Dye hair is one of the most popular things among bleaching and cutting that almost women do to their hair. This is an ideal option for people who love getting a more outstanding appearance. However, while coloring is fun, there are a lot of side effects that you need to be aware of. So, how does it harm your natural hair? Let’s with us discuss about the side effects of hair dyeing that everyone should know before they color their hair as well as safer alternatives to hair dyes.
Side Effects of Dye Hair
Allergic
It sounds like only hair is exposed to dyes, so it cannot give your skin and scalp any problem. But, in fact, whether you are coloring your hair to hide the grey strands or just experiment, you are able to risk severe allergic reactions. The most common symptoms of allergies are itchy scalp, redness and swelling in the scalp, mild dandruff, swelling around the eyes and eyelids, and scaly skin around eyes, nose and face.
Hair Dyes Cause Hair Damage
It is well known that hair dyes contain peroxide and ammonia. While ammonia works as a breakthrough agent on your hair, the peroxide bleaches the hair’s natural pigment by stripping away its original color. These chemicals play the role of relaxing the hair cuticles for the hair color to reach the hair cortex and bleach out the natural pigment. Altering the natural hair color through chemicals can cause hair damage. Therefore, if you color your hair too frequently, it will be over-processed.
What does this mean?
Chemicals can strip moisture from your scalp making your hair become dry and brittle. Your hair ends will prone to lose its shine. You will have to ultimately compromise on your hair length because of the solution for getting it off the damaged locks. It means that no matter you want to keep your hair long, you have to chop it off. If your hair got damaged, it is necessary to find out some tips to make your dyed and bleached hair healthy back.
Irritable Skin
Not only give your hair negative effects but hair dyes also cause skin reactions. After coloring, you may get one of some common symptoms like burning sensations, redness and flaky skin, itchiness and discomfort. Therefore, we recommend you get a test within 48 hours before you get your hair dyed. During the patch test, suspected allergen is applied and your skin is examined after two days to make sure that there was no allergic reaction. Abstain from using the hair color at the slightest hint of any allergic reaction on skin. If swelling and itching persist, you need to see a dermatologist immediately.
Cancer
Laboratory experiments have proven that PPD in hair dyes can seriously cause cancer. But, whether the small amount of PPD in hair dyes is capable of causing such damage has not been established. Resorcinol is one of the chemical presents in hair dyes. It is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can increase the risk of breast cancer by disrupting the natural balance of hormones.
Hair Dyes Also Cause Eye Troubles
A lot of caution must be exercised while hair dyeing because any contact between the chemicals and sensitive parts of the body can also be hazardous. For example, if the hair dye comes in contact with the eyes, it can lead to conjunctivitis, red-eye or inflammation and discomfort.
Fertility Problems
Some research shows that permanent hair dyes have an ingredient called lead acetate which can have an adverse effect on the fertility of both males and females. Pregnant women are especially advised to keep away from dyes because it has toxic smell and it can cause harmful effects on the unborn child.
- Asthma
According to a study, hairstylists who have a much higher exposure to hair dyes, are more vulnerable to get skin allergies and contract asthma. Besides, asthma patients are advised to stay away from dyeing hair because they contain many harmful ingredients. Constant exposure to these chemicals can result in coughing, lung inflammation, throat discomfort and in severe cases even asthma attacks.
What Are The Solutions To Restrict Side Effects Of Hair Dyes?
As we have shown you, there are many negative effects that dye hair cause for you. So, what can you do to restrict them when you dye your hair?
The most important thing is to avoid using permanent hair dye as much as you can. While they last longer than other types of hair dye, the chemicals in the dye can cause many downsides.
Make sure you do a strand test before you color the entirety of your hair with the dye. This will help you determine whether you might have an allergic reaction to anything in the dye or not. You should dye your hair in a well-ventilated area to avoid any eye or nasal irritation and limit the number of side effects.
If you are worried about getting the effects above, we recommend you to go to a hairstylist to have your hair dyed by a professional.
Are There Any Safer Alternative to Hair Dye?
You want to color your hair but don’t want to use chemicals? So easy. There are various options to dye hair in a way to avoid hair damage like using techniques or products with fewer chemicals or natural colorants. Below are some alternatives to hair dyes.
Shadow Roots
If you don’t want to completely keep away from dyeing your hair, you can ask your hairstylist about shadow root techniques. This technique has a lighter shade at the roots and darker towards the bottom. With this technique, you can wait longer between coloring session because you’re exposed less to the chemicals.
Use Coffee or Tea Instead of Hair Dyes
If you are planning to make your hair darker with natural ingredients, coffee and tea are the best options to go. Simply brew a cup of strong coffee or tea. When it’s cool, mix with your leave-in conditioner and apply to your hair. It’s suggested leave it on your hair at least one hour. Depending on the color of your natural hair, certain tea may work better than others. For example, chamomile tea can lighten your blonde hair whereas black tea can darken it.
Beet Juice
This natural ingredient works very well on giving your hair a natural red tint. If you like a more orange tone, mix it with carrot juice. Mix the juices with coconut oil, apply to your hair and wait for about an hour before you rinse it out. If you want the darker shade, you can reapply it. The benefit of natural dye hair technique is that it has no harmful effect and you can repeat the process as often as you want.
Lemon Juice
This is one of the most effective ways to lighten your hair naturally little by little. To do this, brush the solution through your hair and sit in the sun for a few hours. The combination of the amount of acid in lemon and the sunlight is the factor affecting your hair tone.
We are sure that after reading this article, you are more confident when you want to color your hair. Always remember to find the safest way to change your hair color. Thanks for reading and please share this article to your friends if you see it’s useful.
Hello there. I’m Elara Larson. I’m a hair stylist and blogger about the latest trends in hair extensions. I hope to help you find the best extensions for your needs. Thanks!
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