1.  Colouring
2.  Terminology
3.  Brands

Within major metropolises in India, the hair colour market is come of age and a glimpse of the same can be seen in everyday life. Colour not only enlightens ones life but also brings about joy for the voyeur. The brands available in the market cater to the masses as well as to the professionals. Excellence( L'Oreal), Wellaton(Wella), Colorsilk(Revlon) are products designed for self application at home while Majireal(L'Oreal), Koleston Perfect(Wella) are products which have larger ranges as well as promote mixing of colours and need expert judgement. All over the world the beauty industry manifolds continuously and a way to be updated is to visit your salon regularly. The hair colour market has diversified considerably, some products are vitamin enhanced while others are made from fruit extracts, some are ammonia free while others need it, colours may also be grouped as permanent, semi-permanent, temporary, bleach based etc.

Hair Colouring is both the science and art of changing the colour of Hair. Hair Colouring (tinting) involves the addition of an artificial colour to the natural pigment in the hair, or the addition of colour to lightened hair. Hair Lightening, on the other hand, involves a partial or total removal of the natural pigment or artificial colour from the hair. In order to change the natural colour of the hair we can use either natural or synthetic colours. These are available in varied brands, Indian and Imported.

Just a few terms patrons should be aware of during or before they colour their hair:-

Virgin Hair :- This usually refers to hair which has been previously chemically processed, but in the case of black hair it refers to hair which has not been previously relaxed or straightened.

Damaged Hair :- When excessive chemical action takes place on the roots/shaft of the hair it is known as over-processed hair or damaged hair.

Hydrogen / Developer / Oxidants :- Hydrogen peroxide is the most common chemical used in hairdressing to provide oxygen. It is used to lighten the natural pigment of the hair and to develop the colour of oxidation tints.

Ammonia Free :- Dyes without ammonia

Application :- Putting colorant on all or part of the hair.

Basic Shades :- Manufacturer's shade of tint which contains either no tone or very little.

Tints :- Permanent Colour

Bleach :- Product capable of lightening the hair

Vegetable Colorants :- Natural colour products derived from plants such as henna and chamomile.

Warm Colours :- Red, Gold, Yellow or Copper.

Streaking :- Alternative name for highlighting.

Highlights :- Lightening selected strands of hair.

Permanent Colour :- Colorant which gives a regrowth (tint and henna). The colour is not removed by shampooing.

Semi Permanent Colour :- Colour which gradually fades; lasts 4-6 shampoos.