For the most vibrant color results, we recommend pre-lightening (bleaching) the hair before applying our semi-permanent colors. Use the color chart on the back of the packaging to help you decide how light to bleach for maximum vibrancy and what colors look best on different hair color levels. Be sure to fully shampoo and rinse out all the bleach. Any residue left in the hair will compromise your color results.You can use Clear in three ways: to add shine, dilute, or to blend from a bright color into blonde or lighter ends. When using to dilute deeper colors, start with Clear and then slowly add in the deeper color to pastelize. Clear can also be used on its own to give shine and condition on all hair colors and textures. Use Clear by itself to create a color melt transition from a deeper color into blonde or lighter ends.People ask how long do they last, but we like to say how long do they fade…because they’re designed to fade.  What makes our colors different is they fade into lighter pastel versions of themselves.Lighter tones can last up to 20 washes.  Deeper tones can last up to 40 washes. *Of course, this all depends on application and home care.