Colour

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Our hair expert Shade Oloniyo from Josh Hair & Beauty answers your hair colour queries

Need solutions for your hair problems?
Please write to:
Shade Oloniyo
BBH/Josh Hair & Beauty
95 Church Street
Croydon
Surrey CR0 1RN

TO GREY OR NOT TO GREY
I am a little concerned about the amount of grey hair I have developed over the last 18 months. I am not sure if I am more worried about going grey at the age of 28, or the grey hair itself. What are my options? Please don’t advise me to dye my hair black (yuck!)
Dyeing the hair black can be quite trendy and striking and also conceals a multitude of sins such as breakage, split ends and gives fine hair, the illusion of body and density. However it can be more of an eyesore when new growth comes through, as the colour contrast can be quite stark, and the need for regular colouring will become frustrating. You could opt for a mid-range colour from the brown/bronze family, which will blend better, and not look as obvious when new growth appears, which will be quite rapid, as white/grey hair grows at a faster rate. Go for a funky new cut, to accentuate the colour and to sport a youthful look.
MULTICOLOURED
I put a colour on my hair using a home kit that was recommended by a friend. I used the honey blonde shade but the hair looked nothing like the intended colour. It was light towards the roots and darker towards the ends with some areas not changed at all. I followed the instructions carefully. What went wrong?
Hair colouring can be one of the most complex areas in hairdressing, and although there are numerous DIY kits on the market, I strongly suggest you have your hair diagnosed properly prior to colouring in order to avoid inconsistency.

Problem 1: Lighter roots.
This is caused because the application of the colour on the roots was left on too long. The roots require less processing time as the body heat is higher and acts as a catalyst.

Problem 2: Darker ends This is due to poor application of colour and not leaving it on for a sufficient amount of time.
The middle length and ends should be applied first then left until you see a slight colour change. Then, lift before applying to root area. If the ends take too long to change colour, manipulate the hair shaft in a downward motion using the palms of your hands (gloves on). This will keep it warm, alternatively ensure the room is at a moderate temperature.
GET TONED
I want to change my hair colour but I don’t know where to start. Any suggestions?
Streaked high and low lights and colour opposites are not the way to go when you want to change shades. Colour works best when it’s subtle and eye- catching. Complementing tones are a plus this summer to jazz up any of the current hair trends. Dark and medium toned rouge blended into perfect high and low lights look amazing on black sisters. The same goes for dark coppers and blondes. Solid full head colour is also great for allowing texture in a cut to show through. Whether it is solid black, dark brown, deep red, copper, or plum, full head colour gives a glossy, smooth finish to any layered cut. For finer hair textures, go for deeper, darker shades as they add depth, giving the illusion of a fuller head of hair.
LIGHTEN UP
I have dark natural hair and I would like to go blonde without the use of bleach. Is this possible to achieve?
Depending on your desired shade of blonde, the good news is this is possible. By using a high-lift tint that works with peroxide and not bleach, you can get colours such as cinnamon and honey blonde. In my salon I like to work with Goldwell because it uses a high-lift tint accompanied by a blonding cream which lifts dark natural shades. If you want anything lighter than a honey or golden blonde then I'm afraid you would have to use bleach. Whichever method you do decide to use, make sure it is done by a professional and qualified stylist.

(Hair by Hype Coiffure)
BLONDE AMBITION
Please can you advise me on colouring my hair. I like the blonde look and want it done all over. My hair at the moment is relaxed and is about 10 inches long.
I wouldn’t recommend you proceed with this colouring as your hair will require several applications of peroxide and bleach in order to lighten it to this intense shade. However, if your hair was not chemically processed (natural) it would be able to withstand the severity of the colouring application. Also, as your hair is relaxed you will not be able to use styling implements as this would dry the hair out a lot, causing brittle texture and sometimes a tarnished yellow tinge. So yes, you can achieve a blonde colour but your hair must be kept natural and you must eliminate the use of tongs, hairdryers and excessive sunlight in order to retain the colour vitality and prevent breakage.