Things to know before coloring your natural hair (Hair Coloring)

Things to know before coloring your natural hair (Hair Coloring)

Do you also have a little desire to dye your hair? When you see beautiful hair colors on social media and on the street, you probably think, "What if I try it too?" But at the same time, there is also a fear in the corner of your mind, "Oh, will it damage my hair? Will my hair fall out?" Isn't this fear justified? Because if you don't know how to do it properly, there is a high chance of damaging your hair . So today, let's talk about a few things you need to know before applying a beautiful hair color to avoid damaging your natural hair.

First, check if your hair and scalp are healthy.

Hair color is a chemical. It's important to make sure your hair and scalp are healthy before using it. For those of us with thick, dark hair like ours, the hair can be a little dry by nature.

Think about it, if your hair is already very dry, if the ends are splitting, and if it feels like it's breaking even when you touch it , it means that your hair needs a little care before coloring. Coloring damaged hair can only increase the damage.

The same goes for scalp health. If you have problems like dandruff, itchy scalp, or psoriasis , the chemicals in hair color can make these conditions worse. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor or a dermatologist before coloring your hair to get treatment for these skin conditions .

Most importantly, if you are taking any medication for any medical condition (e.g. high blood pressure, hormonal problems, steroids), you should tell your hair stylist about it. Some medications can react with hair color or affect how well the color adheres to your hair.

Did you find the right person for this job?

Although there are many types of box dyes available for home use, it is essential to find an experienced, professional hair stylist , especially if you are coloring your hair for the first time, or if you are going to lighten your dark hair to a lighter color (like blonde).

"Why is that?" you might think. Here's the reason. The box at the store doesn't know your hair type, previous treatments , or your health. But an experienced stylist will look at all of this and choose the best product for you.

Simply put, when you color your hair, you use chemicals to create small holes in the outer layer of the hair shaft and let the color in. When you bleach thick, black hair like ours, this chemical process is very harsh. Therefore, there is a high chance of damage to the hair. An experienced person knows how to do this while minimizing that damage and preserving the moisture that the hair needs.

Are you trying to do too many things at once?

Some people try to relax/rebond their hair and color it at the same time. This is the biggest crime against hair. All these treatments contain harsh chemicals. When exposed to these chemicals continuously, the hair can become completely burnt and broken.

Therefore, after one treatment , you should wait at least two weeks before doing the other one.

If you're interested in coloring but are afraid to make a big commitment, there are options you can try.

Dye Type Description
Permanent Color This is the permanent way to color your hair. The color goes deep into the hair shaft. This cannot be removed, it must be removed once the hair has grown out and is cut.
Semi / Demi-Permanent Color These stay on the outside of the hair shaft. They don't go all the way in. So there's less damage. They wash out after about 6-8 weeks. This is a good option for someone trying it for the first time.

Be sure to do the Strand Test.

"How will my hair look when I apply the color I want?" "Will this damage my hair?" The best answer to these questions is the Strand Test .

What you do with this is, before coloring your entire hair, take a section of hair from an inconspicuous area and test it with the color. Therefore,

  • You can see what the final result is.
  • You can find out if your hair will take that color or not.
  • You can check to see if your hair can withstand this chemical process.

Are there any health risks to hair color?

This is a question that many people have. Research into the safety of hair dye is still ongoing. A 2019 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who regularly use permanent hair dye have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who don't. However, the study doesn't prove that hair dye causes cancer . It only suggests that there may be a link.

Many hair dyes contain chemicals like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide . These can be allergic to some people. They can cause skin redness and itching.

If you are concerned about these chemicals, you can talk to your stylist about products that contain fewer chemicals . You can also talk to your doctor about this.

Henna is a natural alternative that many people use. Compared to permanent dyes, it has fewer side effects. However, keep in mind that some people can be allergic to henna.

How to care for your hair after coloring?

Just like applying a beautiful color, it is also very important to maintain that beautiful and healthy hair.

  • Trim your hair regularly: Trimming your hair at least once every 3 months can help prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy.
  • Moisture, moisture, moisture!: Moisture is essential for colored hair. Use a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner . It's great if you do a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week.
  • Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Sulfate is a common cleaning agent in shampoos. But it can dry out your hair and cause your beautiful color to fade quickly. So choose a shampoo that says sulfate-free .
  • Avoid excessive heat: Frequent use of hair straighteners and curlers can cause more damage to colored hair. Reduce these as much as possible.

Coloring your hair is a great way to give yourself a new look and confidence. But you have to do it with love for your hair and with proper knowledge about it.

Take-Home Message

  • Before coloring your hair, make sure your hair and scalp are healthy. If you have any skin conditions, see a doctor.
  • Especially if you're bleaching, don't even think about doing it at home. See an experienced, professional hair stylist.
  • Do not do multiple chemical treatments (such as rebonding, coloring) to your hair on the same day.
  • Before coloring your entire hair, it is essential to do a 'Strand Test'.
  • After coloring, moisturize your hair, trim it regularly, and use sulfate-free products.

Hair Colour, Hair Dye, Hair Coloring, Hair Care, hair care, hair damage, healthy hair, Sri Lanka

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