Today, hair coloring has become the hottest trend among women and men. It is basically a practice of changing the color of hair or it could be defined as a way to get a new look. Hair dyes can be permanent, semi-permanent or temporary. Research shows that a booming 75 percent of American women reportedly color their hair. Most of them use hair dye to cover their gray and for many it is more associated with having fun. Its not just women who are more inclined towards hair coloring, but you will be surprised to know that even men go for it, reasons more than the same as women.
Millions of dollars are spent on an annual basis on hair dyeing after care products. But have you ever pondered are hair dyes safe for your hair? Are you aware that it is one of the major reason for hair loss? This topic has been in debate for quite a long time, and many hair experts have similar responses with hair coloring products. According to the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, hair straighteners and hair dyes are among its top consumer complaint areas. It is important for you to know that when hair is over-processed or dyed, it tends to break off from the root and leave you with hair loss problem.
Side Effects of Hair Dye
Hair coloring products, mostly which are permanent, are highly concentrated with harmful chemicals such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals. Many people believe that the regular use of hair dye or bleaching can cause irritation on the scalp. When the problem aggravates, your scalp show no signs of growing healthy hair. Another possibility is that many people use hair dye over very long periods, so the naturally thinning hair that people often experience as they get older is attributed to the hair dye. Hydrogen peroxide can alter the hair structure, leading to the poor shine, poor feel and weakening of the strands.
Many experts reveal that hair dyes steal away the shine and luster of healthy hair. Your hair looks dry, brittle and lifeless. This happens if you do not take proper care of hair. People believe that dyes affect the hair follicles on the scalp where hair is produced, but it is actually an unfortunate side-effect of the leaching process, by which dye is removed from the proteins that compose each hair shaft.
If you happen to be allergic to some components present in the hair dye, then its time to stay away from it. Many darker hair color shades contain certain chemicals such as PPD, or paraphenylenediamine which may provoke the body’s immune system, causing an itchy and sore scalp, neck, shoulders, eyelids and ears. When the irritation on scalp occurs, and your hair begins to break off prematurely leading to patches of baldness. This problem may worsen with continuous use of the product. Hence, it is important that you immediately stay away from such products which causes allergies and bad reactions.
One example is chemical straightening used on hair that can burn the scalp and cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
Precautions to take for hair dye
Discontinue use of hair colors, hair sprays, hair dyes which contain any type of harmful chemicals. Hair dye is one of the major reasons for hair loss, while it can also make your scalp itchy and irritable. As an alternate option for hair loss is lowsonia inermis, which gives natural color to the hair, strengthens and gives shine. In an iron vessel, mix lowsonia inermis (Henna powder) with tea decoction, lemon juice and keep it for overnight. Apply this paste on hair and leave it for 3-4 hours. Wash with cold water.
Always make sure to do a trial of hair dye on a small patch of hair to prevent yourself from allergic reactions. The best way to help safeguard yourself against chemical burns is to choose an experienced stylist, and to make it known quickly if you ever experience discomfort. If you develop itching, hair loss or a burning sensation within 10 days after initial use, stop using the dye and seek testing from an allergist.
Make sure that you don’t leave hair dye more than the time-frame as suggested by the brand. Rinse your scalp thoroughly with water. If you are going to a salon for applying hair dye, make sure that even your stylist does a patch test before applying on our entire scalp.
Dealing with hair loss becomes difficult when you do not know the underlying reason for it. There are many myths related to hair loss, and all you need to do is calm down and find an issue behind it. Several factors are responsible for hair loss such as hormone imbalance, vitamin deficiency, poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle habits. It is advisable to seek an effective treatment if you have been persistently facing this problem for more than six months.
