Colouring the hair is fun! And we completely understand with all of this free time we have on our hands we can dye our hair whatever colour because… Who is going to see us if it looks bad? No one. Maybe Mr and Mrs Smith from next-door, but that’s okay. The next day you can just dye it back to normal (cues incorrect buzzer).
You see curlfriends, before colour dying your hair it is so crucial to ensure we have a healthy foundation of hair to begin with. As I am sure you are aware of when Aunt Maisie dyed her hair – the damage showed on her once was luscious locks. This is because the chemicals in hair dye can tarnish the hair fibres if you have not already got healthy hair and a moisture enriched regime.
Before Taking the Plunge
So, what are the differences between hair dyes? The first thing to note is that there are three main types:
1. Permanent
Permanent colouring consists of using hydrogen peroxide and ammonia-based products. This method of dying is required when wanting to drastically and permanently dye the hair.
The hydrogen peroxide and ammonia molecules lift the cuticle layers of the hair to allow for colour deposition. This ensures that it will stay in the hair permanently. The coloured molecules that start smaller will then expand in the hair shaft and allows for the colour to not wash out.
2. Semi-permanent
Semi-permanent hair colours are less damaging to the hair fibres due to the scientific formulation of molecules.
The molecules are much larger and cannot completely penetrate the hair shaft; this is also because it deposits colour only and partially penetrates. However, semi-permanent hair colours tend to be more effective with darkening textured tresses more so than lifting/lightening.
3. Temporary Colour Rinses
The safest way to dye your hair is with a temporary colour rinse. Although you are limited to colour choice, it is an effective method to use on either already dyed hair to help protect the cuticle layers of the hair or it can simply help make the hair look enriched, darker and glossier.
Regarding its molecular formulation, temporary colour rinses’ molecules are so large that it can only coat the outside of those cuticle layers. The molecules are simply too large to enter the cortex of the hair shaft. Additionally, temporary colour rinses are only useful for darkening and not lightening the hair. These type of hair colours imitate behaviours of protein-based products and are brilliant protectors of the cuticle layer.
Practice Makes Better
Some of us here at Flora & Curl have coloured curls too! Here is our coloured-curl specific regimen that will enrich those curls, nourish those ends and revitalise those roots.
Pre-pooing will make all the difference on wash day. Give those thirsty curlies some hydration and moisture before washing. We advise using ourAfrican Citrus Bloom Superfruit Hair Oilto pre-poo. Simply section the hair in either four or more twists or plaits and ensure each section gets a healthy dose of our hair oil. Ensure your scalp gets that moisture and hydration from the products – for hair to get to parts of the scalp, simply spritz theJasmine Oasis Hydrating Mist.
3. Post Pre-Poo
Once you have plaited/twisted the hair into sections tie the hair up (leaving plaits/twists in) with theVegan Satin Scrunchies and cover with theInsulated Shower Cap. Leave the shower cap on for 30 minutes to allow for all plant-based goodness to enter the hair follicles.
4. Time to Shampoo
Unravel your twists and plaits and wash with our Rose Water & Honey Cream Shampoo. Our shampoo will revitalise the hydration within the hair and scalp and provide a gentle yet cleansing lather to help lift product residue from the scalp.
5. Deep Condition
After you have thoroughly washed and rinsed the hair, simply blot gently the water droplets and apply ourRose Water & Honey Cream Conditioner. Once this has been placed on the hair and scalp, pop on theInsulated Shower Cap to complete a 15-minute deep condition. Rinse thoroughly the remaining conditioner with just water, detangle with fingers and then towel blot with theGentle Curl Towel– this doesn’t need to be completely dry.
6. Styling!
Our favourite part of wash day. We can finally see how changing regimens affect the hair and its curl patterns for the greater good! We advise using ourSweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotionas a primer to ourSweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel. The lotion will provide a great moisture base for the protein to be applied on top.
#7 Air-dry or Blow-dry?
Heat, when you don’t need it, is unnecessary. Don’t deprive those curls if you don’t need to. Luckily, in quarantine, we don’t have many places to go so now is the perfect time to allow your hair to naturally dry and form beautiful, bouncy curls and coils!
That is it! Make sure your coloured-curls get the nourishment they need to thrive, grow and maintain vibrancy in colour. We hope this helped all of you colour-treated curly girls out there! Let us know how you got on with this coloured-curl regimen, we just love to see transformations! Tag us at #floracurl
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Happy World Environment Day! We love days like these as we get to acknowledge our accomplishments within the avenues of eco-friendliness. And it is all thanks to your continuous support that we can support our environment.
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I have fine, curly hair and it’s hard to find a product that doesn’t weigh it down. These products have been a game changer for me. It took about 2 times to figure out how much product (cream and gel) I needed to use, but once I figured it out, my hair was amazing!! I was able to use just the spray alone to refresh my hair 4 days in a row, which I never have been able to do! The shampoo and conditioner also really helped my dry, bleached hair become soft and not so tangled! I am in love with these products!
soft shiny curls that lasted a mosh-pit with no problem!
Love this. It feels light, didn’t notice a smell (and I have a problem with most scented things), lasted well and doesn’t feel like I’ve got anything in my hair - unlike most other products I’ve tried
I am really impressed by these products. I have always thought my hair was wavy-ish, but with these products, I have found my inner mermaid. My waves are defined and finally there's no frizz haunting my crown. Excellent products- there's no crunch or stickiness. My hair is super soft and lasts to the next day and beyond. Recommended to my Mum who also loves the kit, especially the refresh mist- and we never like the same curl products!
I used this with the matching conditioner and my experience was kind of dominated by how much I disliked the conditioner. The shampoo was but I wasn’t wowed by it. The fragrance was not strong. I won’t be getting this line again but I will try the citrus shampoo still. I love the Flora and Curl gel so much that I think it’s maybe just this particular product line that doesn’t work for me, not the brand.
