Services

Transitioning from Highlights to an All Over Colour | Abingdon | Didcot | Wantage | Oxfordshire

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Hair Salon Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:

10 am
3:30 pm

11:30 am
7:30 pm

10 am
6 pm

9 am
4:30 pm

Going from Highlights to an All Over Colour in Abingdon

If you’re considering a change from highlights or balayage to an all-over colour (also known as a tint), it’s not necessarily as simple as applying your desired colour directly on top of your existing hair. Many Oxfordshire clients find that the upkeep of highlights or balayage is too much or just want to go back to one colour all over. Achieving a consistent all-over colour when transitioning from highlights or balayage needn’t be complicated however it is less straight forward than applying one colour all over. To ensure an improved result there’s an essential step known as pre-pigmentation. In this blog, we’ll explore why this process is crucial and how you can achieve a much improved and consistent all-over colour through the introduction of this step and what your hair will look without it.

If you’re looking for an alternative to tinting, our highlights service page or balayage service page could help you.

applying the finishing touches to a haircut

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Transitioning from Highlights to an All Over Colour FAQ's

Why can't I just apply a colour straight over my highlights or balayage?

It might seem logical to apply a single tint over your highlights or balayage, expecting to end up with a smooth, uniform colour. However, this approach rarely delivers the desired results. Here’s why:

Hair Porosity: Highlights and balayage typically utilise bleach in a small or large part. Highlighted or bleached hair is typically more porous, meaning it absorbs colour differently than non-highlighted sections. The behaviour of bleached hair when compared to natural or even coloured hair behaves very differently. When attempted this typically causes uneven colour distribution, with some parts of your hair appearing darker or lighter than others.
Colour Fading and Undertones: Dependent on hair texture, strength of bleach used and hair condition, there may be underlying tones that could affect the final result. For example, lightened hair often has a yellow or orange undertone, which can clash with the desired tint if not properly addressed.
Coverage: When applying one colour over highlights or balayage, the colour can appear patchy, as the previously lightened areas might grab onto the colour differently than the rest of your hair.

Why Pre-Pigmentation and What Does It Do?

Pre-pigmentation, also known as “filling,” is a process that involves reintroducing lost pigments into the hair before applying the final colour. This step is particularly important when transitioning from highlights or balayage to an all-over colour, as it helps to create an even base that can more effectively absorb the tint. Here’s how it works:

Restoring Missing Pigments: When hair is lightened through highlighting or balayage, it loses its natural pigments. Pre-pigmentation involves applying a filler colour that reintroduces these missing pigments. This step is especially important if you’re transitioning to a darker shade, as it prevents the final colour from looking flat or dull.
Creating an Even Base: By filling in the missing pigments, pre-pigmentation helps to even out the hair’s porosity. This ensures that the final tint is absorbed consistently across all sections of your hair, resulting in a smooth, uniform colour.
Preventing Colour Fading: Without pre-pigmentation, the final colour may fade unevenly, with the previously lightened sections losing their vibrancy faster than the rest of your hair. Pre-pigmentation helps to lock in the colour, ensuring longer-lasting results.

The Pre-pigment Process

The pre-pigmentation process is principally the same from client-to-client however the colour of the pre-pigment will be tailored to your specific hair needs. The way to think about it is when hair is lightened using bleach, bleach removes colour. In order to return to a previous or new colour, the colour requires reapply in two key stages (pre-pigment followed by your chosen colour). The pre-pigment stage is typically red, though it can be a different shade, but generally your Stylist will follow these steps:

Your stylist will begin by exploring with you how light your highlights/balayage is against your desired end colour.
Based on the conclusion that your Stylist draws, your stylist will select a filler colour that complements your natural undertones and the desired final colour.
The pre-pigment colour is then applied to the lightened sections of your hair, ensuring even coverage.
The pigment is left to process for a short amount of time, allowing the pigments to fully penetrate the hair shaft. Your stylist will monitor the process to ensure the filler is absorbed evenly.
Once the pre-pigmentation is complete, it is rinsed out, and your hair is rough dried for the final colour application.

Once washed and rough dried, your Stylist simply applies your originally desired colour and the tint will be applied much more consistently allowing for a cleaner overall finish.

Consultation

Transitioning from highlights or balayage to an all-over colour needn’t prove to be a lengthy process however the pre-pigmentation step is a vital one if you seek both a consistent and longer laster shade.

Our experienced stylists are here to guide you through this transformation. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change, it’s a vitally important step.

Pre-pigmentation followed by a tint is a bespoke service and therefore there isn’t a fixed price. It is reasonably cost-effective however if you are interested it’s worthwhile booking an in-salon consultation with us first.

@wisteriaavenuehairsalon
💭 Thinking about an all over colour?... If you're transitioning from highlights, balayage or with bleach already in your hair... HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! ✋ Applying a tint directly to turn will turn your hair into lots of different colours!... BUT THERE IS A BETTER WAY!... 😎 Check out our video below with Anya for a cleaner and consistent all over colour! 👇 If you have any questions about pre-pigmentation and tints, let us know! #Hair #Hairdressers #Hairdresser #HairSalon #Salon #HairColour #Colour #ColourCorrection #HairColourCorrection #PrePig #PrePigment #PrePigmentation #Highlights #Balayage #AllOverColour #OneColour #Tint #Abingdon #Didcot #Wantage #Oxford #Oxfordshire
♬ original sound - Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:

10 am
3:30 pm

11:30 am
7:30 pm

10 am
6 pm

9 am
4:30 pm

Want to know more about Pre-pigmentation?

Complete the below and a staff member will contact you at the earliest opportunity with further information about frizz-free hair. Any questions, call or send a WhatsApp to the salon on 01235 534705 or book your appointment online.

All Over Hair Colour Consultations

As over colour hair salons near me in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, we would love to discuss your plans with you! To book your hair appointment or consultation, get in touch with Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon by booking online or calling us on 01235 534705.

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We are a boutique hair salon in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. For hair appointments, visit www.wisteriaavenue.co.uk
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