When performing a custom color job on Donna Bella extensions, it’s vital that you select the correct initial shade. As with most hair services, there are rules that dictate how you should apply color to hair extensions, making it impossible to, say, lighten a #6 to a golden blond or transform a #2 into a vivid blue without disastrous (or just disappointing) results. Luckily, Donna Bella offers a wide range of extension colors for your base, making the coloring process as simple and effective as possible. Here, we’ll detail the steps you need to take to choose the perfect one.
1. Know your destination color. The starting point for a warm chestnut brown color will be very different from the starting point for a cool pastel pink, so know what your destination color is to begin with. You and your client should identify the desired shade (from light to dark) and tone (from warm to cool) of the color you’re going for, as this will provide the most information for your selection.
2. Have a Color Ring. A Donna Bella Color Ring is indispensable for hair extension services, and it comes in handy for DB custom color jobs, too. Use the Color Ring to find 1-3 close matches to your destination color, erring slightly on the lighter side (as color will be applied to darken the extension). For example, if your destination color is a cool medium-dark red, you may decide that the closest matches are colors #30/33, #31, and #32. If you happen to find a shade that exactly matches your client’s goal color, all the better.
3. Narrow down. Ideally, you’re looking for a color up to 2 steps lighter than your destination color, and within the same tone family. This will ensure that the hair will take to the custom color, and process it in a predictable way (no surprises in sight!). It will also ensure that the hair remains in tip-top condition from start to finish, as a 2-step change means a shorter processing time. Of course, it may not be possible to find a base extension that is both 1 or 2 steps lighter and in the same tone family as your destination color. If that’s the case, the 2-step rule takes precedence; just account for the tonal change with your color formulation.
4. Quick note: If your destination color is not a natural hair color (say, forest green or cotton candy blue), and it does not resemble any of our funky extension colors, start from a #60. This shade is one of our most neutral and least pigmented, making the perfect canvas for a truly vibrant transformation. When in doubt, you can also start with #60 for natural-looking color jobs.
You can find more information about custom coloring Donna Bella extensions at our new Color Takeover Portal—an educational hub and resource center for any stylist looking to perfect their coloring craft. There you’ll find custom color formulas, tutorial videos, articles, and more! Visit the Color Takeover Portal today to start browsing.