Hair color: choosing a shade, patch tests and making it last
Single color, highlights or balayage, when bleach is needed, why a patch test matters, and how to keep coloured hair looking fresh.
Hair colouring uses dye to change your shade, cover greys, or add effects such as highlights and balayage. On naturally dark hair, which most people in Vietnam have, light shades like blonde, ash or pastels usually need bleaching first, so they take longer and need more aftercare. Always do a patch test before colouring, even if you have coloured your hair before.
At a glance
- Time: usually 1.5–3 hours; with bleach or highlights it can be 3–5 hours.
- Results usually last: regrowth typically shows after 4–8 weeks; fashion shades like red, purple and pastels fade faster, often within a few weeks.
- Suits: anyone wanting a new look, grey coverage or a lighter color.
- Think twice if: you have reacted to hair dye before; your scalp is broken, inflamed or itchy; your hair has just been permed, straightened or bleached and feels fragile; you are pregnant or breastfeeding — check with your doctor first.
Common color services
- All-over color: one shade from root to tip.
- Grey coverage: covers greys and usually needs regular root touch-ups.
- Highlights: fine sections lightened to add brightness.
- Balayage / ombré: color that blends from darker roots to lighter ends, so regrowth is less obvious.
- Gloss / toner: adds tone and shine, gentler than a full color.
What happens at the salon
- Consultation: the stylist checks your current color, any past chemical treatments and the photos you bring.
- Patch test and strand test if needed, to see how the color takes.
- Bleaching, if your target shade is much lighter than your hair now.
- Color mixed and applied, then left to develop for the time the product requires.
- Rinse, followed by conditioner or a repair treatment.
- Blow-dry and style, so you can see the true result in good light.
Before your appointment
- Do a patch test as the salon advises, usually around 48 hours before. If you get itching, redness or swelling, don't color.
- Bring photos of the color you want, ideally taken in daylight.
- Be honest about past bleach, color, perms and straightening, including box dye and henna.
- Ask whether to wash your hair beforehand; many stylists prefer it not freshly washed, so natural oils protect your scalp.
- Leave plenty of time, and don't squeeze other plans in right after.
Aftercare
- Wait a day or two before your first wash if your stylist recommends it.
- Use a gentle, color-safe shampoo and cool or lukewarm water.
- Use a heat protectant before blow-drying, curling or straightening.
- Wear a hat in strong sun. Sea water and chlorinated pools both speed up fading, which is worth knowing before a beach trip to Da Nang or Nha Trang.
- Book regular root touch-ups or glosses.
Visitor tip: if you want to go much lighter while travelling, plan it near the end of your stay. Bleach plus a week of sun and swimming is tough on hair.
Questions to ask the salon
- Does this shade need bleach, how many rounds, and can it be done in one visit?
- Do you do a patch test first?
- What tone will it fade to after a few weeks?
- How does the price change with hair length and thickness, and is extra product charged?
FAQ
How long does hair color last?
Natural browns and dark shades last well, with regrowth usually showing after 4–8 weeks. Bright fashion colors often fade within a few weeks.
Do I need bleach to color my hair?
Not if the new shade is darker than or close to your current color. Going clearly lighter on dark hair, such as blonde, ash or pastel, usually needs bleach.
How much is hair colouring in Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices depend on the salon, your hair length, whether bleach is needed and the products used. See current prices at salons on Chepom Bookings: Da Nang · Hoi An · Ho Chi Minh City
How soon can I wash my hair after colouring?
Many stylists suggest waiting a day or two. Ask your salon, because products differ.
Can I color my hair while pregnant?
Check with your doctor first. If they're happy for you to go ahead, tell the salon so they can advise on the best approach.
Book it
Find salons for hair color, read reviews and book on Chepom Bookings: Da Nang · Hanoi · Ho Chi Minh City