Stylist's advice when coloring with HERBATINT natural dyes + frequently asked questions

To get the best effect when using Herbatint colors, follow the advice of stylist Theo Bambakas, Herbatint Pro-salon specialist:

1. How to choose the right hair color to match your skin?
   As a rule, their natural color is suitable for everyone, either 1-2 shades lighter or darker (nature knows best).

   If you have pale skin and blue/green eyes, copper tones (R series) will look very attractive. For olive skin and dark eyes, the shade Mahogany (M series) is suitable. The golden tones of the D series are suitable for almost everyone.

   Are there any special coloring methods to get the best result?
   When coloring previously dyed hair, apply dye only to hair that has branches. If the ends of the hair are dull, then apply the dye to the ends of the hair only for the last 5-15 minutes. Try to take small strands and apply the paint evenly and always come back to them in case you miss.

   If you are coloring for the first time, apply hair dye from roots to ends and comb through with a large, fine-toothed comb to ensure even coverage.

   Are there any tips for prepping hair before coloring?
   Always do an allergy test before coloring your hair for the first time.

   I always suggest coloring on dirty hair, not freshly washed hair, the scalp's natural oils will help protect you from the sensitivity that some people may experience.

   What do you recommend for maintaining vibrant hair color?
   Try to avoid the sun, swimming in pools with chlorine and too much use of styling tools (hair dryers, curling irons, tongs).

   What types of shampoo and conditioner should be avoided after coloring?
   Any products that contain sulfates (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), petrochemical ingredients, phthalates, synthetic flavors and silicones. (Editor's note - all shampoos and conditioners sold in Natur Boutique stores are suitable for colored hair)

   What type of shampoo/conditioner should I use after coloring?
   Herbatint Normalizing Shampoo and Royal Cream Conditioner will maintain the beauty and color of hair for a long time.

   What should you do if you are not satisfied with your color?
   First, wash, wash and wash your hair. Remember that all colors wash out eventually. Use a sulfate-based shampoo (sodium laureth sulfate) which will remove the color faster. Recoloring can only make things worse, let the new hair color fade a bit first. It is very important to choose the right color, but if such cases occur, it may be necessary to consult a professional colorist.

Is there a way to dye your hair using the highlighting technique, balayage, ombre at home?
I would not try to do these techniques at home. They take years of practice to be done by professionals.

How to protect hair after dyeing?
It is better to use good products every day rather than expensive treatments.

How often to tint?
Depending on how fast your hair grows, usually every 3-12 weeks.

Do you have any tips for those who want to dramatically change their color, for example from blonde to brunette?
Ideally, it's best to consult a professional for any drastic color change. If your color is darker, remember that it will be that way for quite some time, so don't take this decision lightly! Transitioning to blonde hair color is a bit tricky and I would suggest going for a professional consultation.

Theo Bambakas Lead Specialist, Herbatint Pro-salon, Colourist, Craftsman and Manager, Grip Hair & Body Salon, Wimbledon

COLOR TIPS

If your hair is in good condition, simply choose a lighter shade and test on strands of your hair.

If your hair is in poor condition, wash with Herbatint Normalizing Shampoo followed by Royal Cream Conditioner to restore healthy hair.

The color is too light. Choose a darker shade and test on a new strand.

The color is too warm, red or yellow. This may be because you have chosen a red shade or are trying to lighten your hair color.

A shade of ash with green tones, what to do. Simply mix your natural shade with the matching Ash-C shade. For example, 7N is mixed equally with 7C to counteract red tones.

The color did not cover the gray hair. Up to 20% gray hair, any Herbatint series can cover gray hair. If more than 20% gray hair, then you need to use the N (Natural) series or mix the colors of other series with the same number of the N series. For example:

4N Chestnut is applied if more than 20% gray hair.

4N (Natural Chestnut Series) is mixed equally with 4R Copper (Copper Series Chestnut) to cover gray hair (if more than 20%) and give hair a copper tint.

Gray hair is still stable. So you used a natural color or a mixture of a natural series and tone, but the paint still didn't cover completely. This may be because gray hair is particularly resistant. To encourage color absorption, try wrapping your hair in plastic wrap or a shower cap after applying the dye and leave it on for the full reaction time of the color.

OR

Use the hair dryer on low heat for the first 5-10 minutes, paying special attention to areas of hair with "stubborn" gray hair.

Any of these methods will allow the heat to stimulate the opening of the cuticle for the penetration of the coloring pigment.

I have bleached hair

Herbatint can restore hair to its natural state. Mix a golden shade (D series) with a natural shade (N series) if your goal is a shade of 6N or higher. Mix gold (D series) or copper (R series) with natural (N series) if your goal is 5N or lower.

Bleached hair can make hair particularly porous. You can make Herbatint semi-permanent color at home to freshen up the color and prolong the effect.

I am concerned about the general condition of my hair

If your hair is too dry or damaged from styling, bleaching, or previous coloring, color absorption can be affected.

Treating your hair with Herbatint Aloe Vera Hair Conditioner over several washes can restore the condition of your hair before coloring.

Using Herbatint as a semi-permanent hair color (recipe here) can also help fight damaged hair and achieve color absorption.

I used henna before

Henna coats the hair shaft very well and can prevent Herbatint dye from penetrating. You can use Herbatint on top of existing henna, in any case you need to test on a loose strand.

I have permanent hair

Do not dye your hair immediately after a perm. We recommend that you wait two weeks, reduce your treatment time by 10 minutes, and choose a shade lighter than your target shade.

I am on medication, undergoing treatment, pregnant or breastfeeding

Medical treatment (chemotherapy, hormone replacement therapy, thyroid treatment, for example) will affect hair and color absorption

The safest solution is to refrain from coloring your hair if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.

We recommend waiting 3-6 months after completing a treatment (such as chemotherapy) before coloring your hair.

In the end, it is your decision how and when you color your hair. Always test for an allergic reaction regardless of the specific circumstances.

HOW TO PERFORM AN ALLERGY TEST
It is extremely important to perform an allergy test before each use to check for sensitivity to any ingredients in the product. Although Herbatint uses minimal chemicals, you may still be sensitive to natural or man-made ingredients.

Instructions for performing an allergy test:

Apply color gel and a pea-sized amount of fixative to skin. Inside the elbow or behind the ear is best as the area should not come into contact with water for 48 hours.

Leave until dry.

Cover with a plaster (if not allergic to the plaster).

Leave for 48 hours.

If you notice any irritation, redness, swelling or other symptoms, stop using the product. Seek medical attention if necessary.

If there is no irritation or reaction, you can color your hair.

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Caution: hair dyes