5 Hair Color Myths You Need To Stop Believing

Nothing says new year like a fresh new ‘do. However, if you’re considering a change in hair color, firstly, we salute you, second of all, it’s time to do your homework. When it comes to getting your hair colored, there are so many myths and misconceptions, as well as some need-to-know hair care tips before you even dial the salon. Prepare yourself and know the facts! To help bust these myths, we called upon colorist, Tommy Drury, from London’s prestigious Jo Hansford salon. He debunked five myths that he hears ALL the time.

MYTH #1: You shouldn’t wash your hair before a color service

TRUTH: According to Tommy, “The main advantage of dirty hair, more useful when highlighting, is that the hair sections easier.” However, he adds, “It’s not a big deal when a client comes in with freshly washed hair, if it’s proving to be too slippy, then you just hair spray it to give it some grit.”

MYTH #2: Bleach is bad

TRUTH: Tommy confirms, “Bleach is great. It’s quite common for clients to object to bleach if they’ve had a bad experience with it before (or maybe their friend has), but bleach is only bad if it’s used incorrectly or inappropriately.”

Tommy explains, “It’s often necessary to use bleach when highlighting over previously colored (tinted) hair, as alternative lighteners will not lift through existing artificial pigment.” He adds, “If I have a client who requires both a highlighting service and a color on their roots, I’d usually do these separately. Completing a tinting service first then highlighting after gives much more control over the color AND the condition.” Take notes!

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MYTH #3: If you’ve had a color service, you need to use color-protection shampoo

TRUTH: To our surprise, Tommy says, “I only tend to recommend color-saving shampoos to those with red (RED RED RED) hair or those who have just gone through a color change or correction.” While Tommy insists, “They do have their benefits, but if your hair has more specific needs (like smoothing, or volumizing) then go for those products instead.” Okay, we’re being schooled!

MYTH 4: Going a darker color will improve the condition of your hair 

TRUTH: “If the hair has been damaged through lightening or neglect, then simply going darker will not yield the results you’ve been told,” says Tommy.

He continues, “It can make the hair look healthier and you can use gentler chemicals moving forward, but if you’re wanting to go back blonde in the future, the damaged hair will still be there.”

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MYTH #5: Going fairer is the best way to conceal white hair regrowth

TRUTH: According to Tommy “Going lighter can soften the contrast of a regrowth with white hair, but if you’re committed to growing out your white hair, then don’t just get a load of lights.” He explains that “Lightening the natural hair will alter the structure and reveal the warm natural pigments. On white hair (with no natural pigment left), it will expose the yellow of keratin (the protein your hair is made of).”

In general, he says, “A head of grown-out natural and white hairs will be a cooler look and shouldn’t ever be compared to artificially-lightened hair.” Therefore, “Depending on the client in my chair, I’d usually start a process of using semi-permanent colors that will eventually fade without disturbing the hair’s integrity.”

For more expert advice from Tommy, check out how to avoid a hair coloring disaster.