Hair Colouring – SS2 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (First Term)

Hair colouring is the process of adding or removing pigment from the hair strand. It is one of the most popular salon services because it can hide grey hair, change a person’s look or express their personality. Stylists choose between four types of dye depending on how long the colour should last.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what hair colouring and melanin are;
• name the four types of hair dye and state how long each lasts;
• list the tools used for colouring and describe the common application methods;
• carry out the safety checks required before and during a colouring service;
• advise a client on how to care for coloured hair.

What is hair colouring?

Hair colouring is the process of adding or removing pigment from the hair strand.

• The main goal: To change the colour while keeping the hair healthy and shiny.
• Melanin: This is the natural pigment inside the hair. Dark hair has a lot of it; light hair has less. When we colour hair, we are either adding new pigment or “lifting” (removing) the natural melanin.

Stylist’s secret: Never promise a client an exact colour from a box. Hair colour is like painting on a coloured canvas, so the result depends on the hair’s starting colour.

What are the four types of hair dye?

Not every “dye” works the same way. As a stylist, you must choose the right one based on how long the client wants the colour to last.

What tools and application methods are used in hair colouring?

To get a professional look, you need the right tools and a steady hand.

Essential tools

• Mixing bowl (plastic only, because metal can react with the dye).
• Tint brushes (for precise application).
• Sectioning clips (to keep the work organised).
• Tail comb (for parting).

Common application methods

• The “virgin” application: This is used when a client has never coloured their hair before. You usually start at the mid-lengths and ends because the heat from the scalp makes the roots process faster.
• Root touch-up: Applying colour only to the “new growth” near the scalp.
• Foiling (highlighting): Weaving out small strands of hair and wrapping them in foil to keep the colour separate from the rest of the hair.
• Balayage: A French word meaning “to sweep”. You hand-paint the colour onto the hair for a natural, sun-kissed look.

What safety steps must a stylist follow?

Chemicals used in hair dye can be dangerous if they are not respected. Safety is what separates a professional from an amateur.

1. The patch test (allergy test): You must apply a tiny bit of the dye behind the ear or inside the elbow 24 to 48 hours before the service. If the skin gets red, itchy or bumpy, do not use that dye.
2. The strand test: Take a small piece of hair from the back and apply the dye. This tells you exactly how the colour will look and if the hair is strong enough to handle it.
3. Protect the skin: Always apply “barrier cream” (like petroleum jelly) around the hairline and ears so you do not dye the client’s skin.
4. Ventilation: Some dyes have strong fumes. Make sure your workspace has fresh air flowing.

How should coloured hair be cared for?

Once the colour is done, the work is not over. Coloured hair needs extra care.

• Wait to wash: Tell your client to wait 48 hours before washing their hair at home. This gives the colour time to “settle”.
• Cool water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle and lets the colour escape. Cool water keeps the colour locked in.
• Sulphate-free shampoo: Harsh soaps in regular shampoo will strip the colour quickly.
• Deep conditioning: Chemical colouring can make hair dry. A weekly hair mask is a must to keep that “salon shine”.

Evaluation

1. Why should we not use a metal bowl when mixing hair dye?
2. If a client wants to hide grey hair permanently, which type of dye should you use?
3. Explain why we apply colour to the mid-lengths first during a virgin application.

Assignment

1. List the four types of hair dye and state how long each one lasts.
2. Describe the patch test and the strand test, and say what each one tells the stylist.
3. State three pieces of advice you would give a client on caring for newly coloured hair.