There are four main types of home hair coloring. They are permanent hair coloring, semi-permanent hair coloring, temporary hair coloring, and henna. Permanent hair coloring is the only type of these three that can lighten the hair. Lightening the hair, which involves a process that strips the hair of some of its natural color, is permanent and cannot be reversed without another permanent procedure. All of the other processes, which are impermanent or are only able to tone the hair, are incapable of lightening the color.
Permanent hair coloring can change the hair lighter or darker and can make the hair pretty much any color in the rainbow. Home hair coloring kits to darken the hair include permanent dye that stains the hair follicles to reflect a different color. Home hair coloring kits to lighten the hair color include both peroxide, which lightens the hair, and colors that create the tone of the color such as red, brown, or blonde. As with all home hair coloring kits, the outcome will depend on the color and condition of the hair prior to using the product.
Semi-permanent home hair coloring kits simply tint the hair. This color will eventually fade and wash out almost completely. The fading process usually takes between 12 and 24 shampoos, depending on the product. This kind of product can be used to help cover gray but may not offer complete coverage. The best product to cover gray hairs, however, is permanent hair coloring.
Temporary hair coloring is a home hair coloring product that lasts a very short period of time. The product can usually be completely removed from the hair in just one or two shampoos. These products are often used for costume purposes and may come as a gel, paste, or spray. They also often come in wild colors such as hot pink, deep blue, lizard green, sunflower yellow, and fire engine red.
Henna is a home hair coloring product that is made with natural ingredients. It is a product that is made from a flowering plant and has been used for centuries to dye both the skin and the hair. Henna can darken the hair and tint the hair, but it cannot lighten the hair as it is not made with peroxide. This kind of home hair coloring product can usually be found in health food stores and stores that specialize in natural or organic products.
