A few words to help you speak your stylist’s language: all about colouring

Before getting your hair coloured, it’s important to understand what you’re talking about so that you can ask for the right techniques! Here are some things for you to think about before making the change.
 
There are two types of colouring: permanent and temporary. Temporary colouring treatments contain a very low percentage of oxidizing agents. ‘The oxidizing agent is what lightens the hair and helps the colour penetrate it. Once the product enters the hair, it stays there. For temporary colouring treatments, the product simply rests on the hair, which means that the effect doesn’t last as long’. A temporary colour fades with every wash and can last up to 10 washes before the roots begin to show. But some temporary colouring treatments may only last one wash. ‘Jean Louis David offers the special Gloss service, which is a colouring treatment that lasts for a month and a half’.
 
Permanent colouring treatments contain oxidizing agents. The hair rids itself of these agents over time, but the colour remains. ‘This is why you should always use treatments designed specifically for coloured hair, so that the colour lasts’. Permanent colouring treatments also use pigments, which is why the roots begin to show after a few months.
 
So, should you go for a permanent or temporary colour? ‘It depends on what you’re after, but ideally we recommend temporary colours for our younger clients, i.e. those who have not yet started to develop grey hair. This adds light and shine to any style and is great for trying out new looks’! However, after the age of 30, grey hairs start to appear. If you want to cover these up and they are only visible on 20-25% of your hair, temporary colouring treatments should be enough. Otherwise, choose a permanent colour. ‘But then again, it’s a question of preference! You might not want to colour your hair if you’re happy with it the way it is’.
 
Another question may be niggling you: should you go to your hairdresser to get your hair coloured, or should you do it yourself at home? ‘Today, colouring products tend to be of good quality, especially if you buy professional products. The issue is knowing how to apply them. If you choose to go to a salon, you have the added security of your hairdresser’s expertise! He or she knows how to mix the colours to make sure any grey hair is covered. He or she also knows what effects to use to create different shades’. Knowledge you wouldn’t have if you chose to do it yourself at home...
 
Our tip: Why not try Jean Louis David’s Sunlight service to bring out your natural hair colour without any roots! Forget all-over colour, a few highlights are all you need for a radiant, just-back-from-the-beach effect.