DEFINITION

A Hair Colourant is a product which, when it is applied to the hair will change the colour of the hair.

DESCRIPTION

There are four different types of Hair Colourant.
TEMPORARY: These types of Hair Colourants are made up of large colour pigments which when used in the hair sit on the outside cuticle layer of the hairshaft. A Temporary colour will add colour to the hair but will not lighten the hair.
When it is used in the hair it does not require development time to change the hair colour. It lasts for only one shampoo.
SEMI PERMANENT: This particular type of Hair Colourant is made up of large and small colour pigments which adhere to various layers of the hair cuticle. A Semi Permanent colour will blend up to 30% of grey hair and add colour. It is not able to lighten hair. The colour needs development time to be effective and will last through several shampoos.
MIDWAY: For various reasons Pharmacy customers have been looking for years for a Hair Colourant which is different from the traditional Semi Permanent but which will still give a longer lasting hair colour. The Midway Colour is made up of small colour pigments which, when applied to the hair will travel through the cuticle layer. It penetrates and partially oxidises just below the cortex surface of the hair. A Midway Colour will blend up to 50% of grey hair but will not lighten the hair.
PERMANENT: This is the traditional Hair Colourant. It is made up of small colour pigments which, when mixed with the Colour Developer (peroxide) will enter into the cortex of the hair shaft. The bottle of colour has ammonia as an ingredient. This will open the cuticle layer of the hair and allow the colour molecules and the peroxide to enter into the cortex of the hair shaft. This will lighten the natural colour pigment to make room for the artificial colour molecules to fill it up. These swell and become too large to escape with the result of a Permament Hair Colour.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Always use a special shampoo and conditioner especially designed for permed, coloured or treated hair. Some hair shampoos and conditioners may not be suitable for permed, coloured or treated hair. Ask the Pharmacist which product is best for your hair.
2) Do not bleach hair too frequently. Bleaching can cause hair to become brittle and break easily.
3) Read the instructions carefully on the colourant package. Be sure to use a product that is suitable for your hair colour and type.
4) Some people may have an allergic reaction to some hair products. Test a patch of hair first to ensure the product is suitable for your hair and skin. Beware of burning sensations on the scalp.
5) Do not use hair colourants during pregnancy.
6) Leave the colourant on the hair for the specified time. Too long may damage the hair and too short a time may not reach the desired effect.
7) There are many other products available to help in the use of hair colourants. Ask your Pharmacist about special caps, gloves and brushes designed for hair colouring.
8) Nutritional supplements may be of some benefit to help improve the condition of the hair. Vitamin A and zinc may be of benefit. The B group vitamins are useful for stress management. Stress is thought to contribute to some hair conditions.

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