Trial and error is a large part or creative coloring. There are
no guarantees, and there are always exceptions to the rule.
I have seen the same semi-permanent brand last more
than eight weeks on one dog, yet wash out in two weeks
on another. Temporary mediums such as Blo-Pens, Sprayza,
food coloring, and colored hairsprays are usually removed
within one or two baths. However, sometimes they can last
for up to eight weeks.
I have used Manic Panic Vampire Red and gotten a nice
shade of maroon and even pink on both Poodles and Shih-
tzus. But, one of our Canadian members, Michelle Grenkow,
got a gorgeous true red on a Portuguese Water Dog. Why
did two groomers using the same product get such different
results? Maybe it was the difference in coat type. Maybe we
prepared the coat for coloring differently. Or maybe it was
the difference in the PH levels of our water.
There are so many factors to take into account when using
creative coloring. Coat type, the condition of the coat,
product brand used, preparation of the coat, and the PH
level of the water used to rinse or dilute with can affect the
outcome.
That is one reason the NAPCG encourages its members to
be active on the member forum. Through shared experiences,
we can help each other to make more accurate decisions
when choosing products. We also encourage groomers to
take notes. Just as Michele suggested on the forum, get a
notebook and jot down all pertinent information when
using creative colors. Write down the results obtained from
various products used. Note the breed of dog, coat type, and
how long the coloring medium was left on before rinsing.
Was shampoo used first? Was the color applied to a dry or
damp coat? By noting these things, trial and error will be
replaced by experience and consistency.
While we have no guarantees with creative coloring, we can
make educated choices. Experience combined with education
and enhanced with consultation with peers who have “been
there, done that” will provide more accurate results over time.
So continue to practice, have fun, and above all else, be safe!