Color bath: a great recipe for working with blonde

But in this material we will tell you how this method can be useful and what disadvantages it has.

Alexey Baluev , co-founder of LONG & SHORT hair academy and LONG & SHORT beauty salon, winner of the “Colorist 2019” nomination of the International Stella Prize and two-time champion of Ukraine, practicing colorist, successful teacher

Many consider color baths to be a relic of the Soviet past, when, due to the lack of a sufficient amount of dye, the composition was diluted. Few people know that the “color bath” dyeing method was proposed by the world famous brand Revlon in the 70s of the last century to update the color of dyed hair along the length. This saved time, product and prevented the accumulation of pigment along the length (many people, I think, know firsthand when the brown color turns into a darker color).

Colorists have different attitudes towards this method of coloring, but I have been using it throughout my entire practice, which is almost 10 years now.

The method is not new and consists of mixing a mixture of dye and cream oxide with shampoo or conditioner.

Color baths are used to neutralize an undesirable shade or lightening background, correct a “dirty” tone, for repigmentation, as a basis for creating a complex multifaceted shade, express toning, etc.

This coloring method has its pros and cons, but I actively use it in my work, since it significantly speeds up the process, and such a resource as time is definitely important for both the client and the master.

What are the advantages of this method?

• control of color “subsidence”;
• timing of application and work in general;
• finely dispersed color goes on more evenly;
• obtaining transparent shades;
• efficiency.

What are the disadvantages?

• a sharp release of ammonia, the smell goes up, and accordingly, the master breathes it;
• shampoo increases the pH of the mixture (increases the load on the skin and hair structure);
• dilution of the care products contained in the dye.

There are many recipes for color baths, and about two hours are devoted to this topic in my advanced training course for colorists.

Today I want to share this recipe.

We take a dye of level 4-5 lightness of a cool brown direction to neutralize and even out the color of the blonde or red-mahogany to create a pink tint 4/51 or 5/56 (5 g) + 3% cream oxide (30 g) + shampoo (15 -20 g).

Ideal for working with blondes! Neutralization and leveling of the canvas occurs instantly if you use 5/56: it corrects “dirt”, greenery and gives a pink tint. Feel free to use this recipe and let your clients always be happy!