In recent years, there has been increasing interest in matters relating to hair and hair cosmetics, mainly as societies and cultures begin to understand the importance of hair in protecting the scalp from UV-generated light and against mechanical injuries, and in conveying important biological information on the status and health of individuals. Hair is reported to be damaged by various factors, including the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mechanical traction and other cosmetic procedures, together with frequency combing and brushing. Among the cosmetic procedures and treatments, the question is often raised whether the use of hair dyes, in particular, can have a negative impact on hair health. Dyeing is not only the first but also the most popular non-medical treatment that is used to change hair into a new color. Dyeing frequency can be scheduled every 2–3 weeks, every 4 weeks, every 5–6 weeks, or only twice a year, and can last for decades in the same individual. It should also be highlighted that hair dyes are marketed both on and supported ability to link data uniquely, and to reach specific customers.
The purpose of this essay is to clarify some myths and facts surrounding the impact of hair coloring on hair health. To date, a huge variety of papers and reviews have been published on this subject, but none has given an accurate scenario, leading to a rise in consumer concerns and, most seriously, in biased, fake news that have spread in the community. In conclusion, being aware of the factual aspects of hair dyeing is needed, as hair dye advertisements as well as fake news spread on the web, claiming that “chemicals attributed to hair color can damage the hair”, giving rise to nocebo effects that have to be accurately analyzed.
The Science Behind Hair Dye
Hair dye is widely accepted around the globe as an individualistic and personal expression of style, but could it be harming the hair? Previously considered as people who needed hair dye for going gray, now people of all ages are using dying hair as a trend. A fun way to change looks or follow the latest styles. The complex chemistry involved in changing the hair color is hard to comprehend for non-chemical experts, and that is where false and misleading claims can be used to sway audiences through opinions that do not have a scientific foundation to them. The hair dye process is a chemical process. It may seem easy due to the portrayal of it on social media platforms, but it is important to understand how the ingredients damage your hair to give you the hair color payoff you are looking for.
Let us start with the basics, the natural color of our hair. Our hair needs 2 components to achieve the appearance it currently has: melanin, a pigment that gives hair its color, and air bubbles, which give hair its shape and diameter. Hair colors change depending on the melanin component. Broadly, it is classified into two types: eumelanin for blacks and browns, phaeomelanin for red and blondes. The structure of the hair consists of the following layers: hair cuticles, which are a layer of tightly formed scales that can be compared to overlapped roof shingles. It is these that support the hair shaft and provide it protection from outside damage. The cuticle layer is then followed by the wider, coiled cortex that eventually leads to the hair cuticle, the visible part of the hair. Hair can be easily styled, volumized by damaging or lifting the cuticle layer.
Potential Link Between Hair Dye and Hair Loss
Although no credible study has found a direct link between hair dye and hair loss, certain hair dye chemicals like para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a common ingredient, have been speculated to be possible causative factors for folliculitis or inflammation of the small cavities from which hair develops. This can lead to scarring and hair loss. Often, itchy rashes and allergic reactions occur after hair dye application. In addition, hair treatments can also strain the hair shaft due to chemical damage.
It is important to remember that hair dyes are specifically designed to penetrate the hair shaft. This weakens the cuticles to allow the dyes to work. Some people may interpret increased hair loss as the hair fiber becomes stronger after several dye-processing cycles. However, research has not been able to conclusively establish this connection. Generally speaking, regular hair coloring is not associated with hair loss. The mechanisms that can cause hair thinning have no scientific evidence. In conclusion, anyone who frequently dyes their hair has no reason to be worried. Nevertheless, some treatments and lifestyle habits can be altered to preserve the natural integrity of the hair. In general, constant coloring does not result in hair loss per se, but may have complications.
Chemical Composition of Hair Dyes
Hair coloring products are commercial preparations used to change a person’s hair’s natural color by the application of chemical compounds. These compounds penetrate the hair shaft in order to fundamentally change its molecular structure. Hair dye formulations consist of multiple ingredients that are designed to chemically alter the fabric of the hair, to help other ingredients penetrate farther into the hair shaft, and to drive the final hair color development. Although exact formulations differ between proprietary products, the chemicals used in a given hair dye variant are usually dictated by the regulator as part of obtaining marketing approval to ensure products are safe. A good deal of the evidence that can be brought to bear on the issue of whether hair dye causes hair breakage can also help inform whether particular types of hair dye cause problems.
The primary intermediate in human hair dyeing chemistry is generally a small organic molecule that forms the basis of the dye reaction. Aminophenol is the main intermediate used to derive the molecule that binds to keratin at a chemical level to modify hair color. When combined with a coupler, the primary intermediate in human hair also precipitates large polymeric coloured molecules that are visible as a changed hair tone. Hair peroxides, like hydrogen peroxide, have hair softening properties as well as the main role of decolourizing natural hair. Damage is well documented if peroxides are not used according to instructions, usually due to poor application of the hair dye mixture or re-treating hair using over large numbers of applications. Japanese dyes can contain peroxide and also melanin dyes, with an intermediate; a naphthol intermediate combined with a coupler to more slowly develop a visible hair color change to mimic natural highlights.
Hair Damage vs. Hair Loss: Understanding the Difference
Appropriate terminology and understanding-based actions can be helpful in determining if a product or cosmetic formulation is causing actual hair loss or if it just leads to a change in the hair’s quality when it is being used. We are discussing signs of hair damage caused by overuse and misuse of hair dye, and then looking into the new hair fiber technology responsible for protecting hair from external damage.
Many people use hair dyes to cover gray roots, to get a new color, to get a new appearance, to remove yellow/orange tones from strands after bleaching, to lighten dark hair over level 6 for getting highlights, or to darken light, pre-lightened, or dark hair. But confusion starts when a user comes to a point where she must choose between overdone and gorgeous looking hair. Often it is misinterpreted that damaged hair looks like hair loss caused due to hair dye. There is a big difference between hair damage and hair loss. With hair dye usage, damaged hair looks fine at first, then progresses to extremely porous, dry, brittle, less elastic and ultimately leads to breakage. But not treatment or change in hair color. In practice, a survey was done, 40 models surveyed by Alvend Laboratories. Participants had a common feeling that using UV Rays, hair dye, brush, and comb would result in hair loss and they were correct – up to a point.
Safe Practices for Dyeing Hair
A few guidelines can help protect hair while dyeing it. First, you can conduct a patch test of the coloring product or its main components. Use the product once and monitor any adverse effects that may follow for at least 48 hours, such as rash or other skin reactions. Do not use the product if the area gets red, itchy, or develops a rash. Second, follow the instructions given with the coloring product and don’t let the dye sit for longer than the recommendation. If you get any dye on your skin, wipe it off right away with a towel or a damp cloth. Do not use the product if your skin gets irritated. Third, while dyeing, use a brush/comb for even application. Also, no product should be used on the eyelashes or eyebrows. Rinse your scalp after the recommended period or time. For the finishing touch, gently massage the dye and then rinse thoroughly with water.
After the dyeing process, the general trend is that you should wait at least 4-6 weeks before doing it again, so the skin can regenerate. Regular use of conditioners, fruit oil, and serums will help keep your hair safe. UV hair care products and other nonmetallic hair accessories should be applied after dyeing. The UV protective element on the hair protects hair from sunlight, which can fade the hair’s color. The anti-breakage formula of the fruit oil in the hair serum keeps your hair healthy. If hair is exposed to sunlight, it can cause some color changes, so you should avoid sun, splash seawater, pool water, seaweed, and dust when visiting the gym, spending time outdoors, and making hair-coloring appointments. Hair should be rinsed thoroughly after swimming in chlorinated water or seawater. Dry the hair off, but don’t twist it as it will break your hair. Apply leave-in conditioner and comb.