Filling hair is a crucial step in hair coloring, particularly when taking previously lightened hair to a darker shade. It involves replacing the underlying pigments that were removed during the lightening process. Based on the provided references, there are several methods and approaches to filling hair effectively.
Understanding Hair Filling Techniques
The primary goal of filling hair is to create a suitable base color that will allow the final, darker shade to develop correctly and avoid unwanted results like dullness or off-tones. As stated in the references, this process is especially relevant "before dying it darker with semi or demi permanent colours."
Methods for Filling Hair
The references outline specific techniques you can use to fill hair, depending on the desired outcome and the type of products being used.
Here are the ways you can fill hair according to the references:
- Using Direct Dye or Colour Conditioner: This method involves applying a direct dye or a colour conditioner to the hair. These types of products deposit pigment onto the hair shaft without requiring oxidation.
- Applying and Layering Tint or Oxidate Colour: A more involved process includes applying a tint or oxidate colour (which uses a developer). You apply this color onto the hair, then comb off excess before painting your second, final colour layer over it. This suggests using the tint or oxidate color as the filler step before applying the target shade.
- Pre-Filling Before Darkening: This specifies the context for filling. The references indicate you "can also fill hair before dying it darker with semi or demi permanent colours." This means the filling step is often done as a preparatory stage specifically when transitioning hair from a lighter level to a significantly darker one using these types of colours.
Summary of Hair Filling Methods
Here's a quick overview of the techniques mentioned for filling hair:
| Method | Description | Products Involved | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Dye / Colour Conditioner | Apply the product directly to deposit pigment. | Direct dye, Colour conditioner | Simple application |
| Apply, Comb Off, & Layer Colour | Apply a tint or oxidate colour, partially remove, then apply next layer. | Tint, Oxidate colour | Multi-step application |
| Pre-Filling Before Darkening | Perform the filling step before applying a darker shade. | Semi-permanent, Demi-permanent | Transitioning lighter hair to darker hair |
Using these techniques helps ensure that the darker colour applied afterward looks rich, natural, and true to tone by restoring the necessary underlying pigments.
