Introduction
Yes, you can apply Color Touch hair color to dry hair. Color Touch is a semi-permanent hair color made by Clairol that deposits color onto the hair without lifting or lightening the natural pigment. Unlike permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent colors like Color Touch contain no ammonia or peroxide, so they can be safely applied directly to dry, unwashed hair. Applying Color Touch to dry hair allows the color to better coat the cuticle for more vivid, longer-lasting results. As long as your hair is clean and product-free, using Color Touch on dry hair is an easy at-home coloring option.
How does Color Touch work on dry hair?
Color Touch is a direct dye hair color, meaning it deposits color onto the hair’s surface rather than lifting the cuticle and altering the natural pigment. Direct dyes contain small color molecules that can penetrate and stain the hair shaft without needing to be activated by a developer. When applied to dry hair, the Color Touch formula coats the outer cuticle and some of the color pigments are able to pass through to the inner cortex. The color results will be more subtle and translucent since Color Touch does not use a developer to open up the cuticle first. But applying direct dye to dry hair allows more color to adhere to the surface for maximum vibrancy.
Can you apply Color Touch to dirty hair?
It’s best to apply Color Touch to clean, dry hair that is free of any residual styling products like gel, mousse, oils or sprays. Any buildup on the hair can create a barrier that prevents the Color Touch from properly adhering and depositing evenly. The clean surface of dry hair allows the color to coat every strand for the most vivid results. Washing your hair 12-24 hours before coloring is ideal, as dirty or oily hair may cause the color to fade or appear splotchy. But you do not need to shampoo immediately before applying Color Touch. The coloring process will work best on dry, freshly cleaned hair.
Does your hair need to be pre-lightened first?
One of the benefits of an ammonia-free semi-permanent hair color like Color Touch is that it does not require any pre-lightening or bleaching of your natural base color first. Since it deposits color rather than lifts your underlying pigment, Color Touch can be applied directly to virgin, non-color treated hair for subtle but noticeable color effects. Those with light to medium blonde or light brown hair will see the most vibrant results, while those with dark brown to black hair may only notice a tint of color. But Color Touch can still be applied to any natural shade without pre-lightening. Just avoid applying it to color-treated or highlighted hair, which may turn out uneven or muddy.
What are the steps for applying Color Touch to dry hair?
Here is a step-by-step guide for properly applying Color Touch to clean, dry hair:
| 1. | Wash and towel-dry your hair until completely dry. |
| 2. | Put on the plastic gloves provided in the Color Touch kit. This will keep your hands from getting stained. |
| 3. | Twist open the color tube and use the pointed applicator tip to pierce through the seal. |
| 4. | Apply Color Touch directly to dry hair in 1/4 inch sections, beginning closest to the roots. Satuate hair thoroughly from roots to ends. |
| 5. | Use the comb provided to evenly distribute and blend the product through each section of hair. |
| 6. | Allow the color to process for 25-35 minutes. Keep your hair saturated by applying more color as needed. |
| 7. | Rinse thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. |
| 8. | Follow up with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. |
Always follow the complete application and timing instructions provided with your specific formula and shade of Color Touch. Results may vary depending on your hair type and base color.
What precautions should you take when applying to dry hair?
To get the best results from using Color Touch on dry hair, follow these tips:
– Strand test first to check your hair’s tolerance and how the shade will turn out.
– Wear the gloves provided to avoid staining your skin and nails.
– Work in sections and saturate hair thoroughly, using more product as needed.
– Don’t apply to ends only as they will appear more saturated. Focus on the roots.
– Use a comb to evenly distribute the product from roots to ends.
– Keep the color away from your hairline, ears and skin to avoid staining.
– Do not leave on too long or the shade may darken unexpectedly.
– Rinse thoroughly with warm water and use a sulfate-free shampoo.
– Avoid getting your hair wet for 1-2 days after coloring for maximum longevity.
What are the benefits of applying Color Touch to dry hair?
There are a few advantages to using semi-permanent hair color like Color Touch on clean, dry hair rather than freshly washed hair:
- More color adheres to the cuticle for brighter, longer-lasting results.
- Less water content allows the dye to penetrate better for more vivid color deposit.
- The cuticle lies flat so color takes evenly for minimal hot roots.
- No need to blow dry or heat style prior to applying.
- Lack of ammonia or peroxide makes it gentle to use on dry hair.
- Color washes out gradually over 4-6 weeks as hair grows out.
Applying direct dyes like Color Touch to dry hair is a quick, convenient at-home coloring option for low-commitment color effects. Always spot test first and follow all label directions for best results.
What’s the final verdict on using Color Touch on dry hair?
Color Touch can definitely be applied directly to clean, dry hair for subtle, temporary color with no mixing required. The semi-permanent formula adheres well to dry hair, depositing even, vibrant color that lasts 4-6 weeks. Without the need to pre-lighten or use a developer, Color Touch adds a sheer tint to hair when applied to dry, unwashed strands. For optimal results, ensure hair is product-free and work the color thoroughly from roots to ends. Color Touch on dry hair is a simple at-home coloring technique for low-maintenance color touch ups.
Conclusion
Yes, Color Touch semi-permanent hair color can be safely and effectively applied to clean, dry hair without pre-washing first. The direct dye formula coats dry hair well to deposit subtle even color that lasts 4-6 weeks. While results may be more translucent than permanent color, applying Color Touch to dry unwashed hair allows the color to better adhere to strands for maximum vibrancy. As long as hair is clean and product-free, use Color Touch on dry hair anytime for easy, damage-free color touch ups. Follow all instructions provided and perform a strand test first to check your hair’s tolerance and the shade outcome before full application.
