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Tinting mask for hair: gentle color change and care

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Tinting hair masks are becoming an increasingly popular tool not only for changing hair color, but also for hair care. They offer a gentle solution for those who want to refresh color, add richness to their hair, or hide the beginning of gray hair. Unlike permanent colors, tinting masks are gentle in action and have caring properties.

What is a tinting hair mask?

A tinting hair mask is a product that contains pigments that settle on the outer layer of the hair, changing its shade. These masks do not penetrate deep into the hair cuticle and do not contain ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, making them less aggressive than traditional dyes.

How does it work?

The tinting mask affects the hair in the following way:

  1. Superficial coloring: The mask's pigments envelope each hair, changing its color.
  2. Conditional care: Most masks are enriched with caring ingredients such as oils, proteins and vitamins that nourish and moisturize the hair.
  3. Temporary results: Since the mask does not permanently change the color of the hair, the result lasts from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the frequency of washing and hair type.

Advantages

  • Gentle coloring: Tinting masks are a great choice for those who want to avoid damaging their hair.
  • Moisturize and nourish: Many masks contain ingredients that care for your hair, leaving it soft and silky.
  • Easy to use: They can be applied at home without the need for a professional.
  • Variety of shades: A large selection of colors allows you to experiment with the image.
  • No long-term commitment: A tinting mask is perfect for those looking for a temporary solution.

Disadvantages

  • Short-term effect: Regular repetition of the treatment is required to maintain the color.
  • Limited lightening options: Masks are unable to lighten dark hair because they do not contain bleaching agents.
  • Unpredictability on some hair types: On porous or damaged hair, color may not lay down evenly.

Tinting Mask Application

The process of applying a tinting mask is relatively simple:

  1. Wash your hair: Start with clean, lightly towel-dried hair.
  2. Application: Spread the mask evenly over the entire length of the hair, avoiding the scalp.
  3. Dwell time: Leave the mask on the hair for the time indicated in the instructions.
  4. Rinse: Rinse hair thoroughly with water until clear.

How to choose the right tinting mask

Choosing a tinting mask depends on several factors:

  • Original hair color: Blonde hair is more susceptible to tinting and may show brighter results, while darker hair will have a less noticeable effect.
  • Hair condition: If your hair is damaged or dry, you should look for masks with additional moisturizing and repairing ingredients.
  • Desired result: For a natural shade, choose a mask that is close to your natural hair color. If you want a more dramatic change, however, you can try brighter and more saturated shades.

Tinting Mask Brands

Tinting hair masks are produced by many brands, each offering different shades and formulas enriched with caring ingredients. Here are a few popular brands that produce tinting masks:

  1. Moroccanoil - Known for its argan oil masks that not only tint but also intensely care for the hair.
  2. Kerastase - Offers the "Reflection" line of tinting masks designed to enhance the color and shine of color-treated hair.
  3. Davines - Their "Alchemic" masks come in a variety of shades and aim to maintain and enhance color as well as hair care.
  4. Maria Nila - An eco-friendly brand that offers vegan tinting masks with plant proteins to strengthen hair.
  5. Christophe Robin - His tinting masks contain natural ingredients and are designed to revitalize hair color and add shine.
  6. Redken - The "Shades EQ" line offers tinting balms and masks that work as a semi-permanent coloring treatment to provide richness of color and shine.
  7. Wella Professionals - Their Color Fresh line is designed to maintain and refresh color between salon visits.
  8. Schwarzkopf Professional - Offers a variety of tinting masks, including the popular Color Freeze series.
  9. Joico - Joico's "Color Intensity" series offers vibrant and intense shades as well as caring ingredients.
  10. Kevin Murphy - Products from this brand are known for their grooming properties and organic ingredients.

When choosing a tinting mask, it is always worth considering your original hair color, desired shade and hair condition to find the most suitable product. It is also important to read reviews and possibly consult with a professional stylist.

Tips for using a tinting mask

  • Sensitivity test: Before using the tinting mask, a sensitivity test should be performed to avoid allergic reactions.
  • Use of gloves: The use of gloves is recommended to protect the skin of the hands from staining.
  • Even application: To achieve even color, it is important to carefully distribute the mask throughout the entire length of the hair.
  • Avoiding skin contact: To avoid staining the skin around the hair growth line, a protective barrier in the form of petroleum jelly or colorless lip balm can be used.

Care after toning

After using a tinting mask, you should pay attention to maintaining the color and condition of your hair:

  • Gentle Shampoo: Use a shampoo for color-treated hair that will help preserve the color and prevent it from washing out quickly.
  • Moisturizing: Apply moisturizing masks and conditioners regularly to keep hair healthy and shiny.
  • Sun Protection: The sun's rays can accelerate color fading, so use products with UV protection or wear a head covering when in the sun for extended periods of time.

Evaluation of the durability of tinting masks

Tinting masks do not penetrate deep into the hair structure, so their effect usually lasts from a few washes to several weeks. The frequency of washing, type of shampoo and individual hair characteristics can affect the longevity of the resulting shade.

Maintaining hair color

To maintain and prolong the color achieved with a tinting mask, it's a good idea to limit scalp washing and use low pH shampoos for colored hair. Cold water can also help slow down the process of color washout.

Change in hair color

If you want to change your hair shades more often, tinting masks are a great choice, as they allow you to do so without significantly damaging your hair. However, frequent color changes may require more care to maintain healthy hair.

Alternative coloring methods

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, then you should consider professional dyes. For a more natural approach, you can use vegetable dyes such as henna or basma, which are also hair-caring but have their own limitations on the color spectrum.

Shades suitable for your hair color

Your choice of tinting mask should match your natural or current dyed hair color. Blonde hair will suit both pastel and bright shades, while darker hair may be limited to richer and darker colors.

Impact on hair health

Although tinting masks are considered gentler on hair than permanent colorants, regular use can still affect hair health. It is recommended to alternate periods of coloring with periods of intensive restorative care.

Tinting hair masks are a great way to change your hair color without a long-term commitment or risk of damage. They are suitable for those who want to experiment with shades or refresh their current color while still caring for their hair. However, it's worth remembering that results can vary greatly depending on your original hair color and condition.

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