Why is it essential to lighten hair to the correct stage during coloring?

Lightening hair to the correct stage is essential because the remaining pigment in the hair will significantly impact the final color result. Hair color is influenced by the underlying pigments present, which can alter the way the final shade appears once the new color is applied. For instance, darker hair has more melanin, which can cause a warmer or less desirable tone if not lifted to the appropriate level. If hair is not lightened adequately, the end color may turn out much darker or even have unwanted hues, such as brassiness or muddy tones. Thus, achieving the right level of lift ensures that the desired shade will show true after the coloring process is completed, providing consistent and predictable results.