Hair Colour Explained!

Hair Colour Explained At Esente Hair Salon in Wimbledon

Knowing which hair colour to ask for can be confusing, with all the different names of techniques and ever-changing lingo… but at Esente Hair Salon in Wimbledon, we’re here to help. Our expert team have created a simplified guide to help explain what all the different hair colouring terms mean so that when you visit our salon, you'll know exactly what to ask for.

If it’s your first time having your hair colour, or you’re still uncertain what to ask for, don’t worry – our friendly staff are always happy to answer any questions and help you find exactly what you’re looking for. During a consultation, our skilled colourists will also explain how to maintain and look after your hair with the right hair products so that your hair colour remains beautiful in between salon visits.

For those of you that have been getting your hair coloured for years, it’s always good to brush up on your knowledge – especially with new trends emerging on a regular basis. You never know, you may want to change your look by asking your Esente colourist to try out a trendy new hair colouring technique!

If you’ve had a hair colour disaster – at home or another salon – at Esente Hair Salon, we don’t judge. We will immediately come up with a plan to help fix your hair colour problems and return you to a hair colour that you love as soon as possible. With years of experience in hair colouring and correcting hair colour problems, we’ve seen it all, so you can rest assured knowing that your hair is always in the best hands when you come to Esente Hair Salon in Wimbledon.

Important: You must come in for a quick skin test 48 hours before any hair colour appointment to test for any allergies.

Highlights and Lowlights

There are different levels of coverage that you can ask for when it comes to highlights and lowlights.

Highlights themselves are individually painted using bleach or a colour that is lighter than your base hair colour and these painted sections are wrapped in foil. The foil helps the hair colour to develop.

Lowlights are ideal for those with lighter hair that want to add more depth and dimension, or feel that your hair colour is perhaps a little too light. These are added in the same way as highlights and we can tailor the placement to your needs. 

For a full coverage hair colour, you should ask for a full head of highlights or lowlights. For colour that covers all the top and sides of your hair, then ask for a half head of highlights or lowlights. If you want something in-between, then a three-quarter head of highlights and lowlights covers the top, sides and crown of your hair.

Bleach

Sometimes there is a misconception that bleaching your hair will lift it to white blonde straight away. If your hair is already quite light to begin with then this may be possible, however, if you have very dark hair then it is likely that your hair will need to be bleached more than once to achieve the blonde hair colour you are after. Common DIY bleaching problem occur when the bleach is applied like shampoo or without taking into account differing development times for different parts of the head. This is why it is essential to visit a professional when bleaching your hair - we won't leave you with patchy bleached hair or frazzled, broken ends!

You may also need a toner applied to your hair after bleaching to remove any yellow or brassy tones. 

Balayage & Ombré

Often confused with each other, balayage and ombré are on-trend hair colouring techniques that share similarities but with different finished looks.

For a more natural sun-kissed look, opt for balayage as it involves our skilled colourists hand-painting highlights throughout your hair to accentuate where the sun would naturally lighten your hair in a way which also flatters your features. If you want a more noticeable gradient change, then ask for ombré as this is an all over hair colour technique where your hair will be left darker at the roots and noticeably lighter towards the tips of the hair.

The best thing about balayage and ombré is that it doesn’t have to be blonde! We can create balayage and ombre looks using red hair colours, brunettes and even fashion colours using these techniques, our expert team at Esente Hair Salon in Wimbledon can create whatever look you desire.

Semi-Permanent Hair Colour

Semi-permanent colour lasts up to eight weeks and gently fades with each wash. Semi-permanent colours are perfect for those that are new to hair colour as it means you can try it out without the commitment. Semi-permanent hair colour is also great for those of you that like changing your look frequently, as when it washes out you can try something different again!

This type of hair colour is ideal for fashion colours such as bold colours or pastel hair colours. However, it is worth noting that these shades will show up with more intensity on lighter hair than darker hair. Make sure to speak to your Esente colourist and let them know what you’re hoping to achieve with your hair colour, and they will explain the right products and techniques to get the look you desire.

Book Your Appointment At Esente Hair Salon in Wimbledon

Now you know the most important hair colouring terms, make sure to book in for a consultation to ask us any questions and begin your hair colour journey to achieve the look you’ve always been after! To book your appointment just call us on 020 8946 4875 or book online using the pop-up button at the side of the page.