Filling hair before coloring is a crucial step, especially if you’re going lighter or correcting color issues. It ensures even color distribution and prevents patchy results by replacing missing underlying pigments. This pre-coloring treatment is like priming a canvas before painting, creating a uniform base for your chosen shade. It’s especially important for porous or previously bleached hair, which tends to absorb color unevenly. Understanding How To Fill Hair Before Coloring can drastically improve your color results.
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Understanding Hair Filling
Hair filling is essentially replenishing lost pigment in the hair shaft. Think of your hair strands like tiny tubes. When these tubes are full of pigment, color applies evenly. But when they’re depleted, like in bleached or damaged hair, the color can grab unevenly, resulting in splotchy or faded results. Filling replaces these missing pigments, creating a uniform base for the new color to adhere to. This process is particularly beneficial when transitioning from a dark shade to a lighter one, or when trying to achieve vibrant, even color.
When Should You Fill Your Hair?
Filling is most important when:
- Lightening previously colored hair
- Correcting uneven or faded color
- Going from dark to light shades
- Coloring porous or damaged hair
However, it’s not always necessary. If you’re going darker, depositing color, or your hair is healthy and hasn’t been overly processed, you can often skip this step. Consult a professional if you’re unsure whether your hair needs filling.
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Types of Hair Fillers
There are two main types of hair fillers:
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Protein Fillers: These work by strengthening and conditioning damaged hair, creating a smoother surface for color application. They’re beneficial for porous hair, helping to even out porosity and improve color absorption.
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Color Fillers: These replace missing underlying pigments, usually warm tones like red, gold, or orange. They’re crucial when lightening hair, as they prevent the color from appearing too ashy or dull. You can use a pre-made color filler or create a custom blend using a demi-permanent color that matches your target shade’s underlying pigment.
How to Fill Hair Before Coloring: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Assess your hair: Determine if your hair needs filling. If you’re going significantly lighter or have porous hair, filling is likely necessary.
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Choose the right filler: Opt for a protein filler if your hair is damaged, or a color filler if you’re lightening your hair.
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Prepare the filler: Follow the instructions on your chosen filler product. If using a color filler, mix it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
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Apply the filler: Apply the filler evenly to your hair, focusing on the most porous areas. Use a tint brush for precise application.
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Process the filler: Allow the filler to process for the recommended time, usually 10-20 minutes.
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Rinse and dry (if necessary): Some fillers require rinsing, while others can be left in. Follow the product instructions.
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Apply your hair color: Once the filler is processed or rinsed, apply your desired hair color as usual.
Tips for Successful Hair Filling
- Strand test: Always perform a strand test before filling your entire head of hair. This will help you determine the correct processing time and ensure the filler is compatible with your hair.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about filling your hair, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist. They can assess your hair and recommend the best approach.
- Use quality products: Invest in high-quality hair fillers and color products for the best results.
- Be patient: Filling can take time and patience, especially if you’re correcting significant color issues.
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Conclusion
Filling your hair before coloring is a key step to achieving even, vibrant color, particularly when going lighter or correcting color problems. By understanding the types of fillers and following the proper application techniques, you can significantly improve your color results. Remember to always conduct a strand test and seek professional advice if needed. With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve the stunning color you desire.
FAQ
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Do I always need to fill my hair before coloring? No, filling is mainly necessary when going lighter or correcting color issues.
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What happens if I don’t fill my hair before lightening? You may experience uneven color, patchiness, or unwanted tones.
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Can I use a protein filler and a color filler together? Yes, in some cases, using both can be beneficial, especially for severely damaged hair.
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How long does hair filler last? The effects of hair filler typically last until the next time you color your hair.
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Can I fill my hair at home? Yes, but it’s recommended to consult a professional if you’re unsure.
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What is the best hair filler for bleached hair? A color filler is generally best for bleached hair to replace lost pigments.
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How can I measure hair color and developer without a scale? Find out in our article: how to measure hair color and developer without a scale.
Common Scenarios
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Scenario 1: You’re going from black to blonde. Filling is crucial to prevent orange or brassy tones.
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Scenario 2: Your previously colored hair is faded and uneven. Filling can help create a uniform base for the new color.
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Scenario 3: You’re coloring porous, damaged hair. A protein filler can help smooth the hair cuticle and improve color absorption.
Further Reading
For more helpful tips and advice, check out our other articles on hair coloring.
Call to Action
Need support with hair filling or coloring? Contact us at Phone Number: 0373298888, Email: [email protected], or visit our address: 86 Cau Giay, Hanoi. Our customer service team is available 24/7.
