You may think box dye lining the shelves of your local beauty supply store is the same as professional in-salon formulas, but the truth is there are huge differences between the two forms of adding color.
Box dyes are pre-made, concentrated formulas that must be strong enough to work on anyone, while salon formulas are custom-made for each client. Unlike salon formulas, box dye is not tailored to a specific hair type (thin, thick, highlighted, color-treated or chemically processed). It can also contain certain chemicals that may be too harsh for certain types.
The process of at-home dye jobs requires considering fine-grained details that non-professionals may not always recognize. For example, determining which product will deliver the expected results, how much dye to put on, and how long it can process are all things to consider. Without these baselines, there is potential for damage, over pigmentation or over processing.
To put it simply, when it comes to salon color vs. box dye, it's always best to leave it to the professionals. Salon formulas are better for you, and having a professional apply them ensures excellent results. Professional colorists have a vast knowledge regarding color tones, levels and how to achieve them correctly. The hair colorists in Elmira at Cutting Crew Hair Salon know every possible way to create a great color, and how to fix a color that didn’t initially go as planned.
With so many professionals to choose from, how do you know when you've found a good colorist? What are the signs to look for and the things to stay away from?
Some stylists do color in addition to cutting and styling. There are also colorists who only work on color and nothing else. Depending on what you are looking for in a dye job, it may be best to go with someone specializing in this art.
When you enter a salon to see a colorist, pay attention to the details. Are they actually taking time to inspect your locks, listen to your desire and develop opinions tailored based on your natural color and texture? Do they ask you what you want done today? The latter is a red flag. If they are just going with what you want without providing input or voicing concerns they may have, you probably want to seek out a different colorist.
If a colorist tells you they can achieve results other professionals have warned you are too damaging or impossible to achieve, they are very likely inexperienced.
Sometimes doing things old school is best. If you see someone on the street with stunning color, ask them where they got it done and what they think about their colorist. What better way to get a feel for someone's abilities than by seeing their work up close and personal?
Lifestyle and maintenance are key in determining what color is suitable for you. Before committing to a particular color, discuss your hair habits with your colorists and how much effort and money you are looking to maintain that color. Furthermore, a skilled colorist will consider important aspects such as a client's skin tone, hair texture and density, and eye color to determine which color would best suit their client's lifestyle and natural features.
Perfect for going from light to dark, covering up those grays, adding darker tones, or making a statement.
If you want to go from dark to light or want a vibrant, fun color, a double process color is for you.
Adding highlights is the best way to brighten up and add depth and dimension to your locks.
Want a more subtle lightning process that adds warmth and depth? Balayage is the way to go.
Home dye job gone bad or green highlights from too much time spent in the pool? We can help! Cutting Crew Hair Salon colorists are experienced in color correction and can address a wide variety of color issues.
A major step in prolonging the life of your color begins with your shampoo. Unlike regular shampoos, shampoo for color-treated hair moisturizes without stripping color. Color-protecting shampoos contain amino acids, antioxidants and proteins that will help strengthen follicles and preserve color.
Roots are the first thing you notice when someone's hair has been colored. If you're naturally dark but have lightened locks, roots tend to show much quicker. We recommend booking a touch up every 4-6 weeks.
Adding color leads to greys. Many people assume that dye and grey hair are connected when their color begins fading, and they notice new grey strands. The truth is, adding color will not accelerate greys since they are entirely genetic.
Sunlight will accelerate color fading. The fading of a dye job is inevitable. And whether you choose to color your hair or not, the UV rays from the sun will lighten your locks regardless. Just as you would use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, you can use products to do the same for your hair. In short, it's not the dye that is causing fading — it’s the sun.
Color weakens your hair. The use of these products will not weaken or affect the condition of your follicles. In fact, some products are actually enriched with additional ingredients intended to protect and prevent damage during treatments.
Cosmetics for color-treated hair don't work. Once you use color, it needs to be treated with special care. Hard waters, harsh shampoos, heating tools and prolonged sun exposure can cause your hair color to fade and appear dull. In order to prolong the life of your color, it is crucial you use special products to take proper care of your locks. Ordinary shampoos usually contain detergents such as sulfates that will fade the brilliance of your color.
So, why deal with the fuss and mess of boxed color only to get lackluster results? Cutting Crew Hair Salon offers value-priced colorists at a fraction of the cost of full-service salons! We are open and accepting reservations and walk-in appointments for a fresh color, haircut and other treatments.