What Does a Hair Color Processor Do?

Hair color processors produce just the right amount of heat and allow the hair to process evenly. Most processors use infrared technology to process hair color, highlights, or bleach without damaging the hair follicles, by heating up strands from within.

Why Do You Need Heat to Process Hair Color?

Heat can open hair cuticles, much in the same way ammonia does chemically. This is the reason why some hair dyes will suggest covering your head or applying heat while the color sets. The additional heat, whether from your own head or an external source like a blow dryer or steamer, optimizes the hair dying process for stronger results.

However, not all heat is equal—heat from conventional blow dryers can cause some serious heat damage along the way by lifting moisture. That is why several hair salons have now resorted to infrared hair color processors to speed up treatment without ridding strands of its moisture.

Why is Hair Sensitive When it is Colored, Highlighted, and Bleached?

When hair undergoes coloring, highlighting, or bleaching procedures, agents penetrate the cuticle of the hair and directly affects its pigmented cells. Say you have naturally dark, brown hair, the color changes to an orange-ish red after bleaching. Bleach it more, and it becomes orange-gold. Go further and it is a gold-yellow until the lightest shades like pale yellow and platinum. 

This is when hair color processors come in—during the hair’s delicate and transitional state—to treat them as gently as possible.

What Does the Infrared Color Processor Do During the Highlighting Process?

As the hair molecules transform due to the bleaching process, the gentle heat released by the hair color processor causes it to accelerate. Because the heat is affecting the process from the inside out rather than outside in, the hair cuticle will not become frizzy or dried out. 

Traditional Heat Processors Vs. Modern Infrared Color Hair Processors

Hooded or bonnet hair dryers heat up with a coil, much like an oven does. Then, the heat is dispersed through small openings throughout the hair. They are beneficial in terms of speeding up drying time and allowing for a more controlled experience, unlike hand-held dryers where the hair is being blown wildly around. 

However, neither of these types of drying are great for actually speeding up the highlighting process. The heat is often too intense and can blow foils around or the plastic sheets off that separate the bleach on a balayage. 

Modern hair color processors not only offer consistent results, but they also effectively speed up hair processing time, saving you and your client ample time.

Can Infrared Color Hair Processors be Dangerous?

In general, hair color processors are considered safe when used in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Be sure to check on your clients’ process from time to time when leaving the machine to run. Ideally speaking, opt for a processor with an automatic shut-off feature that switches off when left unattended for a significant period of time so it does not pose any risk to your clients’ hair.

FAQs

1. How does infrared heat work with color?

Infrared heat waves penetrate deep into hair follicles and speed up color processing time.

2. Can you steam your hair after coloring?

Using steam after coloring your hair will keep the cuticle open. Even if you wish to incorporate a deep-moisture treatment, heat after color (except when styling and blow drying) is never a good idea.

3. Are hair color processors worth it?

Yes. If you wish to help your clients achieve their desired hair color more effectively, then a hair processor is just the thing you need. Plus, it will help save you ample time and money in the long run. Just make sure to read the instructions carefully before using them to avoid any damage to your clients’ hair.