Have you ever coloured your hair and noticed it was thinning out after some time? Hair loss can be a daunting experience, but understanding its causes can help you manage it better. This article will uncover the relationship between hair colour and hair loss, revealing how colouring can affect your hair growth cycle. We'll also provide tips to maintain healthy hair while colouring, debunk common misconceptions, and share the right hair care routine to protect your hair. Keep scrolling to get a holistic view of how hair colouring impacts your hair health and what measures you can take to keep them looking glorious.
Explaining the hair growth cycle
Hair care and hair colouring are closely linked, but before we delve into that, it's essential to understand the hair growth cycle. Hair growth comprises four stages - anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen. The anagen phase is the growth stage, in which hair grows at a rate of half an inch per month and lasts about 3-5 years. The catagen phase is a transitional stage, where hair growth reduces, and the hair follicle begins to shrink, lasting about ten days. The telogen phase is the resting stage during which the strands remain in the follicle without growing. Finally, the hair falls out during the exogen phase, and the follicle grows new hair. And then, the cycle starts from scratch.
Any disruption to this cycle can cause hair loss. The excessive use of hair dyes, especially those that contain ammonia, peroxide, or para-phenylenediamine, can disrupt this cycle. While hair dyes and colours don’t directly inhibit hair growth or cause hair loss, colour-treated hair does get damaged and the side effects of this damage include shedding and thinning.
Studies have shown that hair dye can damage follicles, leading to hair loss or thinning. This is because many hair dyes contain harsh chemicals that strip the hair’s natural oils and cause scalp inflammation. This inflammation can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.
Furthermore, hair dye can also affect the texture and strength of your hair. Repeatedly colouring your hair can weaken the hair strands, causing more breakage and split ends. This can further contribute to hair loss and thinning.
Common misconceptions about hair colour and hair loss
It's no secret that colouring your hair can damage your hair if not done correctly. However, there are also several misconceptions about the relationship between hair colour and hair loss that often cause unnecessary concern. One common misconception is that hair colouring causes permanent hair loss. While excessive or improper use of hair dye can cause breakage and thinning, it does not typically result in permanent hair loss.
Another misconception is that lighter hair colours cause hair loss more frequently than darker colours. In reality, the colour of the dye itself has little to do with hair loss. It is the chemicals used in the colouring process that ultimately cause damage to the hair.
Finally, some people believe that hair colouring can speed up the rate of hair loss. While it is true that certain medical conditions and genetic factors can contribute to hair loss, there is no evidence to suggest that hair colouring is a direct cause.
It's important to remember that hair colouring can be a safe and effective way to update your look when done correctly and with caution. By following the right coloured hair care routine and using quality products, you can keep your hair healthy and vibrant while minimising the risk of damage or hair loss.
Maintaining hair while colouring
One of the biggest concerns many people have when it comes to colouring their hair is how it will affect the health of their hair. While hair dye can negatively affect the hair growth cycle, you can take steps to maintain lush locks while still enjoying beautiful colour.
To start, it's important to choose a hair dye that is mild on your hair and scalp. Look for dyes that contain natural ingredients and avoid those that contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia, peroxide, and sulfates. Additionally, it's a good idea to limit the frequency of coloured hair treatments, as constant exposure to hair dyes can cause damage to the hair shaft and weaken the hair overall.
In addition to choosing the right hair dye, it's important to take steps to keep your hair healthy and strong. This means using high-quality hair care products that nourish and protect your hair and avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals. Regular hair trimming and conditioning treatments can also help to keep your hair looking its best while minimising the damage caused by colour-treated hair.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Massaging the scalp with essential oils can improve blood flow to the follicles, promoting hair strength and growth.
Following the right hair care routine to protect the hair
To maintain healthy hair, it's important to follow the right hair care routine. This not only keeps your hair looking vibrant and shiny but also protects it from damage and potential hair loss. The first step in a suitable hair care routine is to find the right set of hair care products for colour care.
If you’re colouring your hair often, the best solution to protect your hair is the Complete Colour Lock System by iluvia. The dermatologically tested set of products cleanses, strengthens and protects all types of coloured (semi-permanent and permanent), pigmented, bleached or highlighted hair.
Firstly, start with the Colour Lock Shampoo. Mild, pH-balanced and sulfate free, this shampoo not only cleans the hair of oil and impurities but also reduces colour bleed and maintains the colour’s vibrancy and life. It also effectively prevents frizz, breakage and dryness, leaving the hair soft and supple.
Next, you can turn to the Colour Lock Mask. This deep conditioning system protects colour-treated hair, enhances colour retention by minimising colour loss and prevents the breakdown of the colour caused by UV light. The advanced formula also combats frizz, breakage and hair damage to promote healthier and more manageable locks.
Your last step is applying the Hair Protection Serum. Packed with antioxidants, it protects the hair from free radical damage caused by sunlight and pollutants and adds shine and lustre to the strands.
Know more about how to care for your hair after coloured hair treatments.
Hair loss is a common concern that we all face at some point in our lives, and the impact of hair colouring on it can be a source of worry. However, by taking control of your hair health and getting the proper coloured hair care, you can enjoy the freedom of colouring your hair without sacrificing its health.
Learn more about iluvia’s products at iluviapro.com.