Understanding Permanent Hair Dye: Effects, Risks, and Haircare Tips
Permanent hair dye is a popular choice for those wishing to achieve a long-lasting change in their hair color. However, it is important to understand the effects of permanent hair dye, the risks associated with its use, and how to maintain healthy hair after dyeing.
What Does Permanent Hair Dye Do?
Permanent hair dye works by both altering and covering the color of your hair. It is a chemical process that affects the hair shaft, removing some of the original pigments and adding new ones.
How Permanent Color Works
Permanent hair dye performs two main actions:
Bleaching: Temporary dye first requires the hair color to be lightened by lifting or bleaching out some of the original pigments in your hair. This process can be damaging if overdone.
Laying a new color: After the hair is lightened, a new color is applied and absorbed into the hair shaft. This new color will stay until the hair grows out, is cut off, or you cover it with a new color.
On the other hand, demi-permanent hair dye omits the step of bleaching and is simply a color that lasts for 2-5 weeks, depending on your hair and the color chosen.
Temporary hair dye simply lays a new color on top of the existing one, without altering the base color of the hair.
Effects on Hair Health
While permanent hair dye can create stunning results, it can also have adverse effects on your hair. The chemicals used in hair dye can damage the hair protein, leading to dryness, breakage, and even hair thinning. Repeated use over the years can contribute to balding.
Unfortunately, many people experience negative reactions to chemical hair dyes on a regular basis. Due to this, it is advised to use natural hair dyes or products that cover and enhance your natural hair color to maintain a healthier appearance.
Damage and Reverse Effects
The amount of damage caused by hair dye depends on several factors, including the severity of the bleaching process, the frequency of dyeing, and the quality of the dye product. Overprocessing and the use of harmful dyes can lead to significant hair breakage, but this damage often can be mitigated with proper care.
However, severe damage may require cutting the hair to achieve a healthy look. Fortunately, the scalp itself is generally safe from permanent dye damage, provided you do not develop an allergic reaction. While some coloring ingredients are considered carcinogenic, they have been used for long periods without significant health risks.
Damage can be reversed, though not completely. To protect your hair, consider the following tips:
Wash your hair with cold water to maintain the hair's natural oils.
Use damage-repair shampoos and conditioners to nourish your hair.
Regularly trim dead ends and split ends to keep hair healthy.
Avoid using heat styling tools by applying a heat protection spray when necessary.
It is important to note that all chemical processes to dye hair will cause some degree of damage. This includes washing, brushing, and exposure to the elements. Therefore, it is common for people who cover their hair with head coverings to have healthier hair due to less exposure to these elements.