Q&A for How to Apply a Color Rinse

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Question

How long do you leave color on your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You should follow the instructions. Most colors process for 15-30 minutes, but some need up to an hour.

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Question

Do you wash your hair after you dye it?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, you should always wash the dye out of your hair after the recommended processing time. Leaving it in could irritate your scalp and result in unexpected shifts in the color.

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Question

What is a color rinse for hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A color rinse is a type of semi-permanent color that works with your natural hair color. It is designed to provide a subtle tonal change.

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Question

How long do you have to wait to dye your hair after you wash it?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can apply a color rinse, semi-permanent, or demi-permanent color immediately after washing your hair. For permanent color, it is best to wait 24 hours.

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Question

I have hairlocs in my hair, and I use a rinse to touch up my gray, but I don't rinse it out. Am I damaging my hair by skipping the rinse?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Leaving the rinse on your hair and not washing it out is unhealthy for your hair. It must be rinsed out after the allotted time frame.

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Question

Wash hair once, then apply rinse, and wash again? Do I condition?

Community Answer

You don't actually wash a second time. You simply lather the color rinse into your hair and then rinse it out. Conditioning afterward is optional.

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Question

Do I wet my hair before applying the rinse?

Community Answer

No. It should be applied to dry hair.

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Question

Why do I have to apply the rinse on dry hair?

Community Answer

Dry hair absorbs the color better.

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Question

Why does my rinse come out after only a few minutes of coloring?

Community Answer

Is your hair extremely damaged or porous? Has it been previously bleached? If there isn't much pigment for the rinse to hold on to, it can easily wash out.

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Question

Do I need to bleach my hair before adding color?

Community Answer

If you have dark hair, yes, you will need to bleach it in order for the color to show up well. Even if you have blond hair, it is still a good idea to bleach first so the color appears more vibrant.

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Question

Can you color your hair with a rinse the day after dying it?

Community Answer

It's not a good idea for your hair. You should wait a minimum of three days.

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Question

Is it all right to condition my hair before applying a rinse?

Community Answer

Yes, as that is the direction that most conditioner bottles will give you.

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Question

My rinse says to shampoo my hair before I use the rinse. What will happen if I don't shampoo my hair?

Community Answer

Probably nothing, this is just the suggestion for best results.

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Question

Do I need to use any developer or any other products?

Community Answer

Yes. They will help you very much. You need to buy them from top brands like Mac or Calvin Klein.

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Question

Can I hang it to dry instead of using a dryer?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

Do I use shampoo to rinse out color?

Community Answer

No. After you have colored your hair, you should wait at least a few hours before shampooing your hair. If you shampoo your hair right away, the color fades away faster.

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Question

My hairdresser just added a rinse to my hair. It is too dark now. How can I make it lighter?

Community Answer

The easiest way is to dye it, but there are a few natural options that may or may not work, like applying lemon. Check out this article on How to Lighten Your Hair Naturally .

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Question

When I get a rinse, my black rinse causes my hair to feel brittle and somewhat matted. What am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

Try brushing your hair first and then going in the shower and getting your hair thoroughly wet, before applying the dye and brushing it through again.

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Question

Is the hair conditioner applied before or after the rinse?

Community Answer

After. Conditioning hair before, can stop color process. Your hair should be free of any hair product.

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Question

I put Clairol born blonde on my hair and left it on to long and my hair my hair is a bright yellow blonde. What do I put on it to tone it down?

Community Answer

Purple shampoo, such as Clairol shimmering lights or Fanola, would work. Do not use yellow shampoo.

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