THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HAIR POROSITY AND COLOR APPLICATION
Ready to dive into a fresh Overtone shade? Proper prep is the secret to vibrant, even, damage-free results. Follow this step-by-step guide before your next semi-permanent color session to ensure your hair is the perfect canvas for pigment deposit.
1. ASSESS YOUR BASE: HAIR HEALTH & POROSITY
Before you color, know your starting point:
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Porosity Test: Use the float test (strand in water), slip ’n’ slide, or spray-bottle methods to determine if your hair is low, medium, or high porosity.
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Why It Matters: Porosity dictates how quickly your hair will absorb pigment and how long it will hold color. Low porosity may need gentle heat or longer processing; high porosity may require shorter deposit times to avoid patchiness.
Tip: Record your porosity level in a styling journal for future reference.
2. CLARIFY & REMOVE BUILDUP
Old oils, silicone-based products, and mineral deposits block color uptake. Start fresh:
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Shampoo with The Fader Clarifying Shampoo
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Targets hard-water minerals, styling residue, and excess oil.
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Rinse Thoroughly
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Use lukewarm water to dissolve impurities without shocking the cuticle.
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Towel-Dry Gently
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Hair should be damp, not dripping, for the next conditioning step.
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3. REPAIR & HYDRATE WITH THE GLOSS
A healthy, hydrated strand holds pigment more uniformly:
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Apply The Gloss Shine-Reviving Treatment Mask
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Work ½ teaspoon through mid-lengths and ends.
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Process under a shower cap for 10 minutes.
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Rinse with Cool Water
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Seals cuticles to lock in moisture and prepare for color.
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4. BALANCE pH & SMOOTH THE CUTICLE
A Semi-permanent pigments thrive when cuticles lie flat:
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Skip the Conditioner after The Gloss (your mask has done the work).
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Spritz in a pH-Balancing Rinse (DIY: dilute ¼ cup apple cider vinegar in 2 cups water) for 1 minute.
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Final Cool Rinse to seal cuticles at pH 4.5–5.5.
Alternate: If you prefer ready-made, use a light spray of ColorLock™ Daily Conditioner as a pH finish.
5. TRIM & TACKLE SPLIT ENDS
Even the best formulas can cling inconsistently to frayed ends:
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Dust Your Ends: Visit your stylist or carefully trim ¼–½ inch at home.
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Why It Helps: Clean ends mean smoother pigment deposit and healthier overall look.
6. PROTECT YOUR SCALP & HAIRLINE
Semi-permanent color is gentle, but a little barrier goes a long way:
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Apply a Thin Layer of Petroleum Jelly around your hairline and on ears to prevent staining.
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Wear Gloves to keep hands pigment-free.
7. SECTION & SECURE FOR PRECISION
Organized sections ensure even color:
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Divide Hair into 4–6 Sections from ear to ear and crown to nape.
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Use Clips or Hair Ties that won’t snag or leave dents.
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Label Sections (Optional): Use small sticky notes or a styling chart on your mirror to track processing times if you vary shades.
8. SECTION & SECURE FOR PRECISION
If you have resistant, low-porosity strands:
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Use a Low-Heat Hooded Dryer or wrap in a warm towel for 5 minutes before color.
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Why: Gentle heat lifts the cuticle, improving pigment uptake without damage.
9. GATHER YOUR OVERTONE TOOLKIT
Have everything within arm’s reach:
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Color Depositing Daily Conditioner in your chosen shade(s)
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Purple & Blue Color Toning Conditioners for brass control
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The Gloss Treatment Mask for pre-color hydration
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ColorCare Sulfate-Free Shampoo and The Fader Clarifying Shampoo
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Petroleum jelly, gloves, mixing bowl, tint brush, clips, timer, and a towel
10. READY, SET, COLOR!
With your hair freshly prepped, you’re set for a flawless semi-permanent application. Follow Overtone’s in-tube instructions for processing times and enjoy salon-quality vibrancy from home.
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FAQs FROM THE OVERTONE COMMUNITY
Q: How soon after prepping can I color?
A: You can apply color immediately after your final cool rinse and sectioning—no wait time needed.
Q: Can I skip the clarifying shampoo?
A: For best results, always clarify. If you have sensitive or dry hair, use The Fader once monthly and rinse with ColorCare Shampoo on color day.
Q: Do I need to deep-condition after coloring?
A: Yes—use The Gloss Treatment Mask once a week to maintain moisture and color longevity.
Q: Will a pH rinse interfere with color?
A: No. A quick vinegar or conditioner rinse levels pH without stripping pigment—porosity and color uptake improve.
Q: How often should I prep my hair before a color session?
A: Perform this full prep every time you reapply semi-permanent color, generally every 3–5 weeks, depending on fade rate.