How To Section Hair When Coloring

Q: Do you need to section hair when coloring? If so, how should you do it?

A: Yes, sectioning hair before applying color is highly recommended. Proper sectioning ensures that the hair you are not actively working on stays neatly separated, preventing it from interfering with the section you are coloring at any given time. This method not only makes the application more precise but also helps achieve even coverage, reducing the risk of missed spots or uneven color distribution.

Stylists typically begin by dividing the hair into four sections to prepare for color application. To create these sections, first part the hair down the center from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Then, make a second part from ear to ear across the crown of the head. This divides the hair into four quadrants - left front, right front, left back, and right back - keeping unworked hair neatly tucked away and out of the way during the coloring process.

When applying the color, start with one of the front sections (either left or right, depending on your preference). Follow the instructions provided with your hair color product or the specific technique you are using, ensuring thorough saturation from roots to ends. It’s best to work on the front sections first because these areas are the most visible, and applying color here early ensures they receive the full recommended processing time for optimal results.

Once the front sections are fully coated, move on to the rear sections. First the left back, then the right back (or vice versa). By this stage, if you’ve been applying the color carefully, you’ll likely notice how much easier sectioning makes the entire process. Keeping the hair organized in this manner allows for systematic, controlled application, minimizing mistakes and ensuring consistent color development across all areas.

If you’re working with particularly thick or long hair, you may further divide each of the four main sections into smaller subsections (about half an inch to an inch wide) for even more precision. This extra step helps guarantee that every strand gets properly saturated, especially when dealing with dense or layered hair.

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See also:

How to color hair

Star sectioning

Section hair with the 7-section parting