If you’ve ever colored your hair at home or visited a salon, you’ve probably come across the magic of hair color tubes. These little tubes hold the secret to transforming your look, whether you’re going for a subtle refresh or a bold new style. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right hair color tube for your hair type, skin tone, and desired style?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hair color tubes—from picking the right type of color to application tips and aftercare advice. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to coloring, this blog will help you navigate the world of hair color tubes with confidence.
What Are Hair Color Tubes?
Hair color tubes contain the pigment that changes the color of your hair. When mixed with a developer (usually a cream or liquid that activates the color), they work together to deposit or lift color from your hair. Professionals in salons often use them, but many at-home coloring kits also come with color tubes for easy use.
There are different types of hair color tubes, which we’ll dive into shortly. Each has a specific purpose depending on how permanent you want the color to be, how much of a change you’re making, and what kind of hair you have.
Types of Hair Color Tubes
1. Permanent Hair Color Tubes
Permanent hair color tubes are the go-to if you want a long-lasting color that sticks around until your roots grow out or you recolor your hair. These tubes work by opening the hair cuticle and embedding the new color inside, which is why they’re great for covering gray hairs or making dramatic changes (like going from brunette to blonde).
However, permanent colors can be a little harsher on the hair because they often contain ammonia to help open up the hair shaft. That’s why it’s important to choose a formula with nourishing ingredients like keratin or argan oil to minimize damage.
2. Semi-Permanent Hair Color Tubes
If you want a color that fades gradually over time, semi-permanent hair color tubes are a great choice. They don’t penetrate the hair cuticle as deeply as permanent colors, which makes them less damaging. However, they also don’t last as long—usually around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.
These are perfect for experimenting with fun colors (like vibrant reds or blues) without the commitment. Since they’re less harsh, they’re also a good option for people with damaged or dry hair who want to add some color without worrying about further breakage.
3. Demi-Permanent Hair Color Tubes
Demi-permanent hair color is the middle ground between semi-permanent and permanent. It lasts longer than semi-permanent (up to 8 weeks) and usually contains no ammonia, making it gentler on your hair. However, it still offers more staying power than semi-permanent color and is great for adding depth to your natural hair color or covering grays.
4. Toners
Toners are special hair color tubes used mostly after bleaching to remove unwanted brassy or yellow tones. They don’t add dramatic color, but they help neutralize your hair color for a more even, professional look. For example, if you’ve gone blonde and notice a slight yellow tint, a violet or ash toner can help cool it down.
How to Choose the Right Hair Color Tube for You
Now that you know the basics of hair color tubes, let’s get into the fun part: choosing the perfect one for your needs. Picking the right shade and type of tube depends on a few key factors.
1. Consider Your Skin Tone
Your skin tone plays a huge role in how a hair color looks on you. Here’s a simple guide:
- Warm skin tones (yellow or golden undertones): Go for warmer hair colors like golden blonde, rich brown, or copper red.
- Cool skin tones (pink or blue undertones): Cool hair colors like ash blonde, platinum, or cool brown will look best on you.
- Neutral skin tones (a mix of warm and cool): Lucky you! Most colors will suit you, so you can be more flexible with your choice.
2. Look at Your Natural Hair Color
The shade of your natural hair is also important when picking a hair color tube. If you’re going for a subtle change, stay within one or two shades of your natural color. If you want a more dramatic transformation, you may need a permanent hair color tube or even a pre-lightening process, especially if you’re going from dark to light.
3. Understand Shade Numbers
Hair color tubes are often labeled with a series of numbers and letters, which can be confusing if you’re new to the world of hair color. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The first number usually indicates the level of darkness, with 1 being the darkest (black) and 10 being the lightest (platinum blonde).
- The second number or letter represents the tone of the color. For example, "A" might mean ash, "N" for neutral, and "R" for red.
When choosing a hair color tube, use these codes to match your desired color or to mix shades for a custom result.
Popular Hair Color Tube Brands
There are many brands out there, but here are a few that are well-loved by both professionals and at-home users:
- L'Oréal Professionnel: Known for its wide range of permanent and demi-permanent colors. They’re especially popular for long-lasting results and rich shades.
- Wella Professionals: A favorite for their gentle formulas and vibrant color payoff. Their toners are a go-to for many salon pros.
- Schwarzkopf Professional: Offers ammonia-free options with nourishing ingredients, perfect for sensitive scalps.
- Manic Panic: Great for fun, bold colors that are vegan and cruelty-free. Their semi-permanent hair color tubes are popular for creating vibrant looks.
Mixing and Applying Hair Color Tubes
When it comes to applying hair color from a tube, the mixing process is key. Most color tubes need to be mixed with a developer. Developers come in different strengths, and the strength you choose will depend on how much lift or coverage you need.
- 10 volume developer: Minimal lift, mainly for depositing color (best for semi-permanent).
- 20 volume developer: Lifts the color one or two levels and provides good gray coverage.
- 30 volume developer: Lifts the color up to three levels, great for going lighter.
Always follow the instructions that come with the hair color tube, and do a strand test first to make sure you like the color.
Maintaining Your Hair Color
Once you’ve achieved your perfect color, you’ll want to maintain it. Here are a few tips for keeping your hair vibrant and healthy:
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Sulfates can strip color from your hair, so opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to preserve your color for longer.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Coloring can dry out your hair, so make sure to use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Excessive use of hot tools can fade your color more quickly. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant spray.
- Touch Up Roots Every 4-6 Weeks: To keep your color looking fresh, touch up your roots regularly with the same hair color tube.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hair color tube doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By considering your skin tone, natural hair color, and the type of color you want, you can find the perfect tube to create your desired look. Whether you’re going for a subtle change or a bold transformation, the right hair color tube can help you achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your home.