[0001] The present invention relates to a method for coloring hair.
[0002] Before a coloring session, hair generally has roots having the client's natural color,
with a large intermediate area of the artificial color obtained through previous treatments
and, finally, with a portion close to the ends tending to be more worn and faded.
[0003] The application of dye occurs by means of common-use professional instruments which
typically include a scale, bowls provided with adhesive labels on which writing is
allowed, thus distinguishing the dyes used, standard brushes, one or more "tail" combs,
clips for isolating hair and finally aluminium foil sheets or papers.
[0004] Known coloring processes include a first step in which the dye is applied on the
root and, once complete, a so-called "setting" time transpires. The client is then
seated at the sink, his/her hair is wetted, and the color is distributed along the
length and on the ends for the required time indicated for the specific dye.
[0005] Such a method is practical and fast, however it is harmful for the hair both in aesthetic
and cosmetic terms. Coloring indeed requires an adequate and scientific setting time
which should never be reduced because, contrarily, the coloring action would only
be partly completed, thus not providing an optimal final result.
[0006] Furthermore, the technique for applying dye on hair is often approximate and does
not include brushing the various locks in a preferential direction, even though it
tends to move the brush from the ends to the root. By so operating, there is no guarantee
of dye uniformity, the hair fiber is attacked and more often the duration of the color
fades quickly.
[0007] Publication XP-002722264 describes a method for coloring hair which includes dividing
the mass of hair into four sections and applying color from the root to the end of
the hair.
[0008] It is the object of the present invention to provide a method for coloring hair that
meets the needs indicated while overcoming the limitations and/or drawbacks of the
known art.
[0009] According to the invention, such an object is achieved by a method for coloring hair
as described in claim 1.
[0010] The features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of an embodiment thereof, shown by way of non-limiting example in the
accompanying drawings, in which:
figures 1a, 1b, 1c show a first step of the method for coloring hair according to
the present invention;
figures 2a, 2b, 2c show a second step of the method for coloring hair;
figure 3 shows a third step of the method for coloring hair;
figure 4 shows a fourth step of the method for coloring hair;
figure 5 shows a diagrammatic graphic depiction of the method for coloring hair.
[0011] Figures 1a, 1b, 1c show a first step of the method for coloring hair.
[0012] Common-use professional instruments are supposed to be used, which include at least
one standard brush 10. Preferably, a kit of the instruments also comprises a scale,
bowls provided with adhesive labels on which writing is allowed to distinguish the
dyes used, one or more "tail" combs, clips for isolating hair and finally aluminium
foil sheets or papers.
[0013] As shown in figure 1a, the client's mass of hair to be colored is divided down the
middle so as to expose the root 17 of the hair and, at the same time, so that two
side portions may be identified, a right portion 18 and a left portion 19. Root 17
means that portion of hair which is just a few months old and, starting from the skin,
extends lengthwise typically over 2-3cm and is of the client's natural hair color,
which may comprise a given percentage of white hair.
[0014] At this point, a first dye is distributed with a suitable color shade which will
form the base shade of the whole final coloring. The technique for applying the first
dye on the hair includes a first sub-step (fig. 1b) in which the dye is distributed
on the root by means of a brush 10, passing the brush along the direction of a separation
line of the two side portions 18, 19, and a second sub-step (fig. 1c) in which brush
10 in vertical position is moved transverse to said separation line thus indenting
the dye transversally.
[0015] Application may also be carried out in the absence of white hair, in this case contact
is avoided with the scalp without however omitting coloring the root.
[0016] A "T" subdivision of the client's mass of hair is made on his/her head in a second
step. Such a subdivision allows a plurality of head sections to be defined, which
will be treated individually in the following steps. As shown in figures 2a, 2b, 2c,
2d, in particular, there is an occipital section 1, a parietal section, in turn divided
into right 2 and left 3 sections, and a frontal section 4.
[0017] In a third step, a second and a third dye are chosen and applied to the occipital
section 1. Work is done in particular in said section 1 by choosing a lock of hair
each time on a surface of skin of approximately 2-3cm
2 (fig. 3). Starting from a first lock 5, turning it upward, the second dye is applied
by brushing the bottom part 51 of lock 5 by means of a new brush 6, proceeding from
the root toward the ends and ensuring the brush penetrates deep, as shown in figure
3.
[0018] The second dye may be applied over the whole length of the hair of the first lock
5, thus reaching the ends, and it may be applied in the same manner up to a given
fraction (e.g. 1/4, 1/2, 3/4) of the length, depending on the specific case and on
the final desired result.
[0019] At this point, the first lock 5 is turned downward and the third dye is applied to
the top part 52 of lock 5 by means of a brush 60. The third dye is distributed toward
the bottom, proceeding again from the root toward the ends and ensuring the brush
penetrates deep (fig. 4).
[0020] In this step, a given amount of the first, second and third dyes are mixed together,
thus resulting in a plurality of shaded and multifaceted gradations given by combining
the three color shades of the three dyes. Typically, the first dye is a darker shade,
thus forming the base coloring shade, the third dye will be the lightest shade, because
it represents the part of hair exposed to atmospheric agents, and the second dye is
halfway between the two shades, since the bottom part of the locks, which are more
protected and hidden, would naturally be darker.
[0021] Once the first lock 5 is completed, a second lock, a third lock, and so on are colored
in the same manner, up to completing the area of the occipital section 1.
[0022] In a fourth step, a decoloring agent is chosen and applied, which serves to induce
lightened areas in the three color shades obtained before. By choosing again one lock
of hair at a time, for example starting from a first lock, such a step may include
different methods for applying the decoloring agent. Such methods allow respective
types of streaking to be obtained, which differ for example in width and/or in distance
between one streak and another. Streak width means their transverse dimension with
respect to hair length. Preferably, streaks may be distinguished in small, medium
or large streaks, if they are proportionate to the lock. Instead, as far as the distance
between each streak and streak is concerned, streaks that are more or less close to
each other can be made.
[0023] The type of decoloring agent is chosen according to the final desired result from
one case to the next. More or less strong decolorization is obtained in the area involved
by varying the concentration of oxidants contained in the decoloring agent (e.g. 10,
20, 30 volumes).
[0024] The application of the decoloring agent may also be carried out by following various
known techniques, e.g. the technique called "tricotage". Such a technique may be performed
in a standard manner, i.e. by distributing the decoloring agent on the top surface
of the lock using the brush, or in a deeper manner, i.e. by distributing the decoloring
agent both on the top and bottom surface of the lock again with the brush but also
with the aid of the back of the other hand, on which a given amount of decoloring
agent has been deposited. Another manner for carrying out "tricotage" consists of
not considering the locks individually but the whole section 1, thus distributing
the decoloring agent by brushing it close to the ends.
[0025] Furthermore, the lightening effect may be varied on the length of the hair, by gradually
intensifying it over a fraction (e.g. 1/4, 1/2, 3/4) of the hair length.
[0026] At this point, the last three steps described above, i.e. the third, fourth and fifth
steps, are repeated for the remaining sections of the client's head, and thus for
the right 2 and left 3 parietal sections, and the frontal section 4. The types of
dye and the color shades chosen for the third and fourth steps of the method, respectively,
may vary from section to section. The frontal section 4 is preferably treated with
dyes with lighter shades, in order to recreate the natural hair lightening of such
a section 4 due to the greater exposure thereof to the sun.
[0027] Once the coloring method is complete, a setting period is to transpire which is preferably
no less than 20 minutes. At this point, the hair is washed and the excess dye is removed.
[0028] If a further product is applied on the hair, e.g. a conditioner, a further treatment
can be carried out by means of a hair activator, which serves the function of defragmenting
the particles of said possible further product thus facilitating easy rinsing without
removing the dye.
[0029] Advantageously, the above-described steps of the method for coloring hair are written
down and outlined in a suitable diagrammatic graphic depiction 100, as shown in figure
5. The diagrammatic graphic depiction 100 comprises a data section 101 adapted to
be filled with the client's information (such as for example name, family name, email
and telephone number). Such information serves to associate a given client with a
specific coloring result.
[0030] The diagrammatic graphic depiction 100 also comprises a section 102 with the information
on the first dye and a plurality of sections 103-106 with the information on the occipital
section 1, the parietal section 2, 3, and the frontal section 4, respectively.
[0031] In particular, written in each section 103-106 is the information on the second dye,
the third dye and the decoloring agent. Each section 103-106 indeed comprises at least
two boxes 20, 21 in which the color shade of the second and third dyes are noted,
respectively; each of the at least two boxes is further located close to two squares
22, 23 in which the respective types of dye (e.g. the manufacturer) are noted.
[0032] Moreover, the boxes 20, 21 in which the color shades are noted are also narrow and
long and graphically depict the lock of hair extended in length, from the roots (right
end of the boxes) to the ends (left end of the boxes). Thereby, by tracing transverse
lines, it is possible to graphically indicate in which fraction (e.g. 1/4, 1/2, 3/4)
of the length of hair in a given head section the corresponding dye is to be applied.
[0033] Using further symbols (e.g. arrows), any type of indication on the method for coloring
hair can be inserted into the boxes 20, 21.
[0034] Each section 103-106 further comprises a section 24 in turn comprising a square 25,
in which the type of decoloring agent is noted, a further paper 26 in which the oxidant
concentration is noted, and a plurality of check boxes 27 adapted to be checked off
to indicate which decolorization type and method to be carried out. For example, such
check boxes 27 may indicate the width of the streaks (small, medium, large), their
spacing (very close, close, distant) or again the "tricotage" method to be operated
(standard, deep, etc.).
[0035] The diagrammatic graphic depiction 100 is such as to allow a professional, who knows
how to interpret it and therefore read the instructions contained therein, to exactly
replicate the same final coloring result by following the above-described method for
coloring hair.
[0036] The method for coloring hair according to the present invention ensures optimal results
in terms of quality and dye uniformity, the hair fiber is not attacked and the color
duration is longer due to the adequate setting time, because the coloring action is
fully completed.
1. A method for coloring hair including using traditional professional instruments and
utilizing hair dyes available on the market, comprising dividing, on the head of an
individual, the mass of hair into a plurality of sections (1-4) to be treated individually,
coloring the hair starting from a first section (1) of the head continuing with the
successive remaining sections (2-4) using said traditional professional instruments,
said traditional professional instruments comprising at least one brush (6, 10, 60),
characterized in that
the mass of hair is divided down the middle so as to expose the root (17) of the hair
and, at the same time, so that two side portions may be identified, a right portion
(18) and a left portion (19),
a first hair dye is distributed on the root (17) by means of a first brush (6) by
passing the brush first along the direction of one separation line of the two side
portions (18, 19) of the mass of hair, and then along the direction transverse to
said separation line so as to transversally indent the dye,
once the application of said first dye has been completed, the mass of hair is divided
into an occipital section (1), a parietal section (2, 3), in turn divided into right
and left, and a frontal section (4), said division occurring according to the different
exposure of the head to light,
a lock of hair is chosen each time for each of said sections (1-4) of the head and,
starting with a first lock (5), by turning it upward, a second dye is applied by brushing
the bottom part (51) of said lock (5) by means of a second brush (10); by keeping
said first lock (5) downward, a third dye is then applied to the top part (52) of
said lock (5) by means of a third brush (60), once said first lock (5) is finished,
a second lock, a third lock, and so on, are dyed in the same manner, up to completing
the area in each section (1-4),
a given amount of the first, second and third dyes mixing together, thus resulting
in a plurality of shaded and multifaceted gradations given by combining the three
color shades of the three dyes,
the dye types and shades being variable according to the section (1,4),
the application of the color on the hair in each section of the head (1-4) being carried
out by brushing, with said brush (10, 60), from the root of the hair toward the ends.
2. A method for coloring hair according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes, after the application of said first, second and third dyes, the application
of a decoloring agent by means of a further brush, by choosing one lock of hair at
a time, starting from a first lock, creating streaks that differ in width and/or in
distance between one streak and another, once said first lock is completed, coloring
a second lock, a third lock, and so on, in the same manner up to completing the area
in each section (1-4), thus generating lightened areas in the three color shades previously
applied.
3. A method for coloring hair according to claim 2, characterized in that a setting time of no less than 20 minutes is to transpire once coloring is complete,
washing is carried out and after the removal of the excess dye, a further treatment
by means of a hair activator can be carried out.
4. A method for coloring hair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps of the method are written down and outlined in a suitable diagrammatic graphic
depiction (100) comprising a data section (101) adapted to be filled with the client's
information, a section (102) adapted to be filled with the information on the first
dye and a plurality of sections (103-106) adapted to be filled with the information
on the first occipital section (1), the second parietal section (2, 3), and the fourth
frontal section (4), respectively.
5. A method for coloring hair according to claim 4, characterized in that each section (103-106) of the diagrammatic graphic depiction (100) comprises at least
two boxes (20, 21) adapted to note the color shade of said second and third dyes,
respectively, said at least two boxes (20, 21) being located close to two squares
(22, 23) adapted to note the respective types of dye.
6. A method for coloring hair according to claim 5, characterized in that said boxes (20, 21) in which the color shades are noted, graphically depict the length
of the hair from the roots to the ends, such that by tracing transverse lines it is
possible to graphically indicate in which fraction of the hair length of a given head
section (1-4) the corresponding dye is to be applied.
7. A method for coloring hair according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that any type of indication on the method for coloring hair can be inserted into the boxes
(20, 21).
8. A method for coloring hair according to claims 4-6, characterized in that each section (103-106) further comprises a section (24) in turn comprising a square
(25) adapted to note the type of decoloring agent, a further square (26) adapted to
note the oxidant concentration and a plurality of check boxes (27) adapted to be checked
off to indicate which decolorization type and method is to be carried out.