Can hair dyes cause hair loss or thinning?

We all want to avoid thinning hair as much as possible! This is especially true for those of us who are aging – almost everyone experiences hair loss with aging.

Introduction

When we think about what could be a potential cause of hair loss or thinning hair, hair dye sometimes comes to mind. After all, hair coloring can be very involved in techniques and ingredients.

Hair dye contains various chemical agents – and some can weaken our hair strands. Could this mean that hair dye is causing hair thinning or loss?

Let's dive deeper into the answers regarding hair dye and demystify all the questions regarding whether it interacts negatively with hair. There are quite a few things we need to take into account!

Not all hair dyes and colors are created equal. Lightening agents such as bleach (used to achieve those dazzling highlights in dark hair) contain peroxide at high levels, and we'll explore how certain chemicals can disrupt the integrity of our hair strands.

There are also different types of hair loss. Hair loss, hair breakage, and slowed hair growth are all considered hair loss and thinning . What types of hair loss, if any, does artificial hair color affect?

Can hair color damage your hair?

If you are considering coloring your hair to change your style or cover gray strands, there are different options. The most common types of hair dyes, such as:

• Temporary hair coloring
• Semi-permanent coloring
• Semi-permanent hair color
• Permanent hair coloring
• Henna
• Hair bleaching and lighteners

The hair color product itself can damage the hair. Depending on the strength of the hair dye, the damage may not be as extreme. Your hair goals will determine the type of hair color you choose.

Temporary hair dye is a color that can be applied and washed off completely because it only coats the hair strands instead of penetrating them. Temporary hair dye is meant to wash out after just one shampoo. Temporary hair dyes are most often used for one-off events like a party or Halloween.

Semi-permanent hair dye will last about five to ten shampoos. Semi-permanent hair dyes are suitable for people who are experimenting with hair color or looking to change their hair color more frequently.

Semi-permanent is intended to last 30 shampoos and is the most common hair dye. With 30 washes, the color will stay true to its intended shade longer compared to temporary and semi-permanent dyes.

Permanent hair dye does not wash out, but it will fade over time. Permanent dye will likely last half to most of the year before needing to be touched up. Hair bleach also falls into the permanent color category.

Does hair coloring cause hair loss?

Unfortunately, hair dye damage is often unavoidable, but the extent of the damage depends on many factors. The natural color of your hair may be more or less damaged, just like your hair type.

Fine, thin hair can be weakened more easily by the hair coloring process. This is because thin hair strands are often made up of less protein, making them more susceptible to breakage.

The greater distance between your hair's natural shade and your desired look also increases the extent of damage hair coloring can cause. Going from dark hair to a lighter shade will require hydrogen peroxide.

Hairstylists will use hydrogen peroxide as a way to lighten hair in a bleaching method. Once the hair has been lightened, hair color can be applied to achieve the shade you have in mind.

Bleach and lighteners damage the hair cuticle and penetrate the hair shaft to impact the bonds within. Excessive use of bleach can cause hair to become weak, damaged, broken, and thinning.

Hair dyes can cause hair loss or thinning, but not in the way you might expect. Coloring our hair can cause hair breakage, but not slowing or stopping hair growth at the follicle level.

Side effects of hair dye

Hair coloring is an attractive and easy way to change your hair color or cover gray hair. But with anything hair related, it's important to consider potential side effects and how your hair will handle certain products.

If you are considering going to the salon to change your hair color, it is important to know the condition of your hair. Adding hair dye into the equation can change the structure and health of your hair strands .

Hair coloring will damage the lipids and proteins in the hair strands, which are an important part of hair health quality. With the change in hair structure, strands will become more prone to breakage, making hair more susceptible to thinning and shedding.

Even opting for a natural option like henna can damage strands. With all of these things in mind, you may be wondering if there are any hair dye options that wouldn't cause as much damage.

How do I dye my hair safely?

There are several ways to start your hair color journey on the right foot to promote hair health. Although the chemicals in hair dyes can damage and thin hair, it's all in the technique.

The best way to start dying your hair is to consult a licensed cosmetologist at a salon, preferably a stylist who focuses on color. A licensed hairstylist will have access to many products that the general public cannot use.

They also know how to achieve your desired hair color and can advise you on the necessary steps. They can tailor their approach to dyeing your hair if you have special hair needs. Your stylist can also tell you the best ways to care for your hair after the process.

Hair color is widely available in grocery and beauty supply stores. If store-bought hair dye is the route you take, follow the directions and practice a few safety tips.

Follow the instructions carefully. Do not leave the hair dye on longer than necessary. You should also not mix dye products, but stick to a specific brand and color. Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly when you're finished, being careful to avoid any water or dye running onto your face.

Remember to wear gloves - hair dye will stain anything that comes into contact with it that is porous. If you notice any changes in the integrity of your hair that may indicate damage, such as a gummy texture, increased hair loss, or split ends, it's time to take a step back from hair dye.

Deep conditioning is very important to support the health of your hair after dyeing. Try a deep conditioning butter like Better Not Younger's Hair Redemption Repair Butter Mask.

The Best Color-Safe Hair Products

Maintaining your new hair color is important; after all, you still have to wash your hair! You'll want to use color-safe products as you embark on your hair care routine after the trip to the salon.

When considering color-safe hair care, it's also important that you find products that work for you. Aging hair requires special considerations due to its predisposition to breakage; Sometimes hair dye can add to this concern.

For hair that could benefit from a volumizing effect, like thinning hair, our Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo and Wake Up Call Volumizing Conditioner are color-safe and give your hair new life. It adds volume, strengthens hair and is clinically proven to reduce breakage by up to 95%*. This shampoo and conditioner combo makes a great addition to your hair care routine after an afternoon in your stylist's chair.

For curly hair that needs a color-safe option, our Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo for Curly Hair and Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Conditioner for Curly Hair are for you. Bounce Back repairs, detangles and defines curls, while calming any potential breakage. The curl collection can give you up to 24 hours of definition and frizz control.**

To style your newly dyed hair, our No Remorse Heat Protection and Taming Spray is a hydrating protectant that will block up to 450 degrees of heat. Heat damage can be mitigated by using a heat protectant spray every time you curl your hair (or use a straightener, for that matter).

Conclusion

Hair color, bleach, lighteners and dyes can cause hair loss or thinning due to breakage and damage. That said, it makes more sense to approach hair dyeing with caution and understanding.

There are many options to mitigate as much damage as possible to avoid hair thinning caused by hair dye. And with nourishing, color-safe hair products, your hair color can shine as brightly as you do.

You may also want to read: THE COMMON SENSE GUIDE TO COLD HAIR CARE