Barbershops have come a long way from being just a place for men to get a haircut. Today, barbershops offer a wide range of services, including hair coloring. While it is often associated with women, more and more men are turning to hair coloring to express their style and to cover up gray hair. Before getting your hair colored, there are some crucial aspects you should keep in mind.
1. Choose the Right Barbershop
Not all barbershops offer hair coloring services. Before you schedule an appointment, make sure the barbershop you choose has a qualified and experienced colorist. Check the barbershop’s website or social media pages for information on their services, and read reviews from previous customers.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a consultation with the barber before your appointment. You can discuss your goals, ask any questions that come to mind, and gain a better understanding of what the process will involve.
2. Decide on the Type of Color
There are several types of hair color to choose from, including semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent. Semi-permanent color lasts for a few weeks and gradually fades over time. Demi-permanent color lasts for several weeks and fades gradually, but not as quickly as semi-permanent color. Permanent color lasts until the hair grows out and needs to be touched up.
If you’re unsure about what color is best for you, your barber can assist you in making a decision that aligns with your objectives, hair texture, and hair health. Remember that permanent color requires more maintenance and touch-ups than semi-permanent or demi-permanent.
3. Prepare for Your Appointment
This may include washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup or product residue and avoiding any other hair treatments such as perms or relaxers for a few weeks before your coloring session. Depending on the type of color you choose, you may need to plan for a longer appointment time than a regular haircut.
During the Appointment
The hair coloring process typically involves several steps, each of which is crucial for achieving the desired results. Here’s a closer look at each step of the process:
Consultation. Before the coloring process begins, you’ll meet with your colorist to discuss your goals and expectations for the result. This is the time to bring in any pictures or inspiration that you have, as well as to ask questions about the process.
Color selection. Once you and your colorist have agreed on the best approach, it’s time to choose the color. Your barber will help you select the right shade or combination of shades to achieve the desired result. This may involve a hair swatch test to see how the color looks on your hair and to ensure that you’re happy with the shade.
Sectioning. To ensure that every strand of hair is covered evenly, your barber will section your hair into smaller sections. This makes it easier to apply the color evenly and to ensure that all of the hair is covered.
Application. Once the hair is sectioned, the color is applied. Depending on the type of color being used, the colorist may use a brush or applicator bottle to apply the color.
Processing. After the color is applied, it’s left to process for a set amount of time. This allows the color to penetrate the hair shaft and develop into the desired shade.
Rinsing. Once the processing time is complete, the color is rinsed out of the hair. Your barber may use a special shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair to help preserve the color and protect the hair.
After-care. After the color is rinsed out, your colorist may apply a conditioning treatment or serum to help restore moisture to the hair and to protect it from damage. They may also provide you with tips and advice for caring for your newly colored hair at home.
The duration of a hair coloring session is dependent on various factors like the complexity of the desired style and the type of color you opt for. The process may take from an hour to several hours to achieve the desired look.
Maintaining Your Color
To keep your color looking its best, it’s important to follow a few maintenance tips. Use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair, and avoid washing your hair too frequently. Excessive washing can strip the color from your hair and cause it to fade more quickly. You may also want to consider using a color-depositing conditioner or treatment to help maintain the vibrancy of your color between touch-ups.
After coloring your hair, you may need to maintain it with touch-ups every few weeks or months, depending on the type of color you went for. Talk to your barber about the best timing for touch-ups based on your hair type and the type of color you choose.
If you’re covering gray hair, you may need to touch up your color more frequently than if you’re just changing your hair color. Gray hair is more resistant to color, so it may require a stronger or more frequent application.
Overall, hair coloring can be a fantastic way to transform your look and express your style. By following the maintenance tips and communicating with your barber, you can achieve and maintain the hair color of your dreams.