Basics For Coloring Brunette Hair

Brunette Basics

Brown hair (also referred to as chestnut and cinnamon) varies from light brown to almost black hair.

It is characterized by higher levels of the dark pigment eumelanin and lower levels of the pale pigment phaeomelanin. Its strands are thicker than those of fair hair but not as much as those of red hair.

People with brown hair are often referred to as brunettes, the feminine form, and brunets, the masculine term. Brown hair is common among West Eurasians-- especially in central and southern Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, where it transitions smoothly into blackish-brown and pure black hair.

(Image from Joico - All Rights Reserved).

Hair Color Expert and author of the book "296 Facts and Tips to Better Hair Coloring", Tom Dispenza, says when professional hair colorists alter the hue of their brunette hair clients they must consider four primary factors which include:

1.  The depth of the natural brown hair.

2.  The underlying pigment that will become part of the hair color formula.

3.  The texture (straight, wavy, naturally curly or a combo) of the hair being colored.

4.  The strength of the developer utilized.

Natural Pigment Plays A Part

Tom explains in his book, the darker the natural pigment, the more underlying warmth, making it more difficult to achieve a cool result.  Tom also warns that the coarser the hair, the more natural pigment inside, which makes it more difficult to lighten.

For coarse textures, he advises hair colorists to increase the developer by 5 volume, but don't go higher than 30 volume, except for special services.

For more information refer to light brown to almost black hair by Tom Dispenza.

Who Is Tom Dispenza?

Maybe you have seen him work his hair coloring magic on the Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show or Good Morning America. But just what is his secret to creating amazing hair colors?

Tom explains it this way: " Knowing how the products work is one of the most important aspects of coloring hair. There's an entire world of coloring information and techniques that most colorists are never exposed to."

More Information

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