Hair Color for African American Women

Hair color for African American women can cover grey, create highlights, or give the hair a new, vibrant, color. Sometimes a hint of color is all that is needed to add dimension to the hair. Some people like to have just enough color so that it is seen in the sunlight. In any case, it is important to decide first on the type of color desired.

Be bold with color.

Rinses

Rinses can be washed out over time. Colors for rinses do not penetrate the hair, so they will not significantly lighten the hair color. Rinses should be used when a subtle splash of color is desired, but the color will stay in the general shade of the original color. Stylists use rinses when the client desires color immediately after a relaxer. Be careful -- sometimes rinses have been known to rub off on pillows or on clothing.

Permanent Color vs. Semi Permanent Color

There is a wide variety of permanent hair colors available. Hair can be dyed any color from bright reds to light blondes. African American hair can be lighten to a bright blonde with permanent color, but it is important to note that permanent hair color that lightens the hair is more likely to cause damage because of the harsh chemicals.

Permanent color that lightens hair usually contains ammonia or peroxide. These chemicals lighten the natural color so that the lighter color can be deposited. The lightening agents used in dyes meant to permanently change the color can make the hair dry and brittle, eventually causing breakage. Anyone who is planning to dye their hair two or more shades lighter than their natural color should ask the advice of a stylist. Also, keep in mind that permanent hair color should never be applied directly after a relaxer.

Semi permanent color is used to darken the hair or lighten it just a shade or so. Semi permanent hair color is not mixed with ammonia or peroxide. It lasts for about 6-8 shampoos (see specifics on the product label) and it should not rub off onto pillows or clothing. Use semi permanent color for temporary color that will gradually wash out.

Choosing Hair Color for African American Women

Browns, copper, bronzes, and burgundies typically look great on people with darker skin tones. People with strong, vibrant personalities can usually wear vibrant colors, like red and blonde well. A stylist can recommend colors that will not clash with a person's skin tone and current hair color. When dying hair at home, try to see a sample of the color on a swatch of hair. At least test the product on a small area of your own hair, because sometimes results vary from the color that is depicted on the box.

Brands of Hair Color for African American Women

Hair color products that are made especially for African American hair include the following:

• Dark and Lovely Permanent Hair Color and Reviving Colors Semi-Permanent Color. Dark and Lovely has shades in jet black, red, auburn, blonde, and copper. Looking for a blonde afro or a cute blonde teeny weeny afro (TWA)? Dark and Lovely has a special blonde that is created just for that particular style for natural African American hair.
• High Rez High Resolution Permanent Hair Color is also a product by Soft-Sheen Carson, the makers of Dark and Lovely. High Rez High Resolution Permanent Color, which is made to give naturally dark hair, black or dark brown, vibrant, fade resistant hair. The Soft-Sheen Carson website matches the perfect skin tone with the perfect hair color. For example, according to Soft-Sheen Carson, the crystal blonde color is suited for dark brown skin tones or paler tones with either no undertones or with peach undertones.
• Crème of Nature permanent hair color has a variety of colors from chestnut brown and bronze to ginger blonde. The ingredients are said to be certified organic.

There are several other brands of hair color for African American hair - just browse the aisles in beauty supply stores.

Coloring Tips

• Remember that rinses are gentler than products that use ammonia.
• Don't skip the swatch test before dying with an unfamiliar color or product. Not only may the color look different, but it is possible to be allergic to an ingredient in the dye.
• Keep in mind that it is best to go to a salon or a professional stylist for drastic color changes.

No matter what your hair type or texture, you can enjoy a hair color change. Hair color for African American women is often formulated specifically for their hair type, making it a breeze to add a dash of color to your locks.

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