Can​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ hair color cause hair loss?

The answer is yes, but most of the time, the hairs are breaking off because they've been damaged enough.

The "Chemical Warfare" on Your Head

Let’s be honest. A permanent hair dye is not something your hair can really enjoy. To achieve the new color, the dye has to allow the hair's outer layer (the cuticle) to be opened forcibly. To do the hard work, it employs a thing like ammonia or peroxide.

Think of your hair as a piece of the most delicate silk. Now, think of the process whereby that silk is bleached and stretched. It gets thinner. It gets more brittle. Eventually, it snaps.

It’s Not Just the Dye

Here's a hint: the damage is most of the time being done in the "cleanup" part. Just think about it. You are in a salon (or at your bathroom sink), and you are scrubbing, rubbing, and combing a thick, wet, and chemically-treated hair.

That physical pulling is very harsh. When your hair is wet and has been subjected to some treatment, it is at its weakest point. If you are too rough, then you are actually pulling out hairs from their resting phase.

How to keep them fresh without the fall:

• The 6 Week Rule: Provide your hair with some fresh air. Refrain from coloring your hair all over every time.

• Only the Roots: In case you want to hide your grey hair, just color the roots and leave the rest of your hair untouched.

• Patch Test: Really, do it. In case of an allergic reaction (to PPD, for instance), it can bring about scalp sores, and this will result in hair loss at the roots.

• Moisturize Like There’s No Tomorrow: Apply a deep conditioner. Your hair needs water.

• Cold Water Rinse: It may not sound good at all, but it is very effective in closing the hair cuticle again.

Is It Permanent?

The positive side of it? Most of the time, no. When you stop the damaging act, the result will be that your hair grows back as it used to be. It is a "right now" issue, not a "forever" one. Your organism takes a deep breath of relief once you discontinue the chemical stress. It definitely feels like a win when you can finally see the little baby hairs coming out again.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will my hair grow back after dye damage?

Yes. Unless you had a very severe chemical burn which caused scarring on your scalp (which is extremely rare), your hair follicles are still there. Just be patient.

Q: Is "natural" dye like Henna safer?

For the most part, yes. Henna is more of a coating than an opening agent. However, "natural" doesn't necessarily mean "mild" - some people still get dry hair after using it.

Q: If I notice hair thinning, should I stop coloring my hair?

Maybe just switch to a semi-permanent gloss. It is much more gentle and allows your hair to become strong ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌again.