oVertone has become a popular choice for those looking to add vibrant color to their hair without the commitment of permanent dye. Specifically designed for darker hair, oVertone promises to deposit color while conditioning. But one of the biggest questions potential users have is: How long does oVertone actually last on brown hair? This article will delve into the factors that affect color longevity, provide tips for extending your color, and help you understand what to expect from your oVertone experience.
Understanding oVertone and Its Color-Depositing Nature
oVertone isn’t your typical hair dye. It’s a color-depositing conditioner, meaning it coats the hair shaft with pigment rather than chemically altering it. This makes it a less damaging option, especially for those with pre-lightened or already damaged hair. But this also means the color is inherently temporary. The color molecules sit on the surface, gradually fading with each wash. This differs greatly from permanent dyes that penetrate the hair cortex.
How oVertone Works on Brown Hair
On brown hair, oVertone won’t lighten your base color. Instead, it deposits a layer of color on top of your existing shade. The visibility of the color will depend on the darkness of your brown hair and the vibrancy of the oVertone shade you choose. For example, vibrant shades like Purple for Brown Hair will be more noticeable than subtle shades like Rich Black on dark brown hair. It’s important to choose a shade that complements your natural color and desired level of vibrancy. The richer the underlying pigment in your base hair color, the more it can influence the final result when using oVertone.
Key Differences Between oVertone and Traditional Hair Dye
Unlike traditional hair dyes that use harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide to open the hair cuticle and deposit color, oVertone relies on conditioning agents and pigments to coat the hair. This results in less damage and a gentler color application. However, it also means the color will fade faster, typically within a few weeks. Permanent dyes, conversely, offer lasting color but can be more damaging to the hair over time.
Factors Affecting How Long oVertone Lasts
The longevity of oVertone on brown hair isn’t a fixed timeframe. Several factors play a significant role in how long the color lasts. Understanding these elements can help you manage your expectations and optimize your hair care routine to prolong your oVertone color.
Hair Porosity: The Key to Color Retention
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has a more open cuticle layer, allowing it to absorb color quickly but also causing it to fade faster. Low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle, making it more difficult for the color to penetrate initially, but once it does, it tends to last longer. Medium porosity hair strikes a balance, offering good color absorption and retention. To determine your hair porosity, try the strand test. Place a strand of your hair in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, it’s high porosity. If it floats on top, it’s low porosity. If it floats in the middle, it’s medium porosity.
Washing Frequency and Products
The more frequently you wash your hair, the faster the oVertone color will fade. Each wash loosens the color molecules from the hair shaft. Harsh shampoos containing sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils and accelerate color loss. Using sulfate-free shampoos and washing your hair less often (2-3 times a week) can significantly extend the life of your oVertone color.
Water Temperature and Hardness
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape more easily. Rinsing your hair with cool or lukewarm water helps to seal the cuticle and lock in the color. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals, can also contribute to color fading. The minerals can build up on the hair, creating a barrier that prevents the color from adhering properly and causing it to wash out faster.
Sun Exposure and Environmental Factors
Prolonged sun exposure can fade hair color, including oVertone. UV rays break down the color molecules, causing them to lose their vibrancy. Environmental factors such as pollution and chlorine can also affect color longevity. Wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection can help shield your hair from the sun’s harmful rays. Swimming in chlorinated water can strip the color, so it’s best to wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming.
Initial Hair Condition and Color Application
The condition of your hair prior to applying oVertone will influence how well the color adheres. Dry, damaged hair may not hold the color as effectively as healthy, moisturized hair. Ensure your hair is in good condition by using deep conditioning treatments and avoiding heat styling before applying oVertone. Proper application is also crucial. Ensure you evenly saturate your hair with the product and leave it on for the recommended time. A thorough initial application ensures maximum color deposit.
Estimating oVertone Longevity on Brown Hair
While it’s difficult to provide an exact timeframe, you can generally expect oVertone to last between 2-8 washes on brown hair. This is a broad estimate, and the actual duration will depend on the factors discussed above. Some users may find that the color fades noticeably after just a couple of washes, while others may experience vibrant color for several weeks. Maintenance is key to extending the color’s life.
Color Intensity and Fade Over Time
The color intensity will gradually fade with each wash. Initially, the color will be the most vibrant. As you wash your hair, you’ll notice a gradual lightening or shifting of the tone. For example, a purple shade might fade to a cooler, more muted purple. The fading process is natural and is part of the temporary nature of oVertone.
Touch-Up Frequency and Maintenance
To maintain your desired color intensity, you’ll need to touch up your oVertone regularly. This could be as often as every other wash or as infrequently as once a month, depending on your hair care routine and desired level of vibrancy. Using oVertone’s Coloring Conditioner or Daily Conditioner in the same shade can help refresh the color and extend its lifespan between full applications.
Tips for Making oVertone Last Longer on Brown Hair
Maximize the longevity of your oVertone color by following these proven strategies. These tips will help you retain vibrancy and keep your hair looking its best.
Pre-Color Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
Prepare your hair before applying oVertone. Avoid using clarifying shampoos or styling products that can create a barrier on the hair. Ensure your hair is clean and free of buildup to allow the color to adhere properly. Deep conditioning treatments can help hydrate and repair any damage, creating a smoother surface for the color to grab onto.
Application Techniques for Optimal Color Deposit
Apply oVertone to clean, dry hair. Section your hair and apply the product evenly, ensuring every strand is saturated. Use gloves to avoid staining your hands. Leave the oVertone on for the recommended time (usually 10-15 minutes for Coloring Conditioners and 3-5 minutes for Daily Conditioners). For more intense color, you can leave it on for longer, but always do a strand test first to avoid over-pigmentation.
Post-Color Care: Locking in the Vibrancy
After rinsing out the oVertone, avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours. This allows the color to fully set. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair. Rinse your hair with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in the color.
Maintaining Color Between Applications
Use oVertone’s Daily Conditioner in the same shade as your Coloring Conditioner to refresh the color and extend its lifespan. This helps to deposit small amounts of pigment with each wash, preventing the color from fading too quickly. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, as heat can cause the color to fade faster. When you do use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage. Deep condition your hair regularly to keep it moisturized and healthy. Healthy hair holds color better. Consider using a shower filter to remove minerals and chlorine from your water. This can help prevent color fading and keep your hair looking vibrant.
Troubleshooting Common oVertone Fading Issues
Even with the best care, you might encounter some fading issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them and regain control of your color.
Uneven Fading: Causes and Solutions
Uneven fading can occur if the color wasn’t applied evenly, or if certain areas of your hair are more porous than others. To fix this, reapply oVertone to the areas that have faded the most. Ensure you’re saturating the hair evenly and paying attention to the roots and ends. You can also try using a protein treatment to even out porosity issues before reapplication.
Color Turning Muddy or Brassy
This can happen if the color is mixing with underlying tones in your hair or if you’re using products that are causing buildup. Clarify your hair with a gentle clarifying shampoo (use sparingly) to remove any buildup. You can also use a toner to neutralize unwanted tones. For example, if your hair is turning brassy, use a blue or purple toner. If your hair is turning muddy, try using a clarifying shampoo and reapplying a fresh coat of oVertone.
Color Not Lasting as Long as Expected
If your oVertone isn’t lasting as long as you’d like, re-evaluate your hair care routine. Are you washing your hair too often? Are you using harsh shampoos? Are you protecting your hair from the sun? Making small changes to your routine can significantly impact color longevity. You might also want to consider using a stronger oVertone shade or leaving the product on for a longer period of time during application (always do a strand test first).
Remember that individual results vary, and it may take some experimentation to find the perfect routine for your hair.
How long will oVertone last on my brown hair?
oVertone’s longevity on brown hair varies greatly depending on factors like your hair’s starting shade, porosity, and the intensity of the oVertone color you choose. Generally, on light to medium brown hair, you can expect the color to last anywhere from 4 to 8 washes. However, on darker brown hair, the color might be more subtle and fade quicker, potentially lasting only 2 to 4 washes.
Several things impact the lifespan of your oVertone color. Using sulfate-free shampoo, washing your hair less frequently, and avoiding heat styling can all extend the vibrancy of the color. Additionally, using oVertone’s Coloring Conditioners regularly can help maintain and deepen the color, prolonging the time between full applications.
What oVertone shades work best on brown hair?
For noticeable results on brown hair, you’ll want to choose more pigmented and vibrant oVertone shades. Colors like Rich Black, Purple for Brown Hair, Blue for Brown Hair, and Green for Brown Hair are typically effective choices. These shades contain enough pigment to show up even on darker bases, although the intensity will still depend on your hair’s darkness.
Lighter shades like Pastel Pink or Pastel Purple might not show up as dramatically on brown hair without pre-lightening. These pastels are designed to enhance already light blonde or pre-lightened hair. If you have very dark brown hair, even the “for brown hair” shades might yield subtle results, offering more of a tint or glaze than a vibrant transformation.
Will oVertone damage my brown hair?
No, oVertone is designed to be a conditioning hair color that is free of damaging chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and peroxide. In fact, it deposits color while simultaneously conditioning and moisturizing your hair. This makes it a much gentler alternative to traditional hair dyes, which can strip and dry out your hair.
The conditioning properties of oVertone come from ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil. These help to keep your hair hydrated and healthy-looking while depositing vibrant color. While it won’t repair severely damaged hair, it won’t contribute to further damage and can even improve the overall feel and appearance.
How often should I use oVertone to maintain the color?
The frequency of oVertone application depends on how quickly your hair color fades and your desired level of vibrancy. For most brown hair, using the Coloring Conditioner once a week is a good starting point to maintain the color. This regular touch-up will help to refresh the pigment and keep your hair looking vibrant for longer.
However, if you wash your hair frequently or the color fades quickly, you might need to use the Coloring Conditioner more often, perhaps every other wash. Conversely, if the color lasts a long time, you can reduce the frequency to every two weeks or so. Experiment to find the optimal schedule that works best for your hair and lifestyle.
How can I prevent oVertone from fading too quickly on my brown hair?
One of the best ways to prevent oVertone from fading quickly is to switch to a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the color from your hair, causing it to fade faster. Using a sulfate-free shampoo will help to gently cleanse your hair without removing the oVertone pigment.
Another important tip is to wash your hair less frequently. Every time you wash your hair, some of the color will inevitably fade. By extending the time between washes, you can prolong the life of your oVertone color. Consider using dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh.
What happens if I use oVertone on brown hair that has been previously dyed?
The outcome of using oVertone on previously dyed brown hair depends on the type of dye previously used and the condition of your hair. If your hair has been dyed with a permanent dye, the oVertone will likely only deposit color on the surface of the hair shaft, potentially leading to a slightly less intense or shorter-lasting result. The porosity of previously dyed hair can also influence how well the oVertone color adheres.
If you previously used a semi-permanent dye, the oVertone may interact with the remaining pigment, potentially altering the final color. It’s always recommended to do a strand test before applying oVertone to your entire head, especially if your hair has been previously dyed. This will allow you to see how the colors interact and ensure you achieve the desired result.
Can I use oVertone on virgin brown hair?
Yes, oVertone works effectively on virgin brown hair. Because virgin hair hasn’t been exposed to chemical treatments like dyes or perms, it often has a smoother cuticle layer. This means the oVertone pigment can deposit evenly and adhere well to the hair shaft, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting color.
Virgin brown hair typically holds color better than processed hair, so you can expect the oVertone to last longer and be more intense. However, the darkness of your natural brown shade will still impact the visibility of certain colors. Darker shades of brown will still benefit most from the “for brown hair” oVertone options.