Does Hair Color Damage Your Hair?

Getting a hair colour done is quite common. It is prominent in people of all age and gender. Some people opt for hair colours to keep up with the varying fashion trends while some may choose to do so for cosmetic reasons such as covering their white or grey hair. But they may impact your natural hair.

Does Dying Your Hair Damage It?

Though getting your hair dyed to cover up the grey and white patches, is the most sought-after remedy, not many people are aware of the effects of these hair dyes. No matter how organic your product is, it can cause serious side effects, if used incorrectly. This is because the chemicals used in hair colours are quite powerful and they can easily penetrate your hair shaft and have an adverse effect on the pigments found within these hair shafts. This may result in hair thinning and hair fall.

Must Read: What Is Alopecia Or Hair Loss?

Should You Dye Your Hair?

In simple words, yes you can apply hair dyes if required. But, there are quite a few terms and conditions which you need to strictly adhere to; so that there is no harm caused to you or your hair. First and foremost, you should colour your hair only if it is absolutely necessary. If you are colouring your hair just to style and to keep up with the various hair colour trends, then it is advisable to avoid doing so. Check with your dermatologist on quality and kind of hair dye to be used.

What Are The Side Effects Of Hair Color?

• Hair Loss – Hair loss due to hair colours is a very common side effect which occurs by allowing the hair colour to stay on the scalp for too long, using high strength of the hair colour mixture, incorrect application of hair colour, and excessive hair colouring treatments, etc.
• Allergic Reaction – You can easily have an allergic reaction to any of the chemicals used in the hair dye. For example, some hair dyes contain gluten. So if you are allergic to gluten, then you might face allergic reaction on your skin.
• Skin Irritation – A lot of people experience itchiness, redness, soreness, burning sensation, etc., after they apply the hair colour.
• Hair Texture – All that chemical in the hair colour product can take away the moisture from your hair; leaving them dry and brittle. Continuous use of such hair products can lead to extreme measures such as chopping off your hair.
• Discolouration – There is a high possibility of skin discolouration. Our hair, skin and fingernails are all made up of a similar kind of keratinized protein. When the hair colour comes in contact with the skin, it can lead to skin discolouration of slips, drips and extra hair tint which is around your hairline. This is also one of the main reasons why it is advised to wear gloves while applying hair dyes.
• Rashes – You might notice rashes appearing wherever the product has touched your skin.
• Asthma – Asthma is considered to be one of the serious hair dye side effects. Most of the hair colouring products contain the chemical persulfates and ammonia. The inhalation of both these chemicals can lead to asthma as well as other respiratory products such as wheezing, persistent cough or throat infection.
• Cancer – Though studies are still being conducted to understand the relation between hair dyes and cancer, there are few studies which claim that regular and over-usage of hair dyes can lead to various types of cancers such as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, PPD Induced Cancer, etc.
• Conjunctivitis – The harsh chemicals can result in conjunctivitis or pink eye wherein the outer membrane of your eyeball and the inner eyelid get infected.

Must Read: How To Repair Damaged Hair Quickly?

Precautions You Should Take When You Dye Your Hair

• Always wear gloves while applying the hair colour.
• Make sure to read the instructions given on the product and ensure that you follow all those instructions thoroughly.
• Do not mix different hair products together.
• Do not let the hair dye sit on the scalp for too long.
• To avoid getting any allergic reactions, rashers, etc., make sure that you conduct a patch test first. Wait for two days and only if there are no side effects then you can go ahead apply the hair colour.
• Keep the hair dye away from your eyebrows and eyelashes.
• Always rinse out the hair dye thoroughly after the process.

How To Repair Damaged Hair?

Damaged hair is something that can have an adverse impact on our self-confidence as well. The continuous use of hair colours over a period of time can leave you with dry and damaged hair, which is beyond simple remedies such as getting a haircut. If you are dealing with extreme damaged hair and are wondering how to treat colour damaged hair, then the below treatments can be helpful for you.

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment – In this Platelet Rich Plasma method, platelets are acquired from your own blood and injected into your scalp. These platelets then help in stimulating the stem cells of your hair follicles, thereby, causing natural hair growth and thickening of your hair. This non-surgical treatment is combined with oral and topical medications, to achieve effective results.

• Medications – Oral and topical medications can also help to a great extent in treating colour damaged hair. Minoxidil is a topical medication which is available in both liquid and foam form. Finasteride is an oral medication, however, it is more effective in men rather than women.
• Hair Transplantation – If your colour damaged hair is beyond repair, then a hair transplantation might be the best choice of treatment. Over the years, hair transplant procedures have gained immense popularity as they are effective in providing natural-looking results. This is a surgical procedure wherein plugs of skin containing active hair follicles are taken, either from the back or side of your scalp and transplanted, where required.

Must Read: What Is PRP Hair Treatment & How Does It Work?

Using hair dye in limited quantity and as per instructions can be beneficial for you; but, over-usage and incorrect usage will cause more harm than good. Consult a dermatologist if you experience any hair deformity, due to the application of hair dye. If treated in time, you have a chance to regrow and replenish your natural hair.