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Category Archives: health and safety

Our love affair with home hair colour

31 Jan

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea’s. B2MR

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR


Home Hair Colour: THE PIT FALLS.
Why is home hair colour such big business? Why is it in such demand? cost ? time? ease of use? yes of course. Consider advertising promotion celebrity endorsement products branded by brand name professional stylists. Daily bombardment of beautiful natural style you can create at home from this box of wonder.Hard to ignore right!

I have been inspired to touch on this huge subject . Offer some advise and share some experiences gained from so many great years in our industry.  It’s very cool.

I will try and cover some subjects from the every day challenges to the creative over the top looks oh and some of the hair nightmares we get to fix and advise on! We all need to do understand how things happen and why ! 

Misuse of products. Miss information. Inpatients and not following guide lines and instructions. We can all be guilty of these things at some point in our career! I have already posted topic’s on this blog site on Bleaching. Lift deposit.Toning. Damage. Condition. I have decided that as topic’s they can always be re visited.  Reviewed in depth see most recent topic’s on all subjects.  In the hopes of guiding and providing information that helps avoid pit falls.

                           A list of topic’s that may well be added to:

Bleaching/ Decolourizer/ Lift deposit?/ Toning.

Metallic salts in hair colour.

Re dying hair/ with Drug store colour / Roots Application/colour Balance.

Removing Colour/ Stand tests/ Condition.

Using Pigment / Under tone pigment friend or foe: 

Bleaching Root application.

I also think at this juncture. That it is worth mentioning that.  Not all home colours be they permanent tints or fun fashion shade are what they claim to be. It’s buyer beware. If  your wondering should I colour my hair will it hold colour a very simple test.

Take a strand test. Remove a small amount of your processed hair and drop it into a glass of water. If it sinks fair chance it will not hold colour and is over processed healthy hair will float. If you have a history of colouring and bleaching it on a regular bases. It may feel slimy when wet sort of stretchy time to give it a rest!! it’s toasted! will not hold colour.

Many Products:  Claiming to be. Ammonia free have something else doing the same Job an Alkaline. MEA , Grain Alcohol derivatives. Other products that manipulate the ph of the hair.[see past posting on subject] They in some cases can contain trace elements of metallic salts. This is why it’s essential to do a stand test. prior to applying bleach a chemical reaction can occur creating heat. 

                    In worst case this heat can melt over processed hair

To determine if hair has been colored by a metallic dye, mix 1 oz. of 20-volume peroxide with 20 drops of 28% ammonia. Submerge 20 strands of hair in the solution and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If the hair lightens rapidly, the hair contains lead. If there is no reaction after 30 minutes, the hair contains silver or bismuth. If the solution starts to boil and emits a foul odor, the hair contains copper. Hair that has no metallic salts on it should lighten only very slightly.

I hope that this information is helpful and that the topic’s  covered do help with some of the issues that can happen when colouring and re colouring hair. Without knowledge of the products chemistry or formulation the risks of a chemical reaction or poor results or indeed allergic reaction can be a risk.

How confusing is it for both stylist and the consumer when you can go on line for advise and sound information and you get material such as below. quite shocking!

lets take a look:

I have written my response in heavy print:

TYPES OF HAIR COLOR

Permanent Color:

Permanent color gives you 100% complete coverage. Most permanent color uses peroxide (10 to 40 vol.) and ammonia. The downside is regrowth of new hair – it is a different shade and will leave a line of “demarcation”, or regrowth.

Most permanent hair colour uses 10 to 20 volume peroxide 40 vol would only be used for high lift blonde formulations, In most cases 40 vol is not recommended for scalp application. this type of application requires colour balancing unless first application.

Not all colour is driven by Ammonia many options available.

Semi-Permanent Color:

Color usually contains some ammonia and uses a developer of 10 to 20 vol.

Although it normally contains something to slightly open the Cuticle it does not have Ammonia nor does it have Peroxide much less 10 to 20 vol.

Demi-Permanent Color:

Uses peroxide in low vols. (under 10 vol.). Many have no ammonia and leave little damage. When the color fades, it does gradually so it leaves no line of demarcation.

Normally uses around 5vol for the oxidation of the colour molecule may have low amount of ammonia or some other substance to open the cuticle fro slightly deeper deposit. long term use of this formulation will result in build up and possible re growth line slow fading, ideal for Grey coverage with out going permanent

Semi-Temporary Color:

These will last a short time (1-4 weeks). The usually incur no damage to the hair. You can expect about 40-60% gray coverage.

A direct dye/stain lies on the surface of the hair very little deposit so fades as washed whilst will blend Grey hair  some types more than others will not give full deposit will build up over time, they s sometimes have an alkaline in them to enable a little deposit.

Temporary/ Color Rinse:

Color lasts from one shampoo to the next and is deposited on the outside of the hair shaft.

As with a Semi permanent these can and do vary in their chemistry and how long they last depend on amount of washing and porosity of the hair, they can cause staining issues

Levels of Hair Color:

1=Black 2= Dark Brown 
3=Dark Brown
 4=Brown
 5=Medium Brown
 6=Light Brown
7=Dark Blonde
8=Light Blonde
9=Very Light Blonde
10=Light Platium Blond:

A standard International colour shade chart:

1black                        1/0

3Dark Brown             3/0

4 Medium Brown       4/0

5 light Brown             5/0

6 Dark Blonde            6/0

7 Medium Blonde       7/0

8 Light Blonde            8/0

9 Clear Blonde            9/0

10 Extra light Blonde   10/0

COLORED HAIR CARE TIPS

Colored and treated hair needs extra special care to keep it in good condition.

Wear hats, scarves or products with sunscreens when in the sun, to help protect against color fade and the drying effects of the sun.

Leave in conditioners generally contain sunscreens to protect against color fade.

Rough shampooing can strip color or dry out hair, so shampoo gently with a shampoo specially created for colored/treated hair.

Condition regularly with an intensive conditioner to restore vital moisture and luster to colored/treated hair.

Use color enhancing conditioners as color grows out to help blend root areas.

Be wary of these colour enhancing products they stain and can effect the hair for future colouring processes :

Do not wrap your wet hair in a towel turban after a shower. The added friction can knot and damage vulnerable wet hair. Instead, carefully blot hair dry.

Don’t brush hair when wet. Comb with a wide-tooth comb, working tangles out as you move from the end towards the scalp.

Don’t overdry. When you blow dry, dry the hair until it is almost but not completely, dry. Leave some moisture in to prevent static.

Well what is over dry? leaving hair damp will make it loose style & shape  Hot ceramic irons take care of all moisture just use a blow dry heat protector don’t leave it damp!

Use care when styling. When using styling appliances, use thermal protector for maximum protection. Avoid aggressive manipulation of the hair.

Well this contradicts the about don’t over dry

Use hairspray or spritz with moisturizers and sunscreens to finish the hair. These products will provide continual protection throughout the day.

personal choice some with silicone will tend to make hair limp

Don’t spray lightening agents or put lemon juice in your hair.

Yippee one to agree with

Support your style with a perm. Just because you have color treated hair doesn’t mean you can’t have a perm. In fact, a perm specially formulated for color treated hair can add wonderful body, fullness and texture to complement your color.

Well who has perms these days colouring and perming is double processing will damage dry out cause colour to fade:

What is written in the heavy print is my view i found this information in this article miss leading and quite scary to think it’s posted as informative educational material.

please please do lots of research when looking for information and advise keep looking until you find articles that are all giving the same advise and information.

Although I offer sound advise. Every head is different the  history on any given head is different so information and advise offered is only guidance. Although I am a qualified  professional i cannot guarantee results on any given head.

If in doubt get a professional consultation it should be free and without commitment. 

All of the topic’s and articles posted are designed and share knowledge and experience Hoping to inspire and raise standards.

Mike B2MR                   http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/   







 
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Posted by on January 31, 2012 in Ammonia free natural hair colour, Beauty hair salon, chemical reactions, colour wheel laws of colour, communication, consultation, corrective hair colour charts, Foaming hair colour, hair chemistry, Hair Colour, hair colour education, HAIR DRESSING INDUSTRY, TIPS TRICKS, THOUGHTS,, health and safety, home hair colour, Metallic salts, The colour wheel

 

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Alkalinity and Ph. The process of hair colouring.

27 Jan

Back2myroots :

A place to share thoughts and grow idea’s. B2MR

When it comes to understanding the chemistry of hair colouring. Get educated not mislead!                         

As Hairdressers when considering doing  hair colour . We owe it to our selves and indeed the client to do the best job possible, more than that give the best service and advise possible, suggesting colour that works with skin tone and eye colour. Work with the best products available, understand the chemistry of the product how it works reacts with hair, what condition with it leave the hair in. Spend some time reading the technical manual in the colour chart know and trust your product.

Many hair colours today claim great condition no Ammonia. However claims of no ammonia does not always mean great condition, some times we sacrifice one evil for another. When no ammonia is present in permanent colour another alkaline is introduced as a replacement or substitute.There has to be a presence of an alkaline for the colouring process to work

We are talking permanent colour.  The process is not the same in Semi or Demi colour but they to can be misleading in their chemical makeup! So always get informed read the black stuff ask questions.

It’s all so complicated. Education, technical knowledge, a greater understanding of the products that you are using is essential. Understand what MEA is another favorite derived from Ethanolamine. Alcohol Denatured. Do you know what this is? It’s alcohol derived from fermented grain used as an alkaline it can be very drying but because a grain by product marketed as being natural! Very misleading

Why does Ammonia get such a bad wrap just because it smells ? The damage it can cause depends on the strength being used and the way applied timing, heat, temperature,

Ammonia! GET’S A BAD WRAP SO THEY CAN RELAUNCH OR SELL A NEW CONCEPT

High lift Blondes have an extra kick! Most hair colour lines have high lift blonde range, these again have an alkaline from some source however it may be that extra lift is promoted. In many cases companies also add  Ethanolamine to their high lift colour to open the cuticle more! They don’t normally advertise or disclose this fact it’s disclosed in the small print on the instructions on the paper work inside the box .

So why is MEA  such an  innovation? MEA now promoted to replace Ammonia can any one enlighten me?

Definition: 

MEA Monoethanolamine:

Can be used as a selective absorber and plays an important role in the production of Ammonia! MEA Monoethanolamine obtained from the reaction of ammonia and Ethylene. Ethlene a bio fuel so we are back to grain Alcohol! but derived from grain so natural! does this make it ok ? Would you think that good for hair?

Definition:

Alcohol denatured:

A general term for organic ingredients that contain the OH (hydroxyl) group. Alcohols differ substantially in their properties ranging from water soluble solvents like isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
Sounds good too!

Definition:

Ammonia:

An alkaline ingredient used in some permanent hair color. Ammonia is an ingredient that results in a chemical action that decolorizes the hair. A colorless, pungent gas, NH3,  first step in the nitrogen cycle. 

Ammonia is generated by fish urine and by the decay of dead fish and plant material. Many professional hair colours have 0.4 to 1.2% Ammonia be aware some companies have levels way above this quite low level of working alkalinity.

The choice dead decaying fish or fermenting Grain both really a natural source.
As we can see although some companies portray natural less harmful chemistry it is not always the case. adding natural oils or waxes to protect scalp to make application easier are all part of this process.

This is why knowledge research are key and empowering when it comes to colouring hair and the choices we make on products must go beyond what the sales rep or promotion material say.

I am not trying to scare just inform encourage thinking research! I think that we also need to cover the important role that understanding Ph chart and the role that it plays in the hair colouring process and indeed the chemistry of all chemical services performed on the hair.

                                       review of  aPh balance chart.

A little help with Ph balance chart: When we do any chemical service on the hair be it. Colour. Perming. Relaxing. We have to create an environment that enables us to get below the surface layer the cuticle layer of the hair ,

This is the outer layer that serves to protect the inner structure from both damage and moisture loss, the inner layer being the cortex and Medulla.

Once we have decide on the service we are going to perform in this case colour. The formulation we choose will dictate the amount of deposit the more we open the cuticle the deeper the deposit.

So understanding Ph, lift, deposit, are key to being able to perform outstanding colour services.

                               Three layers of the hair structure.

Healthy hair should have a Ph of 5 to 5.5  when we introduce an alkaline be it Ammonia which comes in many different strengths the stronger the more it will open the cuticle. The same can be said for other colour drivers MEA, Dealcoholised grain products. All serve the same purpose to manipulate the Ph of the hair to create an environment for performing any chemical service. The stronger the product the more the cuticle will be opened and the more damage can be done.It is essential after a process to re balance the hair and close the cuticle and restore that natural balance of 5.5.

This can be done with a chemical balancing product these normally have a Ph of 2.5 when introduced to the hair it will close the cuticle and restore the ph balance of the hair to 5.5.

Always be aware to consider the hair condition and assess during consultation before deciding on any chemical service knowing and understanding the Ph of hair is key to keeping it healthy and allowing colour retention or retaining moisture after the perming process.

Part of the consultation process should address the condition, porosity, moisture level. issues of fading. colour retention. These are all things effected by the hair’s Ph level being at a correct level.

It is also during this consultation process to not only assess the hair both by touch and visual inspection. but through communication getting a fully in depth history of past products used and indeed products being used at this time.

With so many products that manipulate our Ph mantle opening the cuticle to deposit anything from stains to silicone based products that over time will build up in the hair, note they can cause issues when trying to get even deposit in the colouring process.

This is why it is essential that as stylist’s we have a good all round knowledge of products and how they work on the hair during any chemical process.

Healthy hair should have a Ph of 5 to 5.5  when we introduce an alkaline be it Ammonia which comes in many different strengths the stronger the more it will open the cuticle. The same can be said for other colour drivers MEA, Dealcoholised grain products. All serve the same purpose to manipulate the Ph of the hair to create an environment for performing any chemical service. The stronger the product the more the cuticle will be opened and the more damage can be done.Healthy hair should have a Ph of 5 to 5.5  when we introduce an alkaline be it Ammonia which comes in many different strengths the stronger the more it will open the cuticle. The same can be said for other colour drivers MEA, Dealcoholised grain products. All serve the same purpose to manipulate the Ph of the hair to create an environment for performing any chemical service. The stronger the product the more the cuticle will be opened and the more damage can be done.

Ok a brief stop to review Ph now we can move onto developers with so much more knowledge of the colouring process.

Developers:

This really is such a huge topic and so important choosing the correct strength is the key to success. Developers play such a huge role in the degree of lift and deposit we decide upon, allowing us to expose the pigments we utilise in the hair colour process. The formulation we chose to attain our target colour is a a blend of chosen colour level of developer timing. It’s just like baking the perfect cake! Mess with the recipe it will fail.

Lets work off an example of level 6. Dark Blonde. 6N on most  international colour charts

Depending on the level of peroxide we opt to use. We are going to introduce colour or add undertone from the hairs natural Pigment. {remember level 6 } This gets a little complicated, mainly because in some circles we are mislead as to lift we should expect, from any given strength or volume of  Hydrogen Peroxide. 10 volume or 3% Peroxide: In some circles it’s suggested that it does not lift. I would disagree with this thinking.

The lift you get, is enough to expose the pigment in the hair at that given level. So on our level 6 we would expose Red Orange, by Introducing this warmth into our equation. We have to decide on the role  it plays, how will it influence our colour.

Do we want to Utilize or neutralize the shade exposed? At this point we should consult our shade chart and yes the colour wheel, choose the shade to do the job not just the shade that you like in the swatch! The higher the volume of peroxide the more lift the more pigment to consider.

Note: 

Take a look at a colour wheel if 10 is the lightest then it sits in the yellow segment.

So working from our level 6 what shade would we expose trying to get to level 10? is it possible to get their? lets see.

* 10=  pale yellow off chart

* 9 =    yellow

*8  =     yellow orange

* 7 =    orange

* 6 =    red orange

And so on down the scale.

Level 6 + 10 vol 3% 1 level  still level 6 but with pigment exposed. red orange

Level 6 + 20 vol 3% 2 levels through level 6 up to level 7 orange pigment exposed.

Level 6 +  30 Vol 9% 3 levels through level 6 and 7 into level 8 Yellow Orange pigment exposed.

Level  6 + 40 vol 12% 4 levels through level 6, 7, 8. and into level 9 exposing yellow but still a warm yellow.

4 levels of tint lift. Will not give you lift from level 6 to level 10 you will always struggle with the issue of warmth. { even with a high lift Blonde using adjusted formula with a violet base to neutralize the pigment exposed}.

You should be able to see from this example, that as we lift hair from it’s natural level we expose pigment.This exposed pigment becomes part of our colour formulation,  seeing as we have introduced this pigment into the colour equation  we have to  decide do we want to utilise it or neutralise it. thus creating our target colour. Now we can take time to review and digest the very key points raised for creating perfect colour.

Fact:

Ask your self this question which is the stronger 10 volume hydrogen peroxide or 40 volume?

be honest. I would say that 75% would say 40 Volume!

The fact is they are both the same. the only difference is the 40 vol stays active for longer.[see timing chart]

Think of it like this you have a glass of water in each hand. One glass has 1 alkali dissolving tablet in it this represents 10 vol. The second glass has 4 alkali dissolving tablets in it. This represents 40 vol strength wise they are the same, the only difference is the 4 tablets will fizz for longer.

The difference is not the strength is the longevity of the action in this case lifting! so we are back to formulation and timing.

Having made it this far on our Colour bus journey.We can now appreciate the careful balance that is hair colouring. Having a fuller understanding of the hair’s structure, how we can manipulate it’s Ph, to facilitate the hair colour process. Have a better understanding of lift deposit and how to utilise and neutralise the pigments we expose and use towards out target colour.

You can see the hair colouring process is quite complex and does require thought and knowledge when trying to achieve the very best results.

In closing it was brought to my attention by someone who sent me a question via a hair site about Ph saying that they could not find any information on the subject, I thought this very odd but having looked through the NVQ the offcial guide [Hairdressing foundation] I have to say  i find it very odd that this topic is not covered in some depth.

If you want information on topic’s to ask question go ahead use the section on the Blog.

I hope this is found useful
MikeB2MR
 
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Posted by on January 27, 2012 in Ammonia free natural hair colour, Blonde, chemical reactions, Colour correction, colour wheel laws of colour, colouring Grey hair, communication, consultation, corrective colour chart, Full head hair bleach and tone, hair chemistry, hair colouring lift deposit, Hair lift and deposit, Hair structure and Ph chart, health and safety, Metallic salts, The colour wheel

 

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Young talent training in hairdressing

05 Jan

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR;  regular postings of fresh new topic’s

The future of our industry is new young talent they deserve the very best opportunities help advice and guidance. Yesterday I thought i was sharing  part of my experience with some young level 1 NVQ students  but no the exact opposite i was learning from them they were without knowing it giving to me. Opening my eyes to wants fears and aspirations. Giving in a look into the world and the challenges of these young people and the career they have chosen. I thank them all.

                         http://www.back2myroots.co.uk

Communication sharing service.

The hair Salon and stylists. We all know that the hair industry has many different bodies watching over it supervising it. It has a standard of training that dictate reaching certain levels of the prescribed government training standards these we know here in the UK as NVQ in other countries this differs. We have academies. We have trained teaching professionals, we have colleges and apprenticeship schemes. We have teams of dedicated professional training and supporting these young stylists. We have professional bodies such a HABIA and many dedicated professional educators and consultants.

We have a wealth of young people attracted to our industry. Today I had the pleasure and the opportunity to spend some time with a class of these young training stylists. They have high expectation. They are lead to believe that they can be very successful in some cases reach celebrity status. Sadly this is not always realistic so many young people have expectations but don’t always realise just how committed they have to be to reach the top or how long that journey may take.

Training and sharing with these youngsters is a reminder of how hard it is starting out having left school facing the world and the idea of training for a new career. Tuff we have to be supportive and honest ready to help and offer advice. we asked if they would volunteer for experience in a salon they were all committed and would swap time for opportunity. This raises the question salon owners why don’t you work with your local college give these young stylists a chance! who knows you might just have the next big talent to discover and it would be so rewarding.

This being said my question and one i hope to explore in the coming weeks is. Why do standards vary so much from salon to salon? Why is the skill level so varied? Why does so much badly done hair wonder the streets?

My goal is to go into some salons discuss and report on this. Share a true and real version of how stylist see their industry. what their expectations are.

When wondering around my local area. I often take time to look into the salon’s I pass. It’s a habit caused from many years in our industry and a natural inquisitiveness. The questions i always ask my self are as follows:

Is it inviting? Does it say hey worth a look? Does it have kerb appeal?  You see it’s all about image and first impression you only get to make that once. be that the salon appearance to the first impression we as stylist make.

For me the big no no’s are. Staff standing in and around reception, chatting amongst themselves. Standing out side the front door smoking !!! A window so full of products you cannot see in. In many cases if you have a window work station make sure. The person using the chair is projecting everything that says who you are,what you can do.It’s a stage.

Decor,Street appeal. Image to be totally honest, so many places look a little sad and little neglected. Sadly the staff look the same, Yes they go to work they do their job, But it’s just that a job. Staff all looking professional well dressed and up beat.this does not have to be a uniform. But a keen sense of style and professionalism should be expected and presented. We after all in the fashion business. We are what we present we are the product that is us!!

It should be so much more it’s time for some honest reflection it’s time to make some changes are you ready?

These changes can be in Image. Appearance both salon and staff. Attitude. Service. Consultation. Clients get excited by change and improvements. This leadership from owners managers will lead to staff becoming more involved and committed it can and should be a exciting time.

Staff be they trainee’s or long standing staff members should challenge them selves to look and be professional at all times. Remember that we are in the service industry. Challenge our selves stay current with products, both retail and for salon use.

                              It’s all about style Image

We work in fashion we create image. Project that when you get ready for work, You don’t go out partying on Friday night looking anything but your best, So why would you not apply the same attention to presentation of ones self when going to work?

It’s all about. Image that first impression.Be it salon or self. think as the work place as stage you are the star act that way!!! My spending a afternoon with level one students hungry to learn frustrated that the process can seem slow wanting to know everything be hands on. This creative minds to to be stimulated and yet given structure and order a firm foundation of skill and knowledge delivered in an honest manner.

I write this with thanks to the students for being patient attentive and yet opening my eyes to how daunting and challenging the journey they are on must seem.

More to be followed up on in the coming weeks! Mike B2MR

useful tool to help make those changes. A real gem of a read! see below.

http://www.doubleyoursalonsales.com/

 
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Posted by on January 5, 2012 in Beauty hair salon, communication, consultation, freelance Mobile hair stylists, hair colour education, HAIR DRESSING INDUSTRY, TIPS TRICKS, THOUGHTS,, hair dressing training, Hair dressing training mentoring, Hair salon chair rental, Hair salon consultation, Hair salon service sales., Hair salon service's, Hair stylist consultation, hairdressing business, hairdressing education, health and safety, Qualification., sales and education, salon retail sales, service, Stylist's Certification

 

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Toxic fumes in the hair salon!

29 Nov

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea’s. B2MR

We should now all be aware of the press given to many of the keratin based hair relaxers and the possible health issues from Formaldehyde. Atopic over the past months i have written and warned about.

Not that we in our industry are ever safe from. The fumes we breath and expose our client to. The dyes on our skin if we don’t wear gloves, health and safety should be key first and foremost to us all.

Through net working in a linked in group i have come across this product that might be of interest to many.

We have to in our daily lives protect both our selves and our clients from harmful chemicals and fumes. I have stated many times we have to stay informed and educated sharing this link is just that sharing some information with everyone.

Here it is

THE COMPLETE MOBILE EXTRACTION SOLUTION FOR BRAZILIAN KERATIN HAIR TREATMENT.

http://www.bofa.co.uk/website/beauty/purebeauty-bkt.htm

As you know i have tried over the months to write in an informed manner about some of the issues around the keratin relaxers and have tried not to target any specific company or manufacturer my hope is that this will be helpful to many.

The fumes create from some products have proved to be harmful in some places certain products have been banned . My goal here is not to scare of point blame but promote a  safe healthy working environment  for us all. Some times we have to look at the big picture and think! maybe i should look in to that.Maybe this is one such product

Promoting this link in not an advert! As always I have not been paid or given any consideration to promote this product.

Mike B2MR

 
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Posted by on November 29, 2011 in Beauty hair salon, chemical reactions, hair chemistry, hair colour education, hair dressing training, Hair dressing training mentoring, Hair smoothers relaxers, health and safety, Home hair Straightening kits, Keratin hair relaxer, Metallic salts

 

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