Partial Vivid Colour Foils (Elumen)

What to expect during your appointment

This is a double process service, so it takes longer and involves more steps than a standard tint or single colour application.

• Consultation and, where needed, a patch or strand test
• Sectioning, with foils placed at the top, parting, and face framing areas
• Lightener applied within the foils and processed
• Rinse, and often a toner to refine the blonde before colour
• Elumen or vivid dye applied to the pre lightened sections
• Final rinse, conditioning, and styling

Because vivid and Elumen shades show best on pale blonde hair, the foiled sections are usually pre lightened first. How light they can safely go depends on your natural level and any previous colour history, so it's worth being upfront about home dye, henna, or past vivids at your consultation.

Partial vs full foils

A partial foil pattern targets the most visible sections rather than the whole head.

• Brighter on top, natural underneath: the crown and face framing pieces carry the colour, while the back and underneath sections stay closer to your base shade
• Quicker and more economical than a full head of foils, while still giving noticeable dimension
• Looks natural when hair is worn down, though natural colour may peek through when it's tied up
• Placement, number of foils, and shade choice can be adjusted for a subtle peek a boo effect or a bolder, more graphic look

Aftercare and maintenance

Vivid and Elumen colours are vibrant but fade gradually, so aftercare makes a real difference to how long they stay looking fresh.

• Use sulphate free, colour safe shampoo and wash less often where possible
• Wash with cooler water, as heat speeds up fading and dryness
• Limit heat styling and use a heat protectant when you do style with heat
• Avoid harsh clarifying shampoos unless you're intentionally fading the colour
• Protect hair from prolonged sun and chlorine exposure

Many clients repeat the partial foil and lightening work every 8 to 12 weeks, refreshing the vivid or Elumen tone in between, roughly every 4 to 6 weeks, with a top up or gloss. Our colour team at Timba, including Ceri O'Brien, can help plan a maintenance schedule that suits your hair and lifestyle, and recommend bond building treatments alongside the service if your hair needs extra support after lightening.