What does "overlapping" refer to in the context of hair coloring?

Overlapping in the context of hair coloring specifically refers to the process of applying new color over hair that has already been colored. This technique is often used when a stylist is refreshing color or covering new growth. However, it is essential to be cautious with overlapping because doing so can lead to damage, as the previously colored hair is already subjected to chemical processes.

For instance, if a lighter shade is applied over previously colored hair that was dark, it can become overly processed, leading to increased dryness or breakage. The application must be executed carefully to ensure that the hair remains healthy while achieving the desired color.

In contrast, applying color only to the roots doesn't involve overlap since the existing color on the hair strands is untouched. Mixing colors for a custom shade focuses on the color formulation rather than the application technique, and using multiple products for conditioning pertains to product usage rather than the coloring process itself. All these options serve distinct purposes within the realm of hairstyling, but overlapping is specifically tied to the coloring application method.