If you’ve landed on this blog, chances are you might be going through color-damage and looking for ways to fix it. Hair damage is a common cause, and we all have to put up with it in one way or another. But what you might not know is that there are different types of hair damage, and each follows a varying course to remedy. This blog, however, will be limited to color-treated hair, the consequent damage, and different tips and tricks to treat it. So, let’s get going!
What Is Color-Damaged Hair?
Who doesn’t love the feel of fresh, vibrant, new hair color that makes the heads turn? But frequent hair coloring can lead to intense hair damage followed by burnt, fried hair and a change in hair texture. Color damage happens when the hair is either dyed too frequently, or too clumsily by the hands of a layman. Hair dyes or hair lightening contain chemicals, and need professional practice, skill and expertise to deposit. So, when we try to play around the chemical dyes with our little DIYs, it results in hair damage.
How Does Hair Coloring Damage The Hair?
But how does the hair color damage the hair? In simple terms, we can say that the hair is fragile and does not go along with harsh chemicals. In its more detailed form, however, color-damage occurs on three levels:
First Level:
Chemical Alterations
Hair contains a pH between 4.5-5.0, which is a little acidic, whereas hair colors are highly alkaline in nature and has a pH of 9.0-11.0. So, when an alkaline product is applied onto the hair, the hair cuticles react and open wide so that the color can easily penetrate the hair and deposit the color. The chemicals alter the hair protein bonds, as well as the hair’s natural pigment called melanin, and hence, the color is successfully deposited through chemical alteration.
Second Level:
Moisture Loss
The second level of color damage happens when raised hair cuticles create gaps exposing the hair cortex. Due to these gaps, the hair becomes unable to hold or retain any moisture as it escapes through the gaps. Consequently, the hair becomes excessively dry, brittle, rough, frizzy, and tangled. SInce the hair is unable to hold anything inside, the hair color that you just deposited also bleeds out, leaving your hair discolored and in need of a new hair dye job.
Third Level:
Over-Processing
As the previous color bleeds out, you dye your hair again, and your hair gets more and more damaged to the point it becomes “over-processed” with chemicals. This also happens when you leave a hair dye or a hair bleach for a longer duration than it was recommended. Over-processed hair looks crisp, burned, frayed, and super dry. If your hair smells like it’s burnt, it is also a symptom of over-processed hair.
How To Maintain Your Dyed Hair And Keep It Healthy?
If you currently have Level 1 or Level 2 damage, good for you! Your hair can be repaired. As for Level 3 damage, the only solution that remains here is to cut it all off and let the healthy hair grow. However, these tips & tricks will help you manage your damaged hair if you’re not ready for the big chop yet.
Switch To Nature-Infused Products
This is a point where you should say, “enough with the chemicals!” Avoid sulfates, parabens and all other harsh chemicals that do no good to your chemically burned hair, and make a switch to nature-infused products with healthy ingredients. GK Hair takes pride in claiming that our products are infused with plant-based ingredients and are free of sulfates, parabens, glutens, phthalates, and DEA/TEA.
Provide Moisture To Your Hair
Color-damaged hair needs moisture more than anything else, so take every opportunity to provide it to your hair including rinse-out conditioners, leave-in conditioners, deep conditioner, and nourishing color masques. GK Hair has an entire range dedicated to the protection of color-treated hair.
No More Cheap Hair Dyes
Say ‘no’ to cheap hair dyes filled with chemical goop; give your hair some break and go with moisture-rich hair dyes that give you the desired hair color without stripping you off of your hair. Good for you, Juvexin Cream Colors are infused with Juvexin, an advanced keratin-protein blend, which provides deep nourishment to your hair and keeps it well-protected while working its magic. You can even pick your favorite shade from a wide range of 80+ different hair hues.
Take Good Care Of Your Mane
Take care of your hair like a baby. Do not dye it more than you should, experiments can wait until it heals. Use a wide-tooth comb for detangling your hair. Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Cut-out heat styling for the time being and go with natural hairdos. Protect it from sun exposure and harsh environmental factors. Your hair is your crowning glory, wear it well.
And that’s pretty much everything that covers color-damaged hair and the treatments. Follow us on social media and visit www.gkhair.com for more tips and tricks.