Reasons to Mix:
* Customization: Mixing allows you to create a custom shade that might not be readily available. You can fine-tune the tone and depth to better suit your skin tone and preferences.
* Toning: If your medium brown is too warm (red or orange tones), adding ash brown can help neutralize those unwanted tones and achieve a cooler, more balanced color.
* Depth and Dimension: Mixing can create a more nuanced color with subtle variations.
* Correcting an Undesired Result: If you have already colored your hair and the result is too warm or too light/dark, mixing can help correct it.
Important Considerations:
* Understanding Color Theory: Ash tones counteract warm tones. If your medium brown is already ashy, adding more ash brown might make it appear dull or muddy.
* Color Wheel: Refer to a color wheel to understand which colors will neutralize each other.
* Proportions: The ratio of ash brown to medium brown will affect the final color.
* More ash brown will result in a cooler, more muted tone.
* More medium brown will maintain the depth but slightly warm up the overall tone.
* Brand Compatibility: Ideally, use hair color from the same brand or at least the same product line to ensure the formulas are compatible. Different brands might have different developers or pigment concentrations, which can lead to unpredictable results.
* Developer: Use the appropriate developer volume recommended for both colors. Usually, a 10 or 20 volume developer is sufficient for depositing color or slightly lifting.
* Strand Test: ALWAYS perform a strand test on a hidden section of your hair before applying the mixture to your entire head. This will help you see the resulting color and adjust the formula if needed.
* Porosity: Porous hair absorbs color more quickly. Hair that is damaged, bleached, or permed will be more porous. Adjust the processing time accordingly.
* Starting Color: The color of your hair before applying the mixture significantly affects the final outcome.
* Gray Coverage: If you have gray hair, the medium brown color might provide better coverage. Ash tones alone can sometimes make gray hair look flat.
How to Mix:
1. Prepare: Wear gloves, an old shirt, and protect your work surface.
2. Mix: Combine the desired amounts of ash brown and medium brown hair color in a non-metallic bowl.
3. Add Developer: Add the recommended developer volume (usually 10 or 20) to the mixture. Follow the instructions on the hair color boxes for the correct ratio of color to developer.
4. Stir: Mix thoroughly until the color and developer are completely combined and smooth.
5. Strand Test: Apply the mixture to a small, hidden section of your hair and process according to the instructions on the hair color boxes.
6. Evaluate: Check the strand test after the recommended processing time. If you are happy with the color, proceed with applying the mixture to your entire head. If not, adjust the formula or processing time.
7. Apply: Apply the mixture to your hair, following the instructions on the hair color boxes.
8. Process: Process for the recommended time.
9. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
10. Condition: Apply a conditioner formulated for color-treated hair.
When to Seek Professional Help:
* If you are unsure about color theory or mixing hair color.
* If you have previously damaged or chemically treated hair.
* If you are making a significant color change (e.g., going from dark to light).
* If you want to achieve a very specific or complex color.
In summary, mixing ash brown and medium hair color can be a great way to customize your hair color. However, it's essential to do your research, understand color theory, and perform a strand test before applying the mixture to your entire head. If you're uncertain, consider consulting a professional hair stylist.