What Should I Know About Coloring Natural Hair (my appt. is soon!)

[Sweetyb]

I promise you all, I spent quite a few hours searching through LHCF about "natural hair" and "hair coloring" and the few posts that pulled up were old, had good information but NO updates from the posters. If there are threads you'd like to direct me to, please feel free

I'd like to lighten my hair to a deep brown (not too light) color.

So I pose this question to you ladies:

What should I know about coloring hair? Is there a best way to choose a hair color?

What should I tell or ask my hair stylist? Should I show her a picture of someone with the color I want (not that I would even know where to start with looking for one) or is there a universal numbering system for colors (i.e. 2, 4/30, etc.) that I should use instead?

What types of coloring options should I focus on? I learned that semi-permanent is better than permanent (less harmful?) and rinses will give your hair a 'hue' of color but may rub off on your clothes/pillow cases?

THE FACTS:
I've never colored my hair before. It's past armpit length natural, no chemicals for 10 years. I've been talking about wanting to lighten my hair for years. I've tried Avigal Henna at least 3 times over in the past few years and it didn't do much for my hair color, mainly a good deep conditioner. I've tried Hennalucent once I believe, had less granules in the mix but still not the light color I'm trying to achieve. I want to try something that will give me results. Thanks for your help!

 

[mscocoface]

Don't know anything about coloring hair except with Henna and Indigo.

I would suggest you do one of the best deep conditioning you have ever done before.

I had my hair a brown color one time years ago in the front and it immediately broke off.

So even afterwards I would suggest for a while you pay particular attention to moisture. You may not have any problems at all.

Others should chime in soon.

 

[Sweetyb]

Don't know anything about coloring hair except with Henna and Indigo.

I would suggest you do one of the best deep conditioning you have ever done before.

I had my hair a brown color one time years ago in the front and it immediately broke off.

So even afterwards I would suggest for a while you pay particular attention to moisture. You may not have any problems at all.

Others should chime in soon.

Thanks so much for your response I actually called to cancel my color appointment, and instead opted for a deep condition, trim, and style for tomorrow night. :-/ Who knows, I may sneak in a light rinse or something, I'll see

I just felt I need to learn a bit more about coloring. If anyone else has any words please share, I'm subscribed to my thread so I'll be checking in. Thanks!

 

[Sweetyb]

bump for more responses

 

[hothair]

I colour, I'm natural, have BKT but was coloured before that.

My hair doesn't mind colour as long as I don't do another process (eg chemical relaxer), I highlighted my hair yesterday with Garnier highlights and used Dark n Lovely Chestnut blonde over it. it. I use Aphogee (hard) at least every 6 weeks and use more protein-based treatments. No problems at all.

I say do your research for me, I had my hair the longest length ever bleached blonde (pre LHCF) and I'm yet to match that length with all my new knowledge so now I'm enjoying my hair with better practice.