Colouring and Lightening Men's Hair
Why this domain matters
Colour work carries chemical and legal risk. Questions test product knowledge, patch testing, application and realistic expectations.
Core concepts to know
Understand the difference between temporary, semi-permanent and permanent colour, and between colouring (adding tone) and lightening (removing pigment). Learn how developer strength affects lift and deposit, and how the natural underlying pigment influences the result. Know the importance of patch testing and strand testing, and the legal and safety reasons for doing them. Understand application on men's hair: grey blending, root retouch, full-head colour, and the challenges of short hair and clipper lines. Learn about oxidation, processing time and the risk of overlapping colour. Know the contraindications - scalp lesions, recent chemical damage, allergic history. Understand lightening risks: scalp irritation, breakage, banding from previous colour. Learn about toning and aftercare, including sulphate-free products and colour protection.
Traps in exam questions
Watch for skipping a patch test because the client 'has had colour before'. Questions may ask what to do if a strand test shows excessive breakage - do not proceed. Another trap is confusing developer strength with processing time, or assuming a higher volume always means a better result.
Rule of thumb
Always patch-test and strand-test before a first-time or corrective colour - no exceptions for convenience.
Worked example
A client with 40 percent grey wants a natural look. Choose a shade close to their natural colour, patch-test 48 hours ahead, strand-test for timing, apply to the grey areas first, then process the rest and finish with a colour-protecting wash.