Let's break down color on extensions.
No matter how much experience, zeal, and creative whimsy they possess, a stylist can really only be as good as the tools they have at their disposal. Whether it’s a routine change-up, installing a full head of extensions, or a custom coloring for a full-on transformation, here’s our list of the top shelf tools you need for a successful color job.
Semi or Demi-Permanent Colors
For color on extensions, we encourage the use of semi or demi-permanent colors. These products deposit color onto the hair rather than lifting it (which actually dehydrates the cuticle) for a gentler coloring experience. Plus, since they’re semi and demi-permanent, they put far less strain and chemical stress on the hair than permanent colors would. For fashion colors, specifically, we’ve found that Joico Color Intensity works incredibly well for coloring hair extensions!
Donna Bella #60 Extensions
Although all our Remy shades can be professionally colored, bright, bold fashion colors such as rainbow or pastel hair require a blank canvas for the full effect. In these cases, we recommend our palest, most neutral blonde shade: #60. It’s available in all four professional installation methods and will take on fashion colors vibrantly.
Olaplex Lightener
Olaplex, labeled as a “bond multiplier,” helps reconnect broken disulfide sulfur bonds in the hair. By applying it to a lightener or hair color, your client’s hair will be kept strong during and after the coloring process, essential for keeping colors looking their best. It’s free of the silicones and oils presents in many other products and helps maintain hair’s natural strength and resilience after being treated. Note that in all our color formulas contained on the Donna Bella Color Takeover Portal, we include Olaplex lightener. Clients can also use Olaplex as a weekly treatment for their hair.
A Quality Brush
Applying color to hair or extensions requires a quality brush that will distribute the color evenly. We strongly recommend the Famar brush because the bristles are extremely soft and reduce strain on the wrist and joints—especially handy when you’re doing color on extensions with multiple shades at once. Key points to look for when selecting a brush are how well it will distribute color, and the softness of the bristles. Softer bristles will probably distribute better and are less likely to damage the extensions in the process.
Re-hydrating/Moisturizing Shampoo
Encourage clients to keep their hair plenty hydrated after coloring. A hydrating shampoo and even a mask treatment will go far in extending their custom-colored look. All hair types feature different levels of oiliness, and so different clients will require different maintenance regimens. The important thing is that they’re regularly hydrating their hair long after they leave the chair.
Bowl, Gloves, Paper Towels/Coverings
Maybe these seem like a given, but a color job always requires a place to do it, somewhere to mix the ingredients and, of course, appropriate cover for your hands and the furniture around you. Always make sure you’ve got these basic elements at your disposal to ensure clean and streamlined coloring in the salon.
Having the appropriate tools available, as well as a clean and functional workspace, is essential in making your color creation process smooth and hassle-free. With these tips, color on extensions will be much easier!