Coily hair, often naturally dark, can make achieving a new color without pre-lightening a challenge. So, whether you're looking for a fresh new look or want to cover those pesky grays, I'll share all the essential precautions to ensure a successful hair coloring experience.
PERMANENT HAIR DYE
Obviously, if you want a radical change, opt for permanent hair dye. It offers a wide range of colors and perfectly covers gray hair. However, be aware that it can severely damage your hair. Since kinky hair tends to be dry, it's important to hydrate it well beforehand. This will reduce the risk of them becoming brittle and frizzy. Opt for colors that include an argan oil treatment to deeply nourish the hair fiber. Also, note that permanent hair dyes do not allow you to return to your original color. The only way to revert to your natural color is to let your hair grow out and trim the ends gradually. Most of the time, if afro hair is dark, a bleaching step will be necessary for the chosen color to achieve the desired result. Without bleaching, you risk ending up with just subtle highlights, or even no change at all.
SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR DYE
If you're afraid of making a mistake, you can also opt for semi-permanent hair dye. The color gradually fades after a few shampoos. A good solution for kinky hair that takes time to grow. Another significant advantage: it's much less aggressive than permanent hair dye. It's a good alternative for those who want a natural, subtle, elegant result, without visible roots. However, for gray hair, the coverage is less effective than with permanent dyes.
HENNA
Finally, for those who don't want a radical change but rather a beautiful sun-kissed effect, opt for henna. Known since ancient times for coloring hair, it's also a magical treatment for fragile, dry, and brittle hair types, such as afro hair. With colors ranging from orange to brown, including red, henna provides a very natural effect. It doesn't alter natural pigmentation as it coats the hair, thereby protecting it from external aggressions. However, don't expect long-term results as it fades after only a few shampoos. Also, it cannot be used after a total or partial bleaching, at the risk of your hair turning green. Finally, it will not cover your gray hair.
