Hair coloring is practiced by every modern woman. And it is not at all necessary to paint over gray hair. Changing hair color gives you the opportunity to experiment with the image, choose the most beneficial color that will beautifully set off the tone of the skin and eyes.
Most often, women do not have a question about how to choose and mix oxide for dyeing, because in most hair dyes this component is present in the package. However, when buying professional paint, oxide often has to be purchased separately. And then the question arises of how to do it correctly so as not to harm the hair.
What is it for?
The thing is that the dye itself on the hair "does not work". Only by mixing it with oxide in the required proportions can coloring of curls be achieved. The main composition of the product is hydrogen peroxide. Its concentration is indicated on the label and ranges from 1.8 to 12%. In this case, the choice depends on the type of hair and the desiredeffect.
The principle of the oxidizer is as follows:
- affecting the stratum corneum of the hair, it opens its scales, providing a deeper penetration of the coloring pigment;
- reacts with the natural pigment of the hair, partially destroying it;
- then the dye comes into action, which penetrates the inside of the hair, filling its voids, which ensures permanent coloring.
Oxide for hair coloring: types and characteristics
Let's start with the fact that the product, of course, spoils the hair, making it dry and brittle. And the higher the concentration, the stronger the effect of the hair. But this does not mean at all that it is necessary to choose an oxide with 1.8 percent hydrogen peroxide. After all, with the wrong choice of the desired effect, a woman will not receive. Consider the main types of oxides for hair coloring.
1, 8-3% oxidants are considered the most gentle. Suitable for thin and dry hair. However, the coloring effect does not last long, and the shade is less noticeable on the hair. Allows you to dye your hair in your own color or a tone darker. Naturally, they are not suitable for a cardinal change of image. But their undoubted advantage lies in the comparative safety for the hair. They practically do not damage it. However, they are not able to paint over gray hair, so only young girls who want to experiment with hair color are suitable for dyeing.
6% oxide is more aggressive. It is widely used at homeconditions, as it provides a long-lasting staining effect. Allows you to lighten or darken hair by 2 levels. Qualitatively paints over gray hair, giving the hair red or copper shades. Due to the lasting effect and relatively little harm to the hair, thousands of girls prefer just such an oxidizing agent.
9 percent is also often found in a duet with paint. It changes color to 3 tones, effectively affects gray hair, allowing you to paint over it completely. However, it is more suitable for coarse and thick hair. At home, it is not recommended to use it for owners of thin and brittle hair.
12% oxide is used when coloring coarse hair with a cardinal color change. Allows you to change the hair color by 6 tones. Applicable in cases where a woman wants to change her hair from a brunette to a blonde. However, it is very aggressive on the hair. If you use it constantly for coloring in blond, you can noticeably dry out and ruin your hair. Many masters believe that such destruction of hair is not worth the joy of being a blonde. Of course, it is not recommended to use it at home.
In addition, experts practice mixing two oxides for coloring.
There is also an oxidizing agent with a concentration of 4.5% from the Cutrin brand. It is intended for ammonia-free paints that help to change color for a short time without harming the hair. This conditioner contains caring ingredients, including wheat proteins, that give hair shine and softness.
Howyou see, the characteristics of oxides for hair coloring make it possible to fully appreciate the need for their use.
What mistakes are often made when coloring?
Let's list them:
- Wrong choice of oxidant concentration. The most successful option, if you want to noticeably change the color of your hair, is oxide 6%.
- You can not overexpose the composition on the hair for longer than the specified time - this will not improve the result of dyeing, but only harm the hair.
- Especial care must be taken when lightening hair. You should strictly follow the instructions, since lightening has an extremely negative effect on the condition of the hair.
- The stronger the oxidizing agent, the less time it takes for the dyes to come into contact with the hair.
This is why it's important to see a professional if you're not experienced with hair coloring.
Can I use oxide and paint from different companies?
It is preferable to use products from the same manufacturer. In standard store packaging, oxide is already present. But not always.
It is better to buy oxide and paint from the same manufacturer, as this will help you quickly calculate the proportions. The use of an oxidizing agent from another manufacturer violates the chemical process, changes color and injures the hair. Since the composition and ratio of dyes of different brands can vary greatly, this nuance can affect water imbalance, which will lead to improper oxidation.
How touse oxide?
Oxide is mixed with paint and immediately applied to the hair after thoroughly stirring the solution. However, many women are interested in what proportion of dye and hair oxidizer to mix. First of all, it should be noted that the required amount of oxide is already present in the package of store paint. However, if it was purchased separately, experts usually recommend mixing the components in equal amounts. A similar ratio is necessary if your goal is permanent coloring or painting over gray hair. Pastel toning and lightening are done by mixing 1 part of paint and 2 parts of oxide (in the first case, a special activator 1, 2% is used).
Oxide for gray hair coloring
Hair color depends on melanin (this is a coloring pigment), but gray hair is devoid of melanin. In fact, they are a hollow tube filled with oxygen molecules. Gray hair is not easy to work with, because the oxide, whose main task is to interact with the hair pigment, has nothing to dissolve.
The classic rules for working with gray hair involve the use of an oxidizing agent of 6 percent and 9 percent. However, even the first substance is very damaging to the hair. What to do in this case?
Experts recommend a very interesting technique. For soft hair, even an oxidizing agent with a concentration of 1.8% -3% is suitable. So, the technique is as follows: you need to apply an oxidizing agent to dry hair (if the gray hair is focal, you should apply the substance only to certain areas). Endure it15-20 minutes, then blot the hair with a towel and dry with a hair dryer (do not rinse the substance). After that, staining should be carried out according to the usual scheme.
Oxidizers with caring components in the composition
You have probably heard of hair dyes with nutrients in the composition, but today you can also find oxides with similar substances on sale. Among them:
- Kapous Professional Actiox with ginseng extract and white rice. Protects the hair from the inside, preventing its destruction.
- Loreal Recital Preference with Glycerin. Provides shine to the hair and promises easy combing.
- Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal Oil Developer. Contains an oil base to hydrate, condition & nourish hair.
- Mirella Professional 3%. It is a universal oxidizing agent that protects the hair structure during dyeing.
Conclusion
And this is not a complete list of oxides for hair coloring. We hope that this article was informative and useful for our readers.