On a whim, to change radically style, to make a new color, to find his blond childish reflections ... All reasons are good to want to discolor hair. Used by professionals in the hairdressing industry and by amateurs, this practice nevertheless damages the scalp and, when it is poorly performed, can turn into an aesthetic disaster. To discolor hair by limiting damage, it is best to opt for natural solutions. Zoom on fading and plant products.
How does fading work?
Discoloration is the removal of pigments in the hair to significantly lighten their color. An oxidizing agent opens the hair and removes the pigments, making it thin and almost translucent. Your hair is then ready for a new color and the effect will be even brighter, with glare.
With chemicals sold in supermarkets, the discoloration is particularly effective on natural hair. On hair already colored or very dark, it is called stripping or removing make-up and the result is not so radical.
Discoloration always damages the hair, no matter how you do it. The hair often becomes drier and brittle because the hair fiber is weakened. To avoid that they get damaged during the operation, use natural products, less aggressive than industrial ones.
How to protect hair from fading?
As you can see, you can not guarantee zero damage. Nevertheless, you can try to limit the breakage by adopting good cosmetic reflexes. To begin, fading works best on a healthy basis, neither too dry nor too fat.
An essential preparation
Before you discolor hair, plan a cure of about three weeks. In the meantime, forget the smoothing or the daily looping that severely damages the tips. Time is for hair care. Use shampoos preferably plant. You can also nourish your hair with a mask or a nourishing cream.
After the shower, dry them properly, following the correct technique. Wick a bit with a brush and aim the hair dryer up and down. Make sure it is not too close to your scalp.
A well-balanced dosage
At the time of fading, you do not need to use more product than you really need. For once, it is better to have the dead hand on the dosage. On products sold in supermarkets, you will find indications according to the nature of your hair.
20 for naturally light or already discolored hair
30 for natural brown hair or for those still having pigments after a first discoloration
40 for naturally dark hair
To respect the hair fibers as much as possible, it is better to make some concessions and to give up a radical discoloration if your hair color does not lend itself to it. Above volume 20, the scalp is strongly assaulted.
Is discoloration for everyone?
All hair types do not react in the same way to discoloration. Sometimes you have to resign yourself and be realistic. Unfortunately, do not expect to turn your raven black hair into platinum blond hair. Fading works best on blond, brown and sometimes red pigments.
To go from dark to light is not given to everyone. Some people still try the experience and are disappointed. Indeed, the hair can take a dull shade, even greenish. There is no miracle recipe for extreme changes. Just lighten your hair in two tones, five for natural blondes.
Also be aware that discoloration can cause allergic reactions. The epidermis being in contact with the oxidizing agent, it can be irritated, swollen or infected. If you are known to have dermatological problems, it is better to consult your doctor first. It is also advisable to test your hand or wrist before attacking your scalp. On a small area (about 2 centimeters), spread a little solution and wait a few days to see the evolution.