No, dying your hair cannot cause permanent damage or hair loss. However, there are still many things to take into consideration when dyeing your hair. Not all hair dyes work the same, and some can cause temporary damage to your hair. The most common side effects of harsh hair dyes are hair breakage, weakening of the hair shafts, and – in extreme cases – telogen effluvium.
Does Hair Dye Cause Hair Loss?
Hair dye does not cause permanent hair loss. However, certain hair dyes can cause damage to the hair shaft, leading to breakage and shedding. This, though, is not true hair loss. Hair dyes cannot damage the hair follicles where new hair is grown, so any hair that breaks or is otherwise shed will grow back on its own over the next few months as part of the normal hair growth cycle.
Telogen Effluvium is a condition characterised by chronic hair shedding lasting longer than 6 months. This is typically caused by environmental factors including hormones, medications, physical or psychological shock, and – yes – some hair dyes.
Hair loss due to telogen effluvium is typically rapid, though it may not become apparent for up to a month. Typically, this hair loss recovers on its own over time. If you notice sudden or unexpected hair shedding, it is best to consult a dermatologist to assess the cause of your hair loss.
What Hair Dyes Are Bad For Hair?
It is generally best to avoid permanent hair dyes as these actually change the chemical structure of the hair shaft and are more likely to cause damage to the hair. Damage caused by permanent hair dyes is unlikely to be repaired and the damaged hair must simply be removed.
Typical;y hair dyes that contain harsh chemicals such as Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or so-called “coal-tar” dyes. These are all likely to cause irritation over long exposure and have been shown to cause damage to otherwise healthy hair.
Specifically, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide (most commonly used for lightening, or “bleaching” hair) penetrate the interior of the hair shaft, causing irreversible damage to the hair shaft. Many permanent hair dyes have side effects such as irritation, burning, or itching.
What Kinds Of Hair Dye Are Safe For Hair?
Generally, the longer a hair dye lasts, the worse it is for your hair. There are, however, a number of solutions available for less-than-permanent hair dyes.
- Semi- & Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes
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- These can darken, but not lighten, the hair. Available in a range of colors, semi-permanent dyes typically last for about 7-10 shampoos and demi-permanent can last more than 20.
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- Temporary Hair Dyes
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- Temporary hair dyes commonly last only 1 or 2 shampoos, however, they are available in a wide variety of shades and colors. These simply coat the hair shaft and do not actually penetrate it.
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- Natural Hair Dyes
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- Natural dyes such as henna offer color that lasts up to 6 weeks. However, these are only available in a limited range of colors and must be touched up periodically.
The Only Permanent Solution To Hair Loss
If your hair loss has persisted for more than 5 years, it is likely to be a genetic condition such as androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). For patients dealing with this form of hair loss, the only truly permanent solution is a hair transplant.
The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic in Istanbul is located in one of Turkey’s most prestigious hospitals. We use only the most cutting-edge technology to perform a wide variety of hair restoration procedures including Sapphire FUE and DHI hair transplants. Dr Aygin has assisted more than 15,000 patients with a hair regrowth rate of 98%.
Schedule your full, free consultation today.
