When it comes to the , the numerous services available and that come along with them can be a bit confusing for those non-professionals. Two terms in particular that may be hard to differentiate are single-process color vs. double-process color.
However, once you learn about these two different treatments, their names make total sense. With the extra knowledge, it will be easier to understand exactly what you're getting done to your hair — and it can help you avoid getting something done that you'll end up regretting. You may even impress your hairstylist or colorist by being on top of the salon lingo.
Ahead, hair experts explain what single and double-process color is, the difference between the two options, and how to know which one you should get. is a celebrity hairstylist and grooming expert. is a hair colorist and extensions specialist.
is a hair colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Simply put, a single process color is for basic coloring maintenance and touching up roots. "It's perfect for someone who wants to add color to their hair in a simple way," hairstylist Dave Stanwell tells PS.
A single-process color involves applying one color to the hair in a single step. The application of this process entails the hair being colored with one formula from root to tip. "This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as covering gray hair, changing the natural hair color, or enhancing the existing color," hairstylist Beau Dieda says.
Dieda says this method is typically fast.