Single process color is a fundamental hair coloring service that delivers a uniform color result from root to tip in just one application.
According to the reference, single process color, often referred to as "all-over color" or "base color," is a hair coloring technique that covers the entire head of hair in a single step. This means a single color formula is applied to the hair, typically from roots to ends, during one salon visit.
Understanding Single Process Color
This technique is called "single process" because it involves just one application of hair color or bleach. The dye is mixed and applied directly to the hair to achieve the desired shade.
Key Characteristics:
- Single Application: The defining feature is the application of one color formula across the entire head.
- Uniform Result: Aims for a consistent color throughout the hair.
- Covers Everything: Suitable for changing the existing color, darkening hair, or covering grey hairs.
Why Choose Single Process Color?
This service is versatile and commonly used for various purposes:
- Grey Coverage: Effectively covers grey or white hair for a youthful look.
- Color Change: Ideal for changing the overall hair color to a darker or lighter shade (within a few levels, depending on the starting point).
- Color Refresh: Can be used to refresh faded color and restore vibrancy.
- Base for Other Techniques: Often performed as the first step before adding highlights or other multi-dimensional color techniques (though in that case, it becomes part of a multi-process service).
Practical Applications:
- Applying a darker shade over lighter hair.
- Covering roots that have grown out with grey or natural color.
- Refreshing a vibrant red or brown that has faded.
- Going from blonde to brown.
Example: If you have dark brown hair and want to go black, a single process application of black dye is used. If you have blonde hair and want to cover your dark roots and refresh your blonde, a single process color (like an all-over toner or dye) might be used, or just applied to the roots depending on the goal. However, the core concept remains applying one color mix across the desired area (often the whole head) in a single step.
Single Process vs. Other Color Techniques
While single process color offers a uniform look, other techniques involve multiple steps or colors:
| Technique | Description | Steps Involved | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Process | Covers the entire head with one color in a single application | One | Uniform, all-over color |
| Double Process | Involves two steps (e.g., bleaching followed by toning) | Two or more | Significant color change |
| Highlights | Lightening specific strands of hair | One or more | Dimension, lighter pieces |
| Balayage | Hand-painted highlights for a softer, blended look | One or more | Natural-looking dimension |
Choosing single process color is suitable when you desire a consistent, non-dimensional color result across your hair.
