5 Mistakes Naturals Make with Color Treated Hair

Hair color is an art and science. In the right hands color can be a masterpiece and in the wrong hands color can be a disaster. We want you all to be informed consumers when seeking out hair color services. This blog post will discuss 5 mistakes we believe naturals make with color treated hair and tips for avoiding these mistakes. Now, let’s dive in!

Mistake #1: Believing You Can Go to Any Stylist to Get Hair Color

It’s very important to thoroughly vet out a stylist before booking an appointment to receive a color service. We highly recommend sifting through their website and even Instagram page to look through their work. Do they have examples of colors done on natural + tight curls? If you care about your curls, it’s important to partner with a stylist who understands the integrity of curls. In stylist speak, integrity deals with the condition, strength and overall healthiness of the hair. If your curl integrity is important to you, it’s important to seek a stylist who shares that same philosophy.

We highly recommend booking a color consultation with a stylist before making the leap to book an appointment. Our Cut It Kinky Alumni Stylist Directory contains a full list of independent stylists who work with tight curls, and you may be able to even find a few colorists on that list.

Mistake #2: Not Bringing Inspiration Photos to Your Salon Appointment

To help give the stylist direction as to what look you’re going for, we highly recommend bringing a few inspiration photos with you to your hair color appointment. The inspiration photos don’t necessarily have to reflect women with natural hair, but it definitely helps the stylist better understand the specific look you’re seeking. It’s also important to note that your hair may not look 100% like the photos you bring along with you. It’s intended purpose is for inspiration, not necessarily how your exact color will turn out.

Mistake #3: If You’re Following Any Hair Care Practices from Youtube, You’re Not Ready for Color

Your hair must first be in the proper condition to receive hair color.

Proper hair care would mean that you’re:

• Properly cleansing your hair with shampoo on a regular basis (every 7-10 days)

• You’re using water soluble products and steering far away from oils and butters, food in the hair and any other Youtube trend

• You’re partnered with a stylist to receive regular maintenance cuts and more

If you’re seeking hair care advice from people from Youtube who are not professional stylists, this could be a set up for an uncomfortable position where you can experience color damage, because your hair wasn’t in the position to receive color from the very beginning.

Mistake #4: Believing Certain Hair Colors Cannot Work For You

If you’ve ever said or listened to others say you cannot get a certain color like red/blonde because you’re too dark, light, fat, etc that’s simply not true. You can wear any color that your heart desires, but finding the right tone of the color that works for you is important. Warm or cool, subtle or strong? These are the topics to discuss with your colorist to find a shade that flatters your complexion and personality. The possibilities are endless.

Mistake #5: Improper Color Hair Care

We’re strong believers in color doesn’t jack up hair, people with color jack up hair. Hair color requires a new responsibility set with maintenance. You must cleanse your hair on a regular basis with quality products and even do at-home hair treatments if necessary. Receiving hair color is like buying a new luxury car. That new luxury car that you just purchased will now require premium gas, not regular unleaded gas. Your new color will require you to take very good care of it in order to preserve your curl integrity. We highly recommend consulting with your stylist to determine your specific after care instructions and which products you should use at home.

Want more specific hair tips on color? Our SeeSomeCurls Visual Library contains pre-recorded video content where we further explain best practices for hair color, answer questions and troubleshoot scenarios specific to you in our discussion forum and much more! Learn more.