We’ve all been there—craving a new look and reaching for that hair color to transform our locks. While a fresh color can boost confidence and breathe new life into your hair, the question remains: “Does coloring your hair damage it?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes. But don’t worry—there’s good news! With the right care, you can keep your hair healthy and strong throughout the coloring process. Read on for our expert tips on minimizing damage and maintaining your hair’s health after coloring.
How Does Hair Dye Affect Hair?
There’s nothing like the feeling of walking out of the salon with vibrant, freshly colored hair. But behind that color transformation, hair color alters the structure of your hair.
Hair is made up of a cortex (the inner part of your strand) and a protective outer layer called the cuticle. Hair color works by breaking down the cuticle to allow color to penetrate, which can weaken the hair. Without proper care, this process can lead to dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage. But fear not—by following some simple care tips, you can maintain the beauty of your color without compromising your hair’s health.
Does Permanent Hair Color Damage Hair?
Permanent hair color is one of the most commonly used methods for color changes, but it’s also the most potentially damaging.
Permanent color works in a two-step process—first, it removes the existing pigments from your hair, and then deposits a new color. This process uses ammonia to open the cuticle, and peroxide to remove color and add new hues. Unfortunately, this causes hair to lose moisture, making it dry and more susceptible to damage. If you’re looking for a dramatic color change, you’ll want to make sure you follow a healthy post-color care routine to keep your hair feeling soft and strong.
Fortunately, Davines has made significant strides with their Mask with Vibrachrom system—a permanent color system designed not only to provide rich, long-lasting color but also to protect and treat the hair during the color process. This system is infused with advanced technology that enhances the vibrancy of the color while keeping your strands nourished and protected.
The Vibrachrom system helps to treat and shield the hair, maintaining its integrity, softness, and shine while delivering beautiful, lasting results.
Does Semi-Permanent Hair Color Damage Hair?
For those wanting a less intense commitment, semi-permanent hair color is a popular option. It’s gentler than permanent color because it doesn’t contain ammonia and doesn’t open the hair cuticle. Instead, it deposits pigment on the surface of the hair, making it a great choice for those who want to experiment with color. The result: less damage to your strands, but keep in mind that semi-permanent colors fade after several washes. Semi-permanent hair color is less harmful than permanent options, but it’s still important to follow a solid aftercare routine to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
Davines’ View is their innovative demi-permanent color system that’s designed for gentle application with long-lasting results. View is formulated with low ammonia and a nourishing formula that helps retain the hair’s natural moisture and strength while creating vibrant color. It’s the perfect solution for clients who want rich color without the commitment or harsh effects of traditional permanent color.
Does Box Color Damage Hair?
Box color is an easy, budget-friendly option, but does it do more harm than good? Yes—box color often contains high levels of ammonia and other harsh chemicals, making it more likely to damage your hair. Additionally, box color is a one-size-fits-all approach, meaning it won’t always achieve the exact color you’re hoping for.
A professional colorist has years of training to ensure your color is customized to your hair type, ensuring your hair stays as healthy as possible. If you’re serious about hair health, we recommend skipping the box color and visiting a professional colorist near you.
Key Chemicals in Hair Colors You Should Know
Understanding the common chemicals in hair dyes can help you make informed decisions. Here are a few to be aware of:
- Ammonia lifts the hair cuticle, letting the color enter. While it’s effective, ammonia can cause scalp irritation and leave hair feeling dry.
- Peroxide acts as the developer, removing your hair’s natural color and depositing the color. It can also dry out your hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage.
- PPD (P-Phenylenediamine) may irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions in some people. It is a common chemical in darker hair colors.
Hair Type and Color Damage: What You Need to Consider
Not all hair is created equal, and your hair’s natural color and texture can impact how well it handles the coloring process. Darker hair, especially when lightened, is more prone to damage, and finer hair is more susceptible to breakage. If you have curly or textured hair, be mindful that the color process can change your hair’s natural curl pattern, requiring extra care. The more you process your hair, the more likely you are to experience damage, so take your time when choosing a color and always use products designed for colored hair.
Does Hair Color Cause Hair Loss?
The short answer is no, hair color itself doesn’t cause hair loss. However, the process of coloring—especially when combined with heat styling, combing, or brushing—can damage the strands, making them more prone to shedding. So while the color won’t affect new growth, it can lead to temporary shedding of weakened strands. To minimize hair loss, be gentle with your hair and avoid over-processing.
What’s the Healthiest Way to Color Your Hair?
To minimize damage when coloring your hair, here are some tips:
- Pre-Treatment: A few weeks before coloring, start doing weekly hydrating masks and protein treatments. This strengthens the hair and prepares it for the color process.
- Avoid Heat: Minimize heat styling before and after coloring to avoid additional stress on your strands.
- Trust a Professional: Always work with a colorist who understands your hair type and color needs. A professional can deliver the hair color of your dreams without compromising your hair’s health.
- Touch-Ups: Avoid overlap when doing touch-ups to prevent unnecessary damage. Focus on coloring only the new growth to maintain healthy hair.
Recommended Products for Maintaining Colored Hair
At Verbena, the Salon, we recommend these Davines products to keep your colored hair looking vibrant and healthy:
- MINU Shampoo: A gentle color-protecting shampoo that cleanses and boosts hydration while enhancing shine.
- MINU Conditioner: This illuminating conditioner helps detangle and protect color-treated hair.
- MINU Hair Mask: Deeply nourishes and conditions color-treated hair, making it soft and silky.
- OI Oil: Adds moisture and shine, especially on dry, color-treated hair, helping to fight frizz and enhance vibrancy.
Hair Care for Color-Treated Hair: Tips for Healthy Locks and Long-Lasting Color
While dyeing your hair can cause some damage, following the right hair care routine can keep your strands healthy and your color looking fresh. The key is to use high-quality products, be gentle with your hair, and maintain regular salon visits for color maintenance.
Hair Color Experts in Tempe, AZ
If you’re ready to change up your look with a new color or need expert advice on keeping your hair healthy and vibrant, our stylists at Verbena, the Salon are here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your hair color appointment here.
