Overview
Hair coloring affects hair in many different ways. Not only does coloring change hair cosmetically, it also changes the cellular structure of hair. Once dyed, hair cannot be restored and will never revert back to its natural, virgin state. Color changes the hair on your head until it grows completely out or is cut away.
Appearance
Bleaching and dyeing change the appearance of hair. Bleaching or lightening cause hair to appear lighter. Dyeing changes hair according to the formula used. Color can also be used to lighten, darken or change tonal quality. For the best appearance after coloring your hair, condition it as directed.
Science
Tiny particles called color pigments determine the color of hair. Lighter hair possesses less pigment than darker hair. The amount of color pigment you have is determined by genetics. However, you can change your color by bleaching or dyeing your hair. When you color your hair, you are essentially removing or adding color pigment depending on whether you want to go lighter or darker.
The hair’s cortex layer, or middle layer, houses pigment, while the cuticle layer holds pigment in place with tiny cells that lie closely together and overlap like roof shingles. During the coloring process, the cuticle layer is opened so pigment can be removed or added. At the end of the process, the cuticle layer is smoothed back down in order to hold the new color in place.
Damage
Bleaching and dyeing always cause damage. According to “The Dr. Oz Show,” hair coloring causes damage to the shingled outer layer of the hair called the cuticle layer. Once the cuticle layer of the hair has been opened, it never fully closes again. A ruffled cuticle layer causes hair to appear dull, dry and coarse. Increased drying times, color fading, frizz and breakage are all side effects of this damage. The damage associated with hair color gets worse with each subsequent application.
Long-Term
Color affects hair long term. First, there is the regrowth to contend with. Naturally colored regrowth starts to appear about one week after coloring. Subsequent color applications are needed every four to six weeks to maintain color.
Once colored, your hair will always be color treated unless you cut off all the hair that has been colored. Many people falsely believe that if they cover over highlights or bleached hair with a darker color, the highlights are no longer present. The damage associated with each and every color service affects your hair until you cut it away.
Color Abuse
Color abuse results in extreme damage, loss of hair texture, breakage and hair loss. Back-to back color applications and extreme bleach jobs break down the structure of hair, causing irreversible damage.
According to HairFinder.com, damaged hair appears rough, frizzy, dull and dry. The ability to hold color is lost. Fading occurs quickly and frequently. After a few more applications, hair simply melts away.
