How do you prevent damages from happening?
Brittleness and breakage are unwelcomed side effects of hair dyes, but there are ways to prevent and avoid them. Even when not coloring your hair, your best defense is to always moisturize your hair using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Before and after any hair dyeing session, apply a deep conditioning* hair mask to give your locks some added protection.
You may apply the same preventive measure whenever your hair needs it, and to further boost hair health, consider hair supplements* like Vitamin A* and biotin*.
Allergies to hair dyes are rare but it is best to play it safe. To avoid any possible allergic reactions, here is how you can do an allergy test.
- Mix a very small amount of the hair dye (color and developer), and using a toothpick or cotton bud, apply a small dab on your wrist or on the crook of your elbow.
- Let it remain on the hair for at least 30 minutes then observe the spot for the next 24 to 48 hours. Should any redness, rash or itchiness occur, clean the spot with soap and water and DO NOT use the hair dye at all! Even with professional hair dyeing at a salon, be sure to request for a pre-session allergy test.
To dye or not?
If it is your first time experimenting with hair dye, the options available may confuse you. The wrong choice of color or type of dye could result in a disaster and you could end up with a look you don’t want.
Work with someone who is an expert, such as a trusted salon professional. Before you do, equip yourself with some basic information such as the terms used:
Semi-permanent – an ammonia-free, less peroxide hair color that darkens the hair and creates the least of damages.
Demi-permanent – another ammonia-free hair darkening dyer that contains peroxide typically used to cover gray hair.
Permanent – containing ammonia and peroxide, this hair dyeing option can make the hair lighter or darker for a longer time up until new hair growth emerges.
Other terminologies used by professionals are glossing, highlights, lowlights, baliage and base flash, but are mostly for blending or aesthetic purposes.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best and be more confident. Often, how we feel about our outer appearance starts with the hair – its style and color.
It is important to know how color treatments can affect not only your hair but your general well being as well. Remember that hair colors contain chemicals that may or may not result in damage, so it is best to equip yourself with the right information because—after all— it is your look, confidence and health that are at stake.
Fortunately, with the right product and proper application, hair dyeing may be a great start to looking and feeling great!