Dear readers, have you ever struggled with leveling dark and darker shades of hair? It can be a daunting task, but fear not! With the right techniques and products, you can achieve the desired level of darkness without any mishaps. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks to help you level dark and darker hair with ease.
Understanding Hair Levels
Before we delve into the tips and tricks of leveling dark and darker hair, it is essential to understand hair levels. Hair levels refer to the darkness or lightness of hair, and it ranges from level 1 (black) to level 10 (platinum). In between those levels are various shades of brown, red, and blonde. Understanding hair levels is crucial as it determines the amount of lightening required to reach your desired shade.
Tip #1: Use the Right Developer
One of the essential things to consider when leveling dark and darker hair is the developer. The developer is the substance that lightens hair, and it comes in different volumes, ranging from 10 to 40. If you are looking to level dark hair, using a developer with a lower volume such as 10 or 20 is recommended. For darker hair, a higher volume developer such as 30 or 40 would be ideal. Using the right developer ensures that the hair is lightened evenly without damaging it.
Tip #2: Pre-Lightening
Pre-lightening is the process of lightening hair before coloring it. This process is essential when leveling dark or darker hair as it ensures that the color appears vibrant and even. When pre-lightening, it is crucial to use a toner to neutralize any unwanted tones in the hair. Pre-lightening can be done using bleach, which should be mixed with the developer to ensure that the hair lightens evenly.
Tip #3: Choose the Right Color
Choosing the right color when leveling dark and darker hair is crucial. It is essential to consider the undertones in your hair and select a color that compliments them. If your hair has warm undertones, choosing a cool-toned color would help neutralize the warmth. If your hair has cool undertones, a warm-toned color would be ideal. Choosing the right color ensures that the hair appears natural and vibrant.
Tip #4: Use a Tint Brush
Using a tint brush when coloring hair ensures that the color is applied evenly. It is essential to apply the color in small sections, ensuring that every strand is coated. A tint brush also helps reach the roots and ensure that they are colored evenly.
Tip #5: Monitor the Processing Time
The processing time is the amount of time that the color is left in the hair before being washed out. It is essential to monitor the processing time when leveling dark and darker hair. Leaving the color in the hair for too long can cause damage, while washing it out too early can result in uneven coloring. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the processing time and perform a strand test before coloring the whole head.
Tip #6: Deep Condition Your Hair
After coloring your hair, it is crucial to deep condition it. Coloring can cause damage to the hair, and deep conditioning helps restore moisture and prevent breakage. Deep conditioning should be done at least once a week to keep the hair healthy and shiny.
Tip #7: Avoid Overlapping
Overlapping is the process of applying color over previously colored hair. It is essential to avoid overlapping when leveling dark and darker hair as it can cause damage and result in uneven coloring. If you need to touch up your roots, use a root touch-up kit instead of applying color to the entire head.
Tip #8: Protect Your Hair
Protecting your hair from the sun, chlorine, and styling tools is crucial when leveling dark and darker hair. Exposure to the sun can cause color fading, while chlorine can cause discoloration. Using a heat protectant when styling your hair protects it from heat damage.
Tip #9: Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often
Washing your hair too often can cause color fading and damage. It is essential to wash your hair every 2-3 days and use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Using dry shampoo in between washes helps absorb excess oil and keeps the hair looking fresh.
Tip #10: Seek Professional Help
If you are unsure of how to level dark and darker hair, seek professional help. A hairstylist can help you achieve the desired level of darkness without damaging your hair. They can also offer advice on the best products to use and provide aftercare instructions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, leveling dark and darker hair requires patience, the right products, and techniques. Using the right developer, pre-lightening, choosing the right color, monitoring the processing time, deep conditioning, avoiding overlapping, protecting your hair, not washing your hair too often, and seeking professional help are crucial steps in achieving the desired level of darkness. Remember to take care of your hair after coloring it to keep it healthy and vibrant. Thank you for reading, and we hope these tips and tricks help you level your dark and darker hair with ease. Until next time, happy coloring!
