It’s no secret that hair color can be a tricky process.
Sometimes it takes, sometimes it doesn’t.
But what are the reasons behind why your hair color may not take? Is it because your hair is too porous? Or maybe the ends of your hair just won’t hold the color.
Whatever the reason, this article will help you to understand.
Read our guide to the top 11 reasons why your hair color won’t take and find out what you can do to fix the issue.
What Causes Hair Color Not to Take? 11 Reason’s Why
1) Your hair is too porous:
If your hair is porous, then the color will not adhere to the hair shaft as well and it may fade more quickly. There are a few things you can do to help minimize this:
– Use a good quality color protecting shampoo and conditioner as this will help to seal the cuticle and protect your hair from fading.
– Try using a colour-enhancing shampoo and conditioner before you dye your hair – this will help to create a barrier between the hair and the dye
– Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to help add moisture to your hair this will help to plump up the cuticle and make it harder for the color to escape.
2) The ends of your hair won’t take color:
The ends of your hair are the oldest and most damaged, so they are the least likely to hold color.
To help ensure that the color takes evenly, try trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks. You can also try using a color-depositing conditioner on your ends to help them hold the color.
3) You’re using the wrong type of dye:
Not all dyes are created equal – some will work better on certain hair types than others. If you’re having trouble getting your hair to take color, try switching to a dye that is specifically designed for your hair type.
We would recommend trying the L’Oreal Excellence Creme range, as it is designed for medium to dark hair and comes in a range of shades to suit all skin tones.
4) You’re not using enough dye:
If you’re not using enough dye, then it won’t have enough of an impact to change the color of your hair. Be sure to follow the instructions on the box carefully, and use enough dye to cover your entire head.
5) You’re using the wrong developer:
If you’re using the wrong developer, then your hair color may not take. Be sure to use the developer that is recommended on the box, and don’t mix different developers together.
6) You’re not waiting long enough for the dye to process:
If you’re not waiting long enough for the dye to process, then it won’t have enough time to take. Be sure to leave the dye on for the amount of time recommended on the box.
7) You’re using too many developers:
If you’re using too much developer, then your hair color may not take. Be sure to use the number of developers recommended on the box, and don’t mix different developers together.
8) Hair Processes Better When It’s Damaged:
It’s the weirdest thing but damaged hair processes better.
Color chemicals must first loosen the outer layers of the hair, allowing the pigment to adhere to the strands. It’s simply more convenient if the cuticle layers are damaged.
The new hair or growth is stronger than the surrounding hair. As a result, it won’t relax sufficiently, allowing color molecules to enter. The color has to change if the molecules don’t get in.
9) Is the Water Hard or Soft?
The water used to clean your hair is also important. If the water is too hard, it indicates there will be a lot of minerals added to your hair that you don’t want. In this situation, the new color fades as a result.
10) The Water Temperature
Hot water is beneficial for hair cleaning since it opens the pores. It isn’t so wonderful, though, on colour-treated hair.
Warm water is preferable in this case and particularly for individuals with red hair. You should follow up with a cold water rinse to seal the cuticles.
11) Swimming
Swimming is bad for your hair and scalp, but it may be beneficial to the body. Swimming in water with a lot of chlorine is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
It will exacerbate the condition of your locks, potentially resulting in split ends and breakage.
Is My Hair Too Porous to Hold Color?
If you’ve been struggling to get your hair to hold color, you may be wondering if your hair is too porous.
Porous hair can be a challenge when it comes to hair color because the color can easily wash out. If your hair is porous, there are a few things you can do to help it hold color better.
One thing you can do is use a hair color primer. A hair color primer helps to create a barrier between the color and your hair, which will help it to last longer.
You can also use a hair mask or conditioner before you color your hair. This will help to seal in the color and keep it from fading.
If your hair is really porous, you may need to use a color depositing shampoo and/or conditioner. These products help to deposit pigment into your hair, which will help the color to last longer.
How To Make Sure The Ends Of Your Hair Take Color
Trim Your Hair
Another reason your hair color may not take is that the ends of your hair are dry and damaged.
The ends of your hair are the oldest and most damaged parts of your hair. This is because they have been exposed to the sun, wind, and other elements for the longest amount of time.
If the ends of your hair are dry and damaged, they will be more likely to break and/or fade. If your ends are really dry and damaged, you may need to trim them. Trimming the ends of your hair will help to get rid of the damaged ends and make them less likely to fade or break.
Color Protecting Shampoo
One way to help the ends of your hair take color is to use a color-protecting shampoo and/or conditioner. These products will help to protect your hair from the sun and other elements, which will help the color to last longer.
Hair Mask
You can also use a hair mask or conditioner before you color your hair. This will help to seal in the color and keep it from fading.
Use A Hot Oil Treatment
Alternatively, a hot oil treatment may be used. Hair dye is extremely drying, and if your tips are dried out, this might be the reason why your hair color isn’t sticking.
Don’t Over-Wash
A natural layer of oil on your scalp protects you from the worst effects of the color, allowing it to adhere better.
Use The Right Products
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and purchase products that contain as few chemicals as possible to maintain the health of your hair.
It’s better to use natural substances that are not tested on animals. Avoiding heated styling equipment is also a good idea, so don’t overuse your curling iron!
How To Make Sure Your Hair Color Takes Every time
There are a few things you can do to make sure your hair color takes every time.
One thing you can do is use a hair color primer. A hair color primer helps to create a barrier between the color and your hair, which will help it to last longer.
You can also use a hair mask or conditioner before you color your hair. This will help to seal in the color and keep it from fading.
If your hair is really porous, you may need to use a color depositing shampoo and/or conditioner. These products help to deposit pigment into your hair, which will help the color to last longer.
Another thing you can do is make sure you are using the correct developer and shampoo for your hair color. If you are using the wrong developer or shampoo, it will be more difficult for your hair color to take.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to get your hair color to take every time.
Conclusion
If you’ve been struggling to get your hair to hold color, try using a hair color primer, a hair mask or conditioner before you color your hair, or a color depositing shampoo and/or conditioner.
You can also make sure you are using the correct developer and shampoo for your hair color. If you follow these tips, you should be able to get your hair color to take every time.
So, your hair color just won’t seem to stay put? You’re not alone.