A client with previously lightened hair desires to go significantly darker, specifically from a level 9 (very light blonde) to a level 4 (medium brown). What additional pre-treatment step is essential to achieve a natural-looking, even result and prevent an undesirable greenish cast?
- AUsing a color remover to strip any remaining artificial pigment.
- BApplying a 'filler' or 'pre-pigmentation' with a red/orange base color.
- CApplying a protein filler to even out porosity.
- DPre-lightening the hair further to remove residual pigment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Applying a 'filler' or 'pre-pigmentation' with a red/orange base color.
When coloring hair from a very light level to a significantly darker level (tint-back), especially over previously lightened hair, the missing warm underlying pigments (red/orange) must be replaced. Applying a 'filler' or 'pre-pigmentation' with a red/orange base color before the final target shade prevents the final color from appearing dull, flat, or greenish.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Color removers are used to reduce artificial pigment, not to add the missing underlying warm tones for a tint-back.
- C. Protein fillers help with porosity and conditioning but do not replace the missing underlying warm pigments necessary for a natural darker shade.
- D. Pre-lightening further would remove more pigment, making the problem worse when going darker.
Tint Back Pre-Pigmentation
A color pre-treatment process where missing underlying warm tones (red, orange, or gold) are reintroduced into lightened or porous hair before applying a darker target color, to ensure an even, natural-looking result and prevent undesirable cool or greenish tones.
- Used when going from light to significantly darker.
- Replaces missing warm underlying pigment.
- Prevents dull, flat, or greenish results.
- Applied before the final target shade.
Memory trick: Light to Dark: Don't Forget to Fill the Foundation!