Why Isn’t My Natural Hair Color Taking? Discover How Hair Type Holds the Key

Posted by Nobuko Uchino on

1. Why Knowing Your Hair Type Matters

Before dyeing with our completely additive-free natural hair color—crafted from organic plant powder mixed with water to form a paste—it’s crucial to understand your hair’s porosity. Unlike chemical dyes that rely on strong alkaline or acidic solutions to force color onto the hair, pure natural hair dyeing method depends on water penetration. The water in the paste carries the natural pigments deep into your hair, allowing them to bond gradually and gently with the inner layers. This means that how well your hair absorbs water plays a major role in achieving optimal color fixation. Knowing your hair’s water absorption capacity can help you tailor your dyeing process for the best possible results.

organic hair paste

Low Porosity Hair:

This type of hair does not absorb water easily, but once it does, it retains moisture well. It’s resistant to taking in water quickly, so it can stay hydrated for longer periods.

High Porosity Hair:

This hair easily absorbs water, but it also loses that moisture quickly. It soaks up water fast but doesn’t hold onto it, making it prone to drying out rapidly.

hair porosity

 

2. Water Retention vs. Water Absorption

  • Natural Moisture: Under normal conditions, hair retains about 11-13% of its weight in water.
  • Additional Absorption: When washed, hair can absorb an extra 18-20% of its weight in water, which aids in the penetration of natural pigments.
hair moisture

3. Different Hair Types

How to Test Your Hair Porosity

・Perform a simple porosity test at home:

  1.  Fill a clear glass with water.
  2. Drop in a few strands of clean, product-free hair.
  3. After about three minutes:
  4. If the hair sinks: It indicates higher porosity.
  5. If the hair floats: It suggests lower porosity.

 

High Porosity Hair: Absorbs water quickly but also loses moisture rapidly, making it more prone to drying out and color fading.

Low Porosity Hair: Absorbs water with difficulty, which can result in less effective dye penetration.

Medium Porosity Hair: Most people fall into this category, and the standard dyeing process typically works well for them.

4. Adjusting Your Dyeing Routine

For those with low or high porosity hair, achieving optimal dye results can be challenging. Here are tailored recommendations for natural hair coloring:

• Low Porosity Hair:

Before dyeing, use a weakly alkaline, soap-based shampoo to gently open your hair cuticles. This step is especially important near the roots, where buildup of sebum can hinder color uptake. Once your cuticles are open, apply your hair paste while your hair is still slightly damp, allowing the natural pigments to penetrate more effectively.

[Soap-based shampoo]

organic shampoo bar

• High Porosity Hair:

High porosity hair absorbs water quickly but also loses moisture rapidly. For these hair types, dyeing when your hair is dry can help prevent excessive water uptake that might wash out the color. After dyeing, it’s best to avoid thoroughly washing your hair with shampoo until 2 to 3 days have passed, allowing the plant-based pigments ample time to fully bond with your hair. In the meantime, if you need to rinse your hair, opt for a gentle water rinse rather than a full wash. Instead, gently wrap your hair in a towel and let it air dry slowly, preserving your vibrant color.

[The dye dissolves in water]

hair paste to water

5. Conclusion: Unlock the True Potential of Natural Hair Coloring

Understanding why your natural hair color may not have taken as expected is the first step toward achieving a vibrant, natural look. By discovering your hair’s porosity—whether it’s low, medium, or high—and adjusting your dyeing routine accordingly, you can overcome the challenges that synthetic methods simply can’t address.

For low porosity hair, using a weakly alkaline, soap-based shampoo to open your cuticles before applying dye ensures the natural pigments penetrate effectively. For high porosity hair, dyeing on dry hair and avoiding thorough washing for 2 to 3 days allows the plant-based pigments to fully bond with your hair. These tailored strategies are essential for unlocking the full benefits of completely natural, additive-free hair color.

We invite you to embrace these insights and try our 100% organic hair color—designed to deliver a natural, healthy, and beautifully vibrant look that only comes from working in harmony with your hair’s unique chemistry. Experience the difference and unlock your true natural beauty.

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