Clairol Nicen Easy is a popular at-home hair coloring product used by many people looking to refresh their hair color. One of the common questions about this product is: Does Clairol Nicen Easy lighten hair?
The answer depends on several factors, including the natural color of your hair, the specific shade of Nicen Easy you choose, and whether the formula contains ammonia or a lightening agent. we will explore how Clairol Nicen Easy works, whether it can lighten hair, and the best ways to achieve lighter tones using this product.
How Clairol Nicen Easy Works
Clairol Nicen Easy is a permanent hair color that penetrates the hair shaft to deposit color. Unlike temporary or semi-permanent dyes, permanent dyes use oxidative color technology to make the color last longer.
Most shades of Clairol Nicen Easy contain ammonia and peroxide, which help lift the natural pigment of the hair before depositing new color. However, the degree of lightening depends on the formulation and the starting color of your hair.
Can Clairol Nicen Easy Lighten Hair?
1. Lightening Natural Hair Color
Clairol Nicen Easy can lighten natural hair but only by a few levels. The permanent dye contains hydrogen peroxide, which helps break down the natural pigment in the hair before adding the new color.
However, if you have very dark hair, Nicen Easy will not lift your hair to a very light blonde shade. Most box dyes can lighten natural hair by one to two levels, and in some cases, up to three levels with high-lift shades.
2. Lightening Dyed Hair
If your hair is already dyed a darker color, Clairol Nicen Easy will not effectively lighten it. This is because permanent dye does not lift previously dyed hair. To go lighter after coloring your hair dark, you would need a color remover or bleach before applying a lighter shade.
3. High-Lift Shades for Lightening
Some Clairol Nicen Easy shades are designed to provide extra lift, especially for natural blondes or light brunettes. These shades typically have stronger peroxide formulas to lighten hair more effectively.
If you are looking to lighten your hair with Clairol Nicen Easy, choosing a high-lift blonde shade may give better results.
Choosing the Right Shade for Lightening
If you want to lighten your hair with Clairol Nicen Easy, selecting the right shade is important. Here are some guidelines based on your current hair color:
1. For Blonde Hair
- If your hair is naturally blonde, Nicen Easy can help you achieve a brighter, lighter blonde.
- Shades like Natural Extra Light Blonde or Ultra Light Blonde can provide more noticeable lightening.
2. For Light Brown Hair
- If you have light brown hair, you can use light blonde shades to create a sun-kissed effect.
- A golden or ash blonde shade will lighten your hair without making it look brassy.
3. For Dark Brown or Black Hair
- Clairol Nicen Easy will not dramatically lighten dark brown or black hair.
- If you want to go lighter, you may need to use a high-lift blonde dye or pre-lighten your hair with bleach before applying color.
Factors That Affect Lightening Results
1. Natural Hair Color
Your starting hair color will determine how much lightening is possible. Lighter natural hair will lift more easily compared to very dark or black hair.
2. Hair Porosity
Porous hair absorbs dye more quickly, which can affect the final color result. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, the dye may not lift evenly.
3. Developer Strength
Clairol Nicen Easy typically uses a 20-volume developer, which provides moderate lightening. Higher-volume developers (like 30 or 40) are required for more significant lifting, but these are not included in standard box dyes.
4. Previous Hair Dye
If your hair has been dyed before, especially with dark or red tones, Nicen Easy will not be able to lighten it significantly. You may need a color remover before attempting to lighten further.
Tips for Achieving a Lighter Look with Clairol Nicen Easy
If you want to lighten your hair using Clairol Nicen Easy, follow these tips for the best results:
1. Choose a Shade Lighter Than Your Current Color
Since box dyes cannot lighten hair dramatically, always pick a shade that is one to two levels lighter than your current hair color.
2. Apply to Natural, Virgin Hair for Best Results
Nicen Easy works best on natural hair that has not been previously dyed. If your hair has artificial color, consider using a color remover first.
3. Avoid Shades with Dark Tones
Some blonde shades have gold, caramel, or honey undertones, which can make hair appear warmer rather than lighter. If you want a cooler blonde, choose an ash-blonde shade.
4. Follow the Recommended Processing Time
Leaving the dye on for the full recommended time ensures that the peroxide can properly lift the hair color. However, do not exceed the suggested time, as this could lead to damage.
5. Maintain with Color-Safe Shampoo
To keep your lighter hair looking fresh, use a sulfate-free shampoo and a purple shampoo to tone down brassiness.
Alternatives for More Significant Lightening
If Clairol Nicen Easy does not provide the level of lightening you desire, consider these alternatives:
1. Bleach and Tone
For dark hair looking to go significantly lighter, bleaching is required. After bleaching, a toner can help remove unwanted yellow or brassy tones.
2. High-Lift Permanent Dye
Some brands offer high-lift blonde dyes that work better for dark hair. These use a higher-volume developer to lift hair more effectively.
3. Professional Salon Treatment
For the best lightening results, visiting a professional hairstylist can ensure even and safe color lifting.
Clairol Nicen Easy can lighten hair, but its effectiveness depends on several factors, including your natural hair color, the shade you choose, and whether your hair has been previously dyed. While it can lift natural hair by one to two levels, it is not a substitute for bleach or professional high-lift dyes when a dramatic lightening effect is needed.
For best results, select a lighter shade than your current color, apply it to virgin hair, and use proper color maintenance techniques to keep your hair looking vibrant. If you need more than a subtle lightening effect, consider professional hair coloring options.