Deciding to dye your hair is an exciting way to embrace a new look or enhance your current style. However, hair dye can be taxing on hair as many of the chemicals used to facilitate the process that make strands more susceptible to breakage. Whether you are pursuing a color change at home or in the salon, it probably makes sense to have a conversation with your stylist before doing so!
What type of hair dye will you use?
There are various types of hair dyes, including permanent, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent options. Each type has its benefits and considerations, such as longevity versus potential damage. Discussing the type of dye your stylist plans to use will give you a better understanding of the expected results, maintenance requirements, and
contents. When it comes to hair dye safety, more options are becoming available that are free of potentially harmful ingredients like ammonia, paraphenylenediamine (PPD), resorcinol, parabens, phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), and titanium dioxide [1]. It pays to ask or research before committing to a dye!
How will this hair color affect my natural hair texture?
Different hair dyes can impact the texture of your hair. Some dyes may cause temporary changes in curl pattern or dryness. It is important to discuss these potential effects with your stylist so you can make an informed decision and
prepare for any necessary adjustments to your hair care routine [2].
What if I change my mind? Can the color be corrected or removed?
While your initial color choice might be perfect, it is good to be prepared for the possibility that you might want to change it in the future. Discuss the options for color correction or removal with your stylist, including the potential challenges and processes involved. If you are planning to dye your hair more than 1-2 levels lighter, you will likely need to bleach the underlying hair first, which comes with additional considerations. If bleaching feels too drastic,
you could also try piloting your desired color with a vibrant, temporary dye that does not require bleaching [3].
What precautions should I take before and after dyeing?
Understanding the steps to take before and after dyeing your natural hair is crucial for maintaining the color’s vibrancy and your hair’s health. Your stylist can provide guidance on pre-dyeing preparations, such as deep conditioning and post-dyeing care. Prioritizing hydrating products is a key step to any haircare routine but becomes
more critical for hair that is prone to breakage and has been highly processed. You might need to adjust your washing frequency and should opt for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair to
maximize color longevity and minimize premature fading.
Is a strand test necessary?
A strand test involves applying a small amount of dye to a hidden section of your hair to preview the color outcome and assess potential allergic reactions. Your stylist may recommend this test to ensure that the chosen color turns out as expected and to verify that your skin will not react adversely to the dye [4].
Asking these essential questions will not only help you make informed decisions about the color process but also ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to maintain your hair’s health and vibrancy.
Bibliography
[1] L. He, F. Michailidou, H. L. Gahlon, and W. Zeng, “Hair Dye Ingredients and Potential Health Risks from
Exposure to Hair Dyeing,” Chemical Research in Toxicology, vol. 35, no. 6, pp. 901–915, Jun. 2022, doi:
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00427.
[2] Z. Weiner, “This Unexpected Yet Common Thing Is Totally Effing Up Your Curl Pattern,” Well+Good,
Aug. 13, 2020. https://www.wellandgood.com/hair-color-curly-hair/ (accessed Aug. 02, 2023).
[3] “Do You Have to Bleach Hair Prior to Dyeing It?,” Empire Beauty School, Nov. 29, 2021.
https://www.empire.edu/blog/beauty-tips/do-you-have-to-bleach-hair-prior-to-dyeing-it (accessed Aug. 02, 2023).
[4] “Hair Help,” bleachlondon.com. https://bleachlondon.com/hair-help (accessed Aug. 02, 2023).
