Everything You Need To Know Before Coloring Virgin Hair

By Jessie Amato & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

If you have virgin hair—defined as chemically unprocessed human hair—you may be stumped on what to expect the first time you update your dark brown hair. Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for! We tapped Breck Csicsai, Matrix artist and brand ambassador, who breaks down everything you need to know before coloring virgin hair, including if you can dye virgin hair and where you start when dying hair.

Whether you’re looking to edge into blonde or a full-on fantasy hair color, keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

Shop The Best Products For Coloring Virgin Hair

Total Results Color Obsessed Volumizing Shampoo

A shampoo for color-treated hair that hydrates, volumizes and prevents color fade. Select a Size for Total Results Color Obsessed Volumizing Shampoo 10.1 fl oz, 33.8 fl oz
Discover

Total Results Color Obsessed Shine-Enhancing Conditioner

A shine-enhancing conditioner for color-treated hair. Select a Size for Total Results Color Obsessed Shine-Enhancing Conditioner 10.1 fl oz, 33.8 fl oz
Discover

What you should expect once virgin hair is colored

Whether you’re ditching your naturally light locks for a darker hue or opting for a vibrant fashion color, you should expect your hair to go through changes in texture and appearance once it’s colored. Csicsai says your choice of color plays a major role in how much your hair will be affected by the change.

“The changes in hair care, behavior, and appearance someone should expect depends on how dramatic of a change they initially want,” Csicsai explains. “Lightening your locks will need more care and attention. The hair will go through a bigger change chemically, so treatments in the salon and regularly using strengthening and moisturizing conditioners and shampoos will help maintain the integrity and health of the hair.”

Every hue has its own set of hair care rules, but one thing is for certain: A salon-quality product routine is a must-have for any head of colored hair.

As for products to avoid, Csicsai says to be wary of products that are not recommended by salon professionals.

“Avoid aggressive sulfates that can be found in non-salon quality products. These products can strip away the hair color and leave your hair feeling dry, frizzy, and damaged,” Csicsai says.

All set to head to the salon? Before you do, Csicsai offers his top three tips everyone should know before committing to a new hair color.

Be prepared for the upkeep

Let’s face it: As much as we love the idea of a fresh touch-up every four to six weeks, it can be a serious bank-breaker. Consider gradually changing your color before committing to a major change. A shade that doesn’t stray too far from your natural color will be much easier to maintain.

Expect to spend more time at the salon

It’s a common misconception that stylists can take you from chocolate brown to platinum blonde in one appointment. However, Csicsai advises that new clients should expect to hit the salon more than once for drastic color changes.

Bring inspiration photos to the salon.

When it comes to changing your hair color, a picture is worth a thousand words to a stylist. Stylists are pros at turning our hair color dreams into a reality, but Csicsai insists that having a few inspiration photos is the most efficient way of knowing you will leave the salon satisfied with your fresh new ‘do.

The Best Subtle Hair Color Changes For Virgin Hair

1. Money Piece: This technique involves highlighting the strands framing your face to subtly lighten and brighten your all-over color.
2. Partial Blonde Highlights: For those with virgin hair, a full head of highlights may be a lot to commit to—that’s why we love partial highlights, where your colorist only places highlights on certain sections of your hair.
3. Strandlights: Think of strandlights as the subtle younger sister of traditional highlights. Your colorist will apply foils to baby fine segments of hair that blend seamlessly into your base color.
4. Dirty Blonde: A timeless soft and subtle way for virgin-haired girls to transition to salon blonde.
5. Dark Brown: Take your naturally brunette strands a shade or two deeper and opt for a sultry dark brown hair color.
6. Pastel Ends: Add a pop of pastel color to your ends as a first major hair color change.
7. Ash Brown Highlights: If you want a lowkey color change that’s super on-trend, ask your colorist for ash brown highlights.
8. Chocolate Brown Balayage: A rich chocolate brown shade warms up your brunette hair.
9. Muted Mahogany: A great option to edge into red hair color without making a drastic change.

Interested in more expert tips for coloring virgin hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.