We’ve all been there. We’re in the midst of a hair emergency and all we want to do is dye our hair to get our desired look. But how often can you safely colour your hair without causing any damage?
We’ll answer this question in this blog article. We’ll also give you tips to minimize damage to your hair while colouring it.
What Does Hair Dye Do to Your Hair?
Hair colouring is the practice of changing the colour of your hair. The most common types of hair colouring are permanent hair colour, semi-permanent hair colour, and temporary hair colour. Permanent hair colour is the most commonly used type of hair colour and involves using a compound to penetrate the hair shaft and alter the natural colour of your hair. Semi-permanent hair colours are also popular and involve using a compound to coat the hair shaft and deposit colour onto the hair. Temporary hair colours are the least permanent type and are typically used to achieve highlights and lowlights.
Factors to Consider When Deciding How Often to Dye Your Hair
When deciding how often you should dye your hair, there are a few important factors to consider. First, you should consider (honestly!) the condition of your hair. If it's already damaged or dry, it’s best to avoid dyeing it as this can worsen the condition of your hair. It's important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Hair colouring chemicals can irritate the scalp and skin, and can also cause hair loss, breakage, and discolouration. Whilst these events are fairly rare occurrences, it's impossible to guarantee a completely risk-free process.
Choosing a reputable hair salon that uses natural and gentle products will alleviate that risk though. Bear in mind that product costs can account for up to 10% of a salon's costs, and therefore some may be tempted to use cheap, low-quality products. Make sure you check what products your local salon uses before you commit to anything. You're likely to pay a premium for high-end hair dye, but it's well worth it for the health of your hair.
Tips For Minimising Damage to Your Hair When Dyeing
You should carefuly consider the difference between your natural hair colour and the colour you’re trying to achieve. If you’re trying to achieve a colour that’s much lighter or darker than your natural hair colour, the process will be more aggressive and therefore it’s probably a good idea to try and dye your hair less often to minimise damage. This is especially true of a much lighter shade than your natural colour, as it will likely involve several steps of bleach.
That's why more natural approaches to hair colouring, such as balayage or babylights, are so popular. Not only do they require far less maintenance than traditional full-head colouring or highlights, but they're also far less aggressive.
Finally, some treatments can help prevent any damage to your hair. You can ask your hairdresser to apply a deep conditioning treatment after colouring your hair to help repair any damage and nourish your hair. Another option is to ask for a “plex” treatment to be added into your colour mix. This will strengthen hair from the inside out by repairing your hair strands’ bonds.
How Long Does Hair Dye Last?
It depends on the type of dye you use. Permanent hair colours typically last the longest, while semi-permanent hair dyes typically last 8-10 washes. Temporary hair dyes typically last 2-3 washes. It’s also important to note that the length of time a hair dye lasts can be affected by how often you wash your hair and the type and quality of haircare products you use.
How to Extend the Life of Your Hair Colour
If you’re looking to extend the life of your hair colour, there are a few steps you can take. First, you can use a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mask weekly to help protect your hair and prevent fading. Another tip is to avoid using heat styling tools, as this can cause your hair colour to fade more quickly. Lastly, be aware that hair colour fades quickly when exposed to the sun.
Hair colouring is both a sience (the choice of pigments and the chemical reactions) and an art (the application of the colour mix). A good hairdresser will be able to give you a stunning look whilst ensuring that your hair stays healthy over time.
Here at Margaux Salon, we specialise in natural hair colouring - book your free consultation now ;)