Hair Colouring

These days with celebrities sporting everything from white, to blonde to crayon red hair, I've been getting a lot of questions about coloring. Although coloring relaxed hair does not seem like a big deal, the decision to color natural hair and dreadlocks may be difficult.

Dying dreadlocks can be so damaging that some hairdressers refuse to do it because it can (and often does result in breakage). Breakage may occur because it's difficult to completely remove the chemicals from tightly matted dreadlocks.

The chemicals left in the hair then dries, but continues to eat away at the dreadlock and eventually causing it to break off. Therefore some suggest coloring your hair before you begin the dreadlocking process. The downside is that eventually you'll have newgrowth and will need to decide if you want to recolor.

It's also important to note that any chemical process will alter the hairs' natural state. The more permanent the dye and the more drastic the color change, the greater the effect on the hair shaft.

If you plan on coloring at home, be sure to use a color that is within the same family as your natural hair color.  Over the counter products are cheaper for a reason and after reviewing the results of testing done by reputable agencies such as Consumer Reports, you'd probably be better off going to a professional.

 In this section I'll discuss everything from the effects of colorants on African hair, to what to look for when you make that final decision, to coloring on your own.   As always, consult a licensed professional before attempting any style.