What precautions should I take if my hair is previously colored, lightened, or damaged?

Because this is a permanent oxidative dye, the final result depends heavily on your starting color, previous coloring history, and hair condition. If your hair has been lightened, permed, relaxed, or colored multiple times, the cuticle is more open and porous. That means the dye can penetrate faster and deeper, often producing a darker or more intense result than shown on the swatch. On very damaged or over-processed hair, the color may also fade unevenly.

Always perform the sensitivity test 48 hours before full application, even if you have used hair dyes before — reactions can develop over time. If your scalp is easily irritated, or if the hair feels brittle, stretchy, or breaks easily when wet, it is safer to postpone coloring and focus on repair treatments first. When you do proceed, check the color development every 5–10 minutes during processing rather than waiting the full suggested time. Rinse as soon as the desired shade is reached. After coloring, use the fixing balm thoroughly and follow with a sulfate-free shampoo and regular deep-conditioning masks to maintain the improved feel.