Most hairdressers don’t quite understand what makes grey hair so resistant to color. Sometimes it is because the hair has been coated with silicone that is not water soluble. However, MOST of the time it is because grey hair is extremely hard hair. It has many more layers of cuticle than pigmented hair, and those cuticle layers or very tightly packed down.
If you do a Wet Stretch Test on grey hair you will find that the hair does not stretch at all. Therefore, before coloring with Organic Color Systems we recommend that you pre-shampoo with Organic Care Systems’ Aqua Boost Shampoo 2 times prior to applying the color. Towel dry the hair and repeat the Wet Stretch Test. If the hair stretches then you may proceed by applying color to the damp hair. Why damp hair? Because damp hair, like a damp sponge will absorb more than dry hair, and with resistant grey hair the key is penetration. If the hair still does not stretch then apply an Aqua Boost Reconstructing Treatment to the hair, cap and place under a medium dryer for 15 mins. When you repeat the Wet Stretch Test the hair should stretch up to 30% of its length and return to normal.
This technique applies no matter what color line you are using, however since Organic Color Systems is 100% ammonia free and one of the gentlest color lines on the market, you may need to coax this hair along in order to get the best possible color results.
As always, I hope you found this Technical Tip helpful.
