Directions Semi Permanent Hair Colour - Poppy Red-8

Step 1: Preparation

1. Gather supplies: You will need the Directions hair colour jar, gloves, an applicator brush (or bowl), a wide-tooth comb, towel, and a plastic cap.
2. Protect your clothing and skin: Wear an old t-shirt or cape and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream around your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining.
3. Perform a patch test: At least 48 hours before application, apply a small amount of colour to a patch of skin to check for any allergic reaction.

Step 2: Hair Prep

1. Wash hair: Clean hair with a gentle shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. Avoid conditioner if you want maximum colour adhesion.
2. Dry or towel-dry: Hair should be damp or dry. Directions colours can be applied to both, but damp hair allows more even coverage.

Step 3: Application

1. Put on gloves to protect your hands from staining.
2. Shake the jar well to ensure pigment is evenly distributed.
3. Section hair: Divide hair into 4–6 sections using clips for easy and even application.
4. Apply colour: Using an applicator brush or your gloved hands, start at the roots and work down to the tips. Make sure every strand is fully saturated for uniform colour.
5. Comb through: Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the colour and eliminate any clumps.

Step 4: Processing

1. Cover hair: Put on a plastic cap to prevent staining surfaces and help retain warmth, which can enhance colour vibrancy.
2. Processing time: Leave the colour on for 15–30 minutes.
• For a subtle tint, 15 minutes is sufficient.
• For a more intense, vivid green, leave up to 30 minutes.
• For pre-lightened or blonde hair, the colour may appear more vibrant.
3. Optional: For extra intensity, gently apply heat with a hairdryer (low-medium setting) over the cap.

Step 5: Rinsing

1. Rinse with cool water: Do not use hot water as it can fade the colour faster.
2. Rinse until water runs clear: Gently massage hair while rinsing. Do not use shampoo immediately unless necessary.
3. Condition: Apply a light conditioner or Directions’ aftercare conditioner to seal in colour and maintain softness.

Step 6: Drying & Styling

1. Towel-dry gently: Avoid rubbing, which can cause uneven fading.
2. Air-dry or blow-dry carefully: If using heat styling tools, use a heat protectant to prevent damage.
3. Style as desired.

Step 7: Aftercare & Maintenance

• Wash hair 2–3 times per week with sulfate-free, colour-safe shampoo to maintain vibrancy.
• Use cool water for washing and rinsing.
• Apply deep conditioning masks weekly to keep hair soft and shiny.
• Limit excessive heat styling and sun exposure to prevent premature fading.
• For touch-ups, reapply every 4–6 weeks depending on fading.