What does the term 'pre-lightening' refer to in hair coloring?

The term 'pre-lightening' specifically refers to the process of lightening the hair before applying a new color. This step is often essential when working with darker hair shades and aiming for a vibrant or lighter color. Pre-lightening helps to remove the existing color pigments from the hair, creating a more suitable canvas for the new dye. It allows the new color to show more accurately and can enhance the overall vibrancy and longevity of the hair dye applied afterward.

This technique is particularly important when trying to achieve pastel colors or vibrant shades that may not show up well on darker hair without first lightening it. In contrast, the other options do not address the fundamental process of pre-lightening in hair coloring. Applying conditioner or adding moisture relates more to hair care and preparation, while using heat pertains to the setting of the color rather than altering the hair's base color through lightening.