Some say that your hair reflects your personality. Whether you wish to go undercover with subdued blacks and browns or go bonkers with brilliant reds and blues, do you know what dyes and bleach does to your hair? Let’s find out!
How do dye and bleach work?
The inner part of the hair is called the cortex and it contains most of the hair mass and keratin proteins and lipids. Hair lipids play a major role in the shine, feel and strength of the hair. The outer part of the hair is called the cuticle which encases and protects the cortex.
Hair dye, be it chemical or natural, alters the colour of your hair either temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently. Most permanent hair dyes contain a combination of:
- Ammonia: Allows the dye to coat the hair shaft by opening up protein layers.
- Hydrogen peroxide: An oxidizing agent that strips hair of its natural colour.
- p-Phenylenediamine (PPD): Bonds into the hair to colour it.
What’s the damage?
The severity of the damage depends on the type of dye and colour used. The bigger the difference between the natural colour and the dye colour, the more damage may occur like:
- Dryer and courser hair.
- Dull and less shiny.
- Frizzy, brittle and more prone to split ends.
- Upgrades to hair routine. Bleach removes some natural oils, so you may need hair serums and oils for soft healthy hair.
How to repair damaged hair?
If you’re still keen on going lighter, here are a few hair care tips to follow:
- Carry out a patch test of hair dye before applying.
- Use shampoos that include lipids like fatty alcohols.
- Space out the time between multiple hair treatments.
- Minimise heat by applying a heat-protective product beforehand.
- Use conditioning hair dyes containing hydrolysed silk or milk protein.
- Stay within three shades of the natural colour, and darken rather than lighten.
- Protect hair from chlorinated water by wearing a tight-fitting cap when swimming.
So the verdict is, you may dye your hair. But be aware. Don’t follow the trend of “organic” or “eco-friendly” dyes. Do your homework on the compatibility of your hair and the dye before applying. Happy experimenting!
Sources: Medical News Today, Healthline, WebMD
