The Complete Hair Colour Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Professional Hair Colour

Hair colour is more than a cosmetic enhancement—it is a way to express personality, enhance confidence, and refresh your overall appearance. Whether you're covering grey hair, trying a new shade, or creating a bold new look, choosing the right hair colour and following the correct aftercare routine are essential for beautiful, long-lasting results.

At Orangewood, we believe that great hair colour starts with quality products, professional techniques, and proper maintenance. This guide will help you understand different types of hair colour, how to choose the right shade, the colouring process, and how to keep your hair looking vibrant after every application.

What Is Hair Colour?

Hair colour products work by depositing or altering pigments within the hair to change its appearance. Modern professional hair colours are available in a wide range of shades and formulations to suit different hair types, preferences, and colouring goals.

Whether you're looking for a subtle enhancement or a complete transformation, selecting the right product and following proper application and aftercare practices can help you achieve the desired result.

Why People Colour Their Hair

Hair colouring is one of the most popular salon services for many reasons:

  • Covering grey hair

  • Enhancing natural hair colour

  • Trying a new look

  • Adding highlights or lowlights

  • Creating fashion colours

  • Refreshing faded hair colour

  • Improving overall appearance

Professional hair colour allows for a wide variety of shades and finishes while offering flexibility to match personal style.

Types of Hair Colour

Understanding the different types of hair colour can help you choose the option that best fits your needs.

Permanent Hair Colour

Permanent hair colour is designed to provide long-lasting colour and is commonly used for grey coverage and major colour changes.

Best For:

  • Grey coverage

  • Long-lasting results

  • Significant colour changes

Demi-Permanent Hair Colour

Demi-permanent colour gradually fades over time and is often chosen to enhance natural colour, blend grey hair, or refresh existing colour.

Best For:

  • Colour refresh

  • Tone enhancement

  • Low-maintenance colouring

Semi-Permanent Hair Colour

Semi-permanent colour coats the outer layer of the hair and gradually washes out over multiple shampoos.

Best For:

  • Temporary colour changes

  • Fashion shades

  • Experimenting with new colours

Temporary Hair Colour

Temporary hair colour provides short-term colour that typically washes out after one or a few shampoos.

Best For:

  • Special occasions

  • Events

  • Trying new shades without long-term commitment

Choosing the Right Hair Colour

Selecting the right shade involves more than simply choosing a favourite colour.

Consider:

Your Natural Hair Colour

Your starting hair colour influences how the final shade may appear.

Skin Tone

Warm, cool, or neutral undertones can help guide shade selection for a balanced look.

Lifestyle

Choose a colour maintenance routine that fits your schedule and desired level of upkeep.

Grey Hair Coverage

If covering grey hair is your goal, choose a product formulated for effective and even coverage.

Hair Condition

Healthy-looking hair generally provides a better foundation for colouring and aftercare.

Popular Hair Colour Families

Professional hair colours are available in a wide variety of shades, including:

  • Natural Black

  • Soft Black

  • Dark Brown

  • Chocolate Brown

  • Medium Brown

  • Light Brown

  • Ash Brown

  • Golden Brown

  • Caramel

  • Burgundy

  • Mahogany

  • Copper

  • Auburn

  • Red

  • Blonde

  • Ash Blonde

  • Golden Blonde

Choose a shade that complements your personal style while considering your natural hair colour and maintenance preferences.

Preparing for Hair Colour

Preparation plays an important role in achieving even colour results.

Before colouring:

  • Read and follow the product instructions carefully.

  • Perform any recommended allergy alert test as directed by the manufacturer.

  • Assess your hair's condition.

  • Gather all necessary tools and products.

  • Protect clothing and surrounding surfaces.

For complex colour changes, seek assistance from a trained salon professional.

Hair Colour Aftercare

Proper aftercare helps maintain the appearance of coloured hair.

Use Colour-Care Products

Choose shampoos and conditioners formulated for colour-treated hair.

Limit Excessive Heat

Frequent heat styling may affect the appearance and condition of coloured hair.

Deep Condition Regularly

Hair masks and treatments can help improve softness and manageability.

Protect from UV Exposure

Prolonged sun exposure may contribute to colour fading.

Avoid Overwashing

Washing hair less frequently, when appropriate for your hair type, may help maintain colour vibrancy.

Common Hair Colour Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Choosing the wrong shade

  • Skipping the recommended allergy alert test

  • Ignoring product instructions

  • Colouring severely damaged hair without professional guidance

  • Using inappropriate aftercare products

  • Expecting one colour to produce identical results on every hair type

Hair Colour Maintenance Routine

Daily

  • Use products suitable for colour-treated hair.

  • Minimize unnecessary heat styling.

Weekly

  • Apply a nourishing hair mask.

  • Use a conditioning treatment as needed.

Monthly

  • Refresh roots or colour as required.

  • Consult a salon professional for significant colour changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does hair colour last?

The longevity depends on the type of hair colour, your haircare routine, and factors such as washing frequency and sun exposure.

Can I colour damaged hair?

If your hair is significantly damaged, consider consulting a professional stylist before colouring and focus on restoring the hair's condition first.

How often should I touch up my roots?

Touch-up frequency varies based on your natural hair growth and chosen shade.

Why does my hair colour fade?

Colour fading can be influenced by washing frequency, heat styling, UV exposure, and the products used after colouring.

Why Choose Orangewood Hair Colour?

Orangewood offers professional hair colour solutions developed with a focus on quality, consistent performance, and vibrant results. Our products are designed to help salons and customers achieve beautiful-looking colour while supporting healthy-looking, manageable hair as part of a complete haircare routine.

Complete Your Haircare Routine

For the best experience, pair your hair colour routine with:

  • Colour-care shampoo

  • Colour-care conditioner

  • Hair mask

  • Hair serum

  • Professional hair treatments

Together, these products help maintain the appearance, softness, and shine of colour-treated hair.

Discover Professional Hair Colour with Orangewood

Whether you're covering grey hair, refreshing your natural shade, or exploring a new look, Orangewood provides professional haircare solutions designed to support beautiful colour and healthy-looking hair.

Explore our range of professional hair colour and colour-care products to build a routine that keeps your hair looking vibrant, smooth, and full of confidence.

Orangewood – Professional Hair Colour. Vibrant Results. Lasting Confidence.