Myths And Truths About Hair Dyes And Their Effects On Health

Men and women are looking to change their image and style, and some dye their hair. However, there are some doubts about the effects that these chemicals could have on health. Here we tell you the myths and truths.

When it comes to aesthetics, there are different ways to beautify yourself and improve your style (hair, skin, nails); however, it is important to take into account that it is also a health issue, therefore, it is important to go to professionals in the area to take into account the necessary measures.

Dyeing your hair can be a difficult decision for some people, as there are various myths about the repercussions of chemicals on health (dry, damaged, and malnourished hair). It has also become a common practice for many people looking to change their image.

If you’re thinking about dyeing your hair (or have already done so), there are some facts you should know about it.

Types of dye

According to Lucía Pérez, a chemical engineer and stylist at Glam Studio, there are two types of hair dye:

• With ammonia

These, says Pérez, “open the hair cuticle and, through this opening, the pigment enters.” This is the reason why the dye is longer lasting.

However, although this dye is more durable, it could cause health effects, such as irritation and respiratory damage, depending on the concentration of ammonia in the dye. “There must be a health registry for the permissible limits,” adds Pérez.

According to dermatologist Mónika Pérez Solares, these dyes “can cause hair breakage, alopecia (hair loss), and dry hair.”

• Ammonia free

This type of dye acts superficially on the hair, says stylist Pérez, adding that “it requires more time to sit and is not as long-lasting as the previous one, because it does not open the cuticle.”

In addition to not causing damage to health, Pérez, an engineer and stylist, especially recommends them to people who are very sensitive to ammonia, which “can be irritating, even if it has the right percentage in the product, which is applied from the roots to the tips.”

Other effects

In addition to the effects mentioned above, dyes containing ammonia “break down the natural protein in the hair,” says chemical engineer Lucía Pérez. She adds that peroxide contributes to the denaturation of said protein (keratin).

Engineer Pérez also explains that the damage to the strand depends on the amount of peroxide (oxidant) used. “The appropriate peroxides are 10 to 30 to incorporate color. Those with 30 and 40 are used to bleach the hair.” She adds that fine hair is not as resistant as thick hair, so it is more prone to the strands being destroyed.

How to prevent it

Stylist Lucía Pérez recommends taking into account hair care before and after applying the dye. “You should use products that contain amino acids such as treatments, shampoos, and masks,” she says, as well as specific treatments to recover keratin in the hair.

For dermatologist Pérez Solares, it is important to assess whether one is allergic to dyes and to apply chemicals according to the type of skin and hair. In addition, one should “avoid dyes that contain ammonia, use mild hair dyes and shampoos, as well as conditioner to maintain the hair after application,” she adds.

What if we don’t take care of it?

Stylist and chemical engineer Lucía Pérez explains that by not taking the appropriate treatments, hair becomes frayed and weakened, which makes it prone to breakage and falling out. “It is important to invest in the aftercare of the hair,” she says.

This is why it is necessary to consult with professionals beforehand to find out which dyes and products are suitable for the needs of your hair and skin. It is also important to take proper care of your hair afterward. For Mónika Pérez Solares, “healthy hair is beautiful hair.”