage |
| Fine and limp | Lightweight conditioner to avoid weighing down hair |
Styling the Hair
Before you begin coloring underneath your hair, it’s crucial to prepare your hair by styling it correctly. This will ensure the color is evenly applied and that you achieve the desired look.
Section the Hair
Divide your hair into two sections, one on top and one on the bottom. Secure the top section with a hair clip or elastic band.
Dampen the Hair
Lightly dampen the bottom section of your hair with a spray bottle or wet brush. This will help the color absorb better.
Apply a Barrier Cream
Apply a barrier cream to the top section of your hair, along the hairline, and around your ears. This will protect your skin from the color.
Create a Tail
Gather the bottom section of your hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band.
Use Foil to Shield
Place a piece of aluminum foil over the ponytail, leaving about 2 inches of hair exposed at the bottom. Wrap the foil around the ponytail, folding the sides up to create a shield.
Apply the Color
Apply the hair color to the exposed hair at the bottom of the ponytail. Use a brush or applicator to ensure the color is evenly distributed.
Maintaining the Color
To maintain the vibrant color of your underneath hair, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair less frequently: Over-washing can strip away the color pigments, so aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days or as needed.
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner: These products are formulated to be gentle and not fade the color.
- Avoid heat styling: Heat can damage the hair cuticle and fade the color. Use heat protectant sprays and limit the use of hot tools.
- Protect from sun exposure: UV rays can also fade hair color. Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair when spending time outdoors.
- Use touch-up products: If your color starts to fade, use temporary touch-up products, such as color-depositing shampoos or sprays, to refresh the hue.
- Get regular trims: Trimming the ends of your hair removes split ends and helps prevent color bleeding.
- Consider a color-depositing conditioner: This type of conditioner can help maintain the vibrancy of your color between washes.
- Deep condition regularly: Deep conditioning treatments can help nourish and hydrate your hair, which can also help preserve the color.
Additional Tips
- Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair, as a fine-toothed comb can damage the hair cuticle and cause color bleeding.
- Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, as this can also damage the hair cuticle and lead to color loss.
- Consider using color-safe hair masks or treatments to help maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair.
Troubleshooting Common Color Issues
Uneven Color
Uneven color can occur for a variety of reasons, including incorrect bleach application, insufficient processing time, or overlapping colors. To correct uneven color, you may need to re-bleach the hair or apply a color remover.
Orange or Brassy Tones
Orange or brassy tones can appear when the hair is not properly toned. To correct these tones, apply a toner in a cool shade, such as blue or purple.
Green Hair
Green hair can be caused by over-toning or using the wrong toner. To correct green hair, apply a red toner or use a color remover.
Staining Skin or Clothing
Temporary hair color can stain skin or clothing. To prevent staining, apply a barrier cream to the skin and wear gloves when handling the product.
Itching or Irritation
Some hair color products can cause itching or irritation. If this occurs, rinse the product off immediately and consult a medical professional.
Hair Loss or Damage
Permanent hair color can cause hair loss or damage if it is used incorrectly. To prevent this, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using the product too often.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may have an allergic reaction to hair color products. To prevent this, do a patch test before using the product.
Fading
Hair color will naturally fade over time. To maintain the color, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, and avoid washing your hair too often.
Color Corrective Shampoo
Color Corrective Shampoo |
|---|
|
Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones |
|
Blue shampoo neutralizes orange tones |
|
Green shampoo neutralizes red tones |
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Color Underneath Your Hair
1. Choose the Right Color
The color you choose for underneath your hair should complement your natural hair color and skin tone. If you have dark hair, you may want to choose a lighter color for underneath, such as blonde or red. If you have light hair, you may want to choose a darker color for underneath, such as brown or black.
2. Section Your Hair
Before you start coloring your hair, you need to section it off so that you can easily apply the color to the underneath layers.
3. Apply the Color
Once you have sectioned your hair, you can start applying the color. Be sure to apply the color evenly and to follow the instructions on the box.
4. Process the Color
After you have applied the color, you need to process it according to the instructions on the box. This will allow the color to develop and to achieve the desired shade.
5. Rinse the Color
Once the color has processed, you need to rinse it out with cool water. Be sure to rinse the color out thoroughly so that there is no residual color left on your hair.
6. Condition Your Hair
After you have rinsed the color out, you need to condition your hair to help restore moisture and to keep your hair healthy.
7. Style Your Hair
Once your hair is dry, you can style it as desired. You can wear your hair straight, curly, or in a ponytail. The possibilities are endless!
8. Touch Up Your Color
As your hair grows, you will need to touch up the color underneath your hair to keep it looking fresh. You can do this every 4-6 weeks, or as needed.
9. Care for Your Colored Hair
Colored hair requires special care to keep it looking its best. Be sure to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and to avoid using hot tools as much as possible.
10. Experiment with Different Colors
Once you have mastered the basics of coloring underneath your hair, you can start experimenting with different colors. You can try different shades of blonde, red, brown, or black. You can also try creating ombré or balayage effects. The possibilities are endless!
How To Color Underneath Your Hair
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flair to your hair, coloring underneath is a great option. This technique involves adding a contrasting color to the underside of your hair, which can create a fun and eye-catching look. Plus, it’s a relatively easy way to experiment with color without having to fully commit to a new hue.
To color underneath your hair, you’ll need to start by sectioning it. Part your hair down the middle and then divide each side into two sections, creating four even sections. Next, apply a bleach to the bottom section of each side. Once the bleach has processed, rinse it out and apply your desired color. Leave the color on for the amount of time specified in the instructions, then rinse it out and style your hair as usual.
Here are a few tips for coloring underneath your hair:
- Use a bleach that is specifically designed for hair.
- Apply the bleach evenly to the bottom section of each side of your hair.
- Leave the bleach on for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
- Rinse the bleach out thoroughly before applying your desired color.
- Leave the color on for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
- Rinse the color out thoroughly and style your hair as usual.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to color underneath your hair?
The amount of time it takes to color underneath your hair will vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the color you are using. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours coloring underneath your hair.
Can I color underneath my hair at home?
Yes, you can color underneath your hair at home. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to use products that are specifically designed for hair coloring. If you are not comfortable coloring your hair at home, you can always go to a salon and have it done professionally.
What are the best colors to color underneath my hair?
The best colors to color underneath your hair are those that will contrast with your natural hair color. Some popular choices include pink, blue, purple, and green. However, you can choose any color that you like.
