What You Need To Know About Hair Tinting

Changing your hair color every now and then can be a fun stylistic journey to fully express yourself or play around with your look. Unfortunately, dyeing your hair can also take a toll on the health of your strands. Dyeing your hair doesn't just alter its color; it also lifts the hair strand cuticle. Once lifted, it's hard to get your hair back into the natural condition it was in before any dye job. If you're looking to inflict the least possible damage when you color your hair, there are other less-damaging coloring methods to consider than hair dye. A hair tint process may be just what you're looking for!

Before you get a hair tint, it's important to consider the current condition of your hair, your commitment to the color, and what color you would like to achieve. This can help you determine if a hair tint is the right path for you and your hair as you prepare to embark on this hair-coloring journey.

If you are looking for a less invasive hair coloring process, hair tinting might be the way to go. Hair tint is less invasive than hair dye because it deposits color on the outermost layer of your hair strands without lifting or removing the existing hair color. On the other hand, hair dye penetrates the strands' cuticles — the innermost layers of the strands — while it lifts the original color in the process. 

Additionally, hair tint is considered the gentler route to take for coloring hair, as it contains fewer chemicals than hair dye. For instance, ammonia, peroxide, and potassium persulfate are common ingredients found in hair dye that give it a more permanent application. On the contrary, most hair tints feature water or alcohol as their base, but they may contain ingredients such as silicone if it's combined with another styling product, such as hairspray. The more you know!

Caring for your hair tint treatment is important for maintaining the health of your hair and the longevity of the tint. The main difference between hair tint and hair dye is that the former offers semi-permanent longevity. Hair tint lasts for around four weeks if cared for properly. How you wash it, the products you use, and environmental exposures can all have some sort of impact on your hair tint and how long its vibrancy lasts.

Naturally, it's important to use the right kind of shampoo and conditioner for your tinted hair. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are specially formulated for color-treated hair. Keratin and lipids are good ingredients to look out for as well. Offset any possible damage by using hair oils to better protect your hair and boost its health. Look for lightweight oils that can help strengthen any broken hair bonds and add extra shine to your tint job, without making your hair greasy.

Although a hair tint is generally the less damaging route, it's always important to have a good hair care routine after the treatment for the best possible results.

Hair tints can come in natural colors and are sometimes used on those who simply want to enhance their natural color. However, there are also fun fantasy shades available that you can try out at home. Hello, purple, blue, and more! More specifically, there are three types of hair tints: Semi-permanent colors last the longest and can stay put for a few weeks; temporary tints are best for those who just want to try a color out, as they fade after a couple of washes; and natural tints just give your hair color a gentle boost without completely changing your look.

While getting your hair professionally dyed will most likely yield the best results, giving hair tinting a try at home is totally possible if you follow the right steps. First, cover yourself with a cape, and always remember to wear gloves to protect your clothes and hands. Then, on clean, slightly damp hair, apply the hair tint in small sections. After your whole head is coated, comb your strands to distribute the product evenly. Wait for the instructed time on your box of hair tint, and then rinse it off. Let the color sit on your hair for a few days before your next shampoo to give the color enough time to fully absorb into your strands. Wash it too soon, and you could make this short-lived hair color too short-lived.

If you want to see how a shade works — or spontaneously feel the urge to go pink for a few days — hair tints are like dipping your toes in before committing to a more permanent dye. As mentioned previously, the tint sits on top of the hair cuticles, so it's like adding a shade on top of your strands without stripping them of their natural color, unlike dyes. Because of this, gray hair is unable to be fully concealed with hair tint, and it may even enhance the silver color in your strands. However, you can combine hair dye and tint to give your locks some sheen while covering up any grays you want to hide.

You can also combine the tinting and highlighting process, according to the hair salon Regis. Your stylist can add highlights to give your tresses a color lift, and while parts of your hair are wrapped in foil, the tint can be added to the rest of your strands. The tinting and highlighting combo is a great way to cover grays and lighten your locks while also adding shine to your hair.

Hair tints are best for those who want to try out the latest unicorn color or simply enhance their hair's natural pigment, but the downside is that they don't last too long. Tints typically come out after two to 10 shampoos, unlike permanent dyes, which don't wash out in the same manner. If you go the fantasy color route, it can last from two to three weeks. However, it's important to note that fantasy colors don't take to super dark hair and are best used on lighter strands. The base color of your hair can also affect the final result, so keep that in mind as well.

The condition of your hair also determines how long your hair tint will last. Locks that are more damaged will absorb the color better, therefore allowing it to hold onto the shaft longer. To maintain your color, reapply the tint every two to four weeks, or maybe less if your hair is super healthy and you shampoo often.