How to Do a Strand Test
We get it—when you have a brand-new product in-hand, a strand test is probably the last thing you want to do. However, it’s the only surefire way to determine how your hair will react to our Color Depositing Masks (or any other hair color product, for that matter). Results and longevity depend on a number of factors, including your hair’s starting shade, whether it’s been pre-lightened, porosity, and the amount of time you leave the mask on. For that reason, we strongly recommend doing a strand test before you commit to a full head of color. The good news? It’s a fairly quick and painless process. Read on for the step-by-step. (Thanks to one of our favorite beauty gurus, Sarah, for illustrating!)
Strand Test Instructions
Start by choosing a small piece of hair to test, ideally one that’s mostly hidden when your hair is styled normally. The final shade will be most vibrant and long-lasting on the strands of your hair that are lightest in color, so keep that in mind when selecting a strand!
Section off the strand and tie the rest out of the way.
Apply Color Depositing Mask on the strand and leave on 2–3 minutes.
Rinse.
If the color is too subtle, try a second strand and leave on for longer.
If you want to be extra careful (and have the fortitude to be extra patient), the strand test can even help you determine how long the mask will last in your hair. Just wait to see how long the color takes to wash out so that you’ll have a better idea of how long you’ll be rocking a new hue. If it lasts longer than you want it to, you can try leaving the mask on for less time.
Not too bad, right? If you have more questions about Color Depositing Mask, you can read more on the blog or on our FAQ page. Still seeking answers? Just reach out to our Customer Service team for help. Happy coloring!
The hair color is absolute beautiful I have been wanting to change my champagne hair color to a rose gold color or at least brighten my hair.
I have been going back and forth on what color I want to come out, but decided to buy the Platinuman or giving the rose gold color – so excited to try these out!
Thank you! We hope you enjoy!
If I have salt and pepper hair (the pepper being dark brown and the salt very silver) will the platinum mask do nothing? Or will it brighten the “salt” strands (which is what I want?)
We recommend performing a strand test to find out. The Platinum mask can help neutralize brassy tones, so if that’s your goal, it’s worth a try!
Hi
I died my hair 4 gays ago dark brown. Today I did a strand test with Bourdoux color. I left it 4 min
And had no color.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Hi! The darker your hair, the less apparent your result will be. So it’s possible your hair is too dark to get the result you’re hoping for! You can also try leaving it on for longer.
Do the masks do anything to they grey hair. I have a mixture with just now letting the grey come in, so the full hair strand is either partially dark and grey or highlights and grey. Thanks!
Hi! Unfortunately, the masks are not formulated to cover grey hair.
Great advice . Will try .