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The world of hair dyeing is a dynamic and colorful one, with several alternatives to express creativity and personal style. For the people whe seeking a dramatic change, bleaching followed by permanent hair dye application is a quite popular choice. However, the color longevity on bleached hair can be an issue. In this post, we dive into the science behind why permanent hair dye may fade on bleached hair and explore ways to increase color retention.
Understanding Permanent Hair Dye
Permanent hair dye is formulated to create lasting color changes and penetrate the hair shaft. The dye molecules enter the hair cortex and hair cuticle, the inner and outer layers of the hair strand, respectively. These molecules interact with the hair’s natural melanin chemically, altering its color. Once the chemical reaction happens, the dye molecules are trapped within the hair structure, contributing to long-lasting color.
Effects of Bleaching on Hair
Bleaching is a process that involves using certain chemicals to remove the natural pigments from the hair. This leaves the hair shaft lighter in color and more porous. However, the process also harms the hair structure by breaking down the protein bonds that give hair its elasticity and strength. This damage can lead to an increased porosity and rougher hair texture, both of which impact the way hair holds onto color molecules.
Will Permanent Hair Dye Fade on Bleached Hair?
Yes, permanent hair dye can fade on bleached hair. Bleached hair tends to be more porous, leading to color molecules to wash out more quickly.
Hair care products, heat styling, and UV exposure can also contribute to fading. Minimizing exposure to these factors and using color-safe products can help maintain color vibrancy.
Why Permanent Hair Dye Fades on Bleached Hair?
- Oxidation: Such as hydrogen peroxide, permanent hair dye often contains oxidative agents, which help to activate the color-forming process. However, repeated exposure to oxygen can cause these color molecules to oxidize and also lose their vibrancy. This oxidation process, on bleached hair, can be accelerated due to the hair’s damaged structure.
- Protein Damage: Bleaching damages the protein structure of the hair. The weakened bonds compromise the hair’s capability to hold onto color molecules. This can result in color fading, as the damaged hair structure cannot sufficiently trap the dye within its layers.
- Porosity: Bleached hair most likely tends to be more porous than untreated hair. The enhanced porosity allows color molecules to escape the hair shaft more easily, leading to faster fading. The damaged cuticle layer struggles to efficiently seal in the dye molecules, causing the color to wash out over time.
Maximizing Color Retention on Bleached Hair
- Less Frequent Washing: Frequently hair wash can strip away color molecules. Try to extend the time between washes to preserve the color.
- Low pH Shampoos: Using Low pH Shampoos can help seal the hair cuticle, preventing color molecules from escaping and reducing porosity. Try to find products specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
- Pre-Treatment: Consider using a protein-rich treatment to help repair some of the damage caused by bleaching, before applying permanent hair dye to bleached hair. This can enhance the hair’s structure and improve its ability to retain color.
- UV Protection: UV rays from the sun can speed up color fading. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using products that offer UV protection when exposed to sunlight.
- Color-Enhancing Conditioners: These conditioners can deposit small amounts of dye onto the hair shaft with each use, extending its lifespan and refreshing the color.
FAQs
How does permanent hair dye interact with bleached hair?
Permanent hair dye interacts with bleached hair by depositing color molecules and penetrating the hair shaft. Porous structure of bleached hair absorbs dye more effectively, resulting in long-lasting and vibrant color. However, the final color outcome may vary due to the hair’s porosity and existing undertones.
Is there a difference in how permanent hair dye fades on bleached vs. natural hair?
Yes, there is a difference in how permanent hair dye fades on bleached vs. natural hair. Bleached hair is more porous, so dye molecules can fade quicker due to the weaker structure. On natural hair, dye molecules may last longer due to the overall healthier condition and the hair’s original pigments, affecting the fading process.
Can you prevent fading of permanent hair dye on bleached hair?
Preventing complete fading of permanent hair dye on bleached hair is challenging. However, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, minimizing heat styling, and using color-preserving products can help extend the color’s lifespan.
Conclusion
While permanent hair dye is designed for lasting color, its effectiveness on bleached hair can be affected by the oxidation, protein damage, and hair’s increased porosity. Understanding these factors is crucial for maintaining vibrant locks and managing color fading. By utilizing products designed for color-treated hair and following proper care techniques, you can enjoy your new color while making the most of their bleached hair transformation.
