Having different hair colors is a worldwide trend, as it makes us stand out or helps us create a self image we find more appealing. However, if you've bleached or dyed your hair, you might've noticed that its condition has become worse, such as having a rougher texture, and scalp irritation. How do the chemicals in permanent hair dye products affect the condition of your hair and scalp? Read to find out!
How Hair Dye Works
To figure out the effects of permanent hair dye on your hair, we must first learn about what exactly it does to your hair to change its color.
Since the dye's purpose is to permanently color your hair, instead a singular top coat applied to your hair which can easily be rinsed out, hair dye contains ammonia, a chemical that allows the dye to get past your hair cuticles, the protection of your hair, which is also above your hair pigments. Some hair dyes have very high amounts of ammonia, which causes hair cuticles to swell in order for the color of the dye to sink in.
After the molecules of the dye travel into your broken hair cuticles, peroxide, also known as bleach, is applied to move pigments of your natural hair color, which will allow new pigments to replace them with a different color.
With a blank slate and no more color present, pigments from the hair dye bond to the hair cortex, and settles in the deepest hair layer, preventing the ability to wash it out. When the hair cuticles close again after the coloring process is finished, the molecules of the hair dye are enclosed in the hair fiber, making it retain its color.
How Does This Cause Damage?
The reason why bleach is so damaging is because the hydrogen peroxide it contains has the purpose of destroying keratins. This means that not only will it kill melanin, but it will also damage hair fibers which contain keratin as well. In addition, dying the hair only becomes damaging if the hair cuticles are being opened and closed multiple times, as it causes the bonds holding the hair structure to eventually break and cause breakage.
In reality, the longer the artificial color of the dye stays in your hair, the more long-term damage it will cause, since it prolongs the amount of time that the hair cuticles are lifted. When the hair is being lifted over and over again to be filled with new colors, the quality slowly goes down and strands of hair will begin breaking. The chemicals also destroy the lipid layer that serves as protection for your hair, and some sensitizers in the dye can be allergens and cause allergic reactions after multiple exposures. Furthermore, inhaling these chemicals regularly can also become harmful and detrimental to your physical health.
The Best Way to Dye Your Hair
Despite all these possibilities, dying your hair monthly does not always lead to brutal damage. If you want to prevent hair breakage, taking good care of it and keeping it in good condition will prevent it from hardening and becoming brittle. To minimize potential damage, follow directions on the box dyes carefully and only apply it if your scalp is healthy, making sure that dandruff, psoriasis, or other scalp issues are taken care of prior to the hair coloring process. In addition, it would be a good idea to not wash your hair a few days before the dying process so the protective lipids will protect your scalp as much as possible during the process. Also make sure to test a small amount of the dye on your skin before putting large amounts of it in your hair, to make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
After dying your hair, use moisturizing shampoo to take care of it properly. Using conditioners specific for colorants also help protect your hair and scalp. Avoid excessive washing, combing, and styling, as well as other chemical treatments that can make your hair even more prone to breakage and damage.
There are also many natural alternatives for dying your hair, such as using carrot juice, beet juice, henna, lemon juice, coffee, sage, and chamomile tea. It would be best to research healthier alternatives before deciding to use permanent chemicals to color your hair.
Thank you for reading!
References:
Komar, Marlen. “What Hair Dye Actually Does To Your Hair, According To Science.” Bustle, 22 Aug. 2019, www.bustle.com/articles/137016-what-hair-dye-actually-does-to-your-hair-according-to-science.
“HAIR DYE: IS IT DAMAGING YOUR HAIR & SCALP?” Head & Shoulders, 28 May 2020, www.headandshoulders.com/en-us/healthy-hair-and-scalp/non-hair-care/hair-dye-is-it-damaging-your-hair.
Gotter, Ana. “7 Natural Hair Dyes: How to Color Your Hair at Home.” Healthline, 4 May 2017, www.healthline.com/health/natural-hair-dye#lemon-juice.
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