It’s not uncommon to notice hair in the shower immediately after coloring your hair. In essence, this is hair that would normally shed as part of the hair real process. However, hair color can cause hair loss if not applied correctly and improper aftercare.
This is true for any hair chemical treatment. They must all be applied correctly and proper Maintenance is of the upmost important.
Hair Color and Hair Loss vs Hair Breakage
We should first clarify hair breakage, thinning and medical hair loss. Medical hair loss means the hair has shed from the scalp by the root. Looking closely at a strand, you can see a tiny white hair bulb at the end of the hair. This means that the hair has actually shed from the root.
On the other hand, broken hair does not have a hair bulb at the end. This is how you can tell whether the hair is broken or shed. Hair color then actually causes hair breakage versus hair loss because the hair is damaged from the hair shaft.
Because the hair dye weakens the hair shaft and additional trauma like combing, results in hair breakage.
How Hair Dye Can Lead To Hair Loss
Permanent hair dye penetrates the hair to change the color and appearance of your hair. As such, you assume that this process could cause or lead to hair loss. But it’s not as dire as one may think it is. However, if you’ve applied the color to the roots of your hair, then you’ve directly altered the chemistry that regulates hair loss.
And don’t forget that even high quality hair color will act as any styling or chemical product does. In general, they will leave your hair dry and damaged. Next, come the split ends and breakage. Continuing those types of treatments and you really shouldn’t be surprised to lose more than 50 to 100 hairs a day.
So, to properly answer “can hair color cause hair loss?”, the answer is it causes breakage which leads to hair loss.
Combatting The Effects Of Hair Coloring
You probably already know that you shouldn’t be dying your hair every other day. Or weekly either for that matter. But, there are things you can do to help minimize damage to your hair when you do color it yourself.
- Never pull or tug on your hair to initially get it combed out. This will cause your scalp to become tender. Applying hair dye to an already irritated scalp can cause scalps to form. Instead, use a product that helps you to easy comb out your hair such as Fresh & Easy Takedown Cream.
- To safeguard your scalp and hair, it’s always best to have these types of treatments done by a professional. And not just any professional. Choose one that that cares about the condition of scalp and hair.
- Don’t comb your hair while you have hair color processing on your head. This strips away more of the needed proteins in your hair and you’ll notice the damage, possibly even hair loss quickly.
- Always apply a deep conditioning treatment after the color is thoroughly rinsed out. The sooner you can create an ideal environment for your scalp, the better.
- Use a color-safe shampoo as well as conditioner. These often offer a lot more moisture that regular products and they work to revive the protein production your hair needs.
- Make sure you maintain a healthy diet before and after coloring your hair. This will aid in the hair bulb and shaft width growth.
And remember, whether covering gray hairs or hair loss, it’s best to call in a professional. That’s us, by the way. You may want to consider the benefits of hair coloring against the detriment it causes to your scalp and hair. It’s definitely not a good idea if your hair is already thinning.
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