Hair dyes have become almost indispensable products for many different men and women. Knowing how hair dye works is the best way to make an informed decision about the hair dying process. Most chemicals are used for wetting, emulsifying or preserving ingredients in them. Dyeing your hair can be fun, but the chemicals in most of them dry and damage the cuticle. Luckily, there are natural dyes and ways to color your hair without the harsh effects.
Types
Permanent hair color alters the hair's pigment, thus making the color permanent. Once permanent hair color is applied, the color may fade or not be as vibrant, however, the color does not wash out, hence the permanent factor. This type of hair color is not ideal for damaged hair since it contains ammonia and lightening agents that can further damage hair.
Demi-permanent dyes are the kind that most people use when they visit the hair salon. These dyes contain ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, and it is possible to get a lighter shade with these dyes. When the dye is placed in the hair, the dye penetrates the hair shaft, and then bonds with the hair molecules already there. This dye usually lasts for about a month.
Semi-permanent hair color is used to darken hair and cover gray since it does not contain any ammonia or lightening agents. It is the least invasive of hair coloring processes. Hair glazes are common forms of semi-permanent hair color.
Chemicals
Methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparaben are common ingredients in hair care products. Parabens are added to hair products because they act as preservatives and inhibit microbial growth. Parabens increase the expression of the genes that are usually regulated by estradiol, and can cause human breast tumor cells to grow and proliferate.
Other chemicals include PPD, or para-phenylenediamine, which can cause allergic reactions such as burning and headaches and is also a potential carcinogen; DMDM hydantoin, a preservative that has been linked to immune system problems; ammonia, which can be toxic and corrosive and may cause respiratory problems; 4-Hydroxyindole(2380-94-1), which can be an irritant and is a potential carcinogen.
Natural Products
Henna hair dye comes from the henna plant. It contains a tanning dye molecule. This molecule eventually bonds with your hair shaft and binds with the keratin creating color. Many henna hair dyes are mixed with conditioning agents like cocoa butter and formed into a solid. It then can be mixed with water or coffee to darken the hair, and spread on to the hair as other hair dyes would be. It is natural and safe. There are color-depositing shampoos that are a more natural way to dye hair. ARTec and Aveda both offer these products. Hair Boutique says that these depositors do not contain peroxide, ammonia or anything that can stain the skin or scalp.
Types
Permanent hair color alters the hair's pigment, thus making the color permanent. Once permanent hair color is applied, the color may fade or not be as vibrant, however, the color does not wash out, hence the permanent factor. This type of hair color is not ideal for damaged hair since it contains ammonia and lightening agents that can further damage hair.
Demi-permanent dyes are the kind that most people use when they visit the hair salon. These dyes contain ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, and it is possible to get a lighter shade with these dyes. When the dye is placed in the hair, the dye penetrates the hair shaft, and then bonds with the hair molecules already there. This dye usually lasts for about a month.
Semi-permanent hair color is used to darken hair and cover gray since it does not contain any ammonia or lightening agents. It is the least invasive of hair coloring processes. Hair glazes are common forms of semi-permanent hair color.
Chemicals
Methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparaben are common ingredients in hair care products. Parabens are added to hair products because they act as preservatives and inhibit microbial growth. Parabens increase the expression of the genes that are usually regulated by estradiol, and can cause human breast tumor cells to grow and proliferate.
Other chemicals include PPD, or para-phenylenediamine, which can cause allergic reactions such as burning and headaches and is also a potential carcinogen; DMDM hydantoin, a preservative that has been linked to immune system problems; ammonia, which can be toxic and corrosive and may cause respiratory problems; 4-Hydroxyindole(2380-94-1), which can be an irritant and is a potential carcinogen.
Natural Products
Henna hair dye comes from the henna plant. It contains a tanning dye molecule. This molecule eventually bonds with your hair shaft and binds with the keratin creating color. Many henna hair dyes are mixed with conditioning agents like cocoa butter and formed into a solid. It then can be mixed with water or coffee to darken the hair, and spread on to the hair as other hair dyes would be. It is natural and safe. There are color-depositing shampoos that are a more natural way to dye hair. ARTec and Aveda both offer these products. Hair Boutique says that these depositors do not contain peroxide, ammonia or anything that can stain the skin or scalp.