Hello to everyone out there! We have had so many questions about hair colour processes, and the damage that it can do to your hair. Here are some facts about hair colour and how to safely colour your hair, and the benefits of Absolute Collagen.
Hair Colour – a chemical process
When we change the colour of our hair, it is all about the chemistry used to open up the hair shaft and to deposit the colour molecules and secure them to make a permanent colour change. Over 75% of Women colour their hair, with a growing percentage of Men now using colour too.
Hairdressers are trained by the professional hair colour providers such as Wella and L’Oréal. This is to understand the range of colours, what can be achieved and what cannot, along with the science relating to the strength of the colour product, the time that it will need to be on the hair and whether heat will be used to assist in the process. If you get any one of these 3 factors wrong the hair can be damaged. This training is what really makes the difference between home colours and salon professional colours.
How does Hair Colour Work
The hair is made up of 3 layers. The cuticle is on the outside and protects the cortex, which is made up of the keratin fibres with a medulla sitting in the centre of the hair shaft.
Hair colour firstly opens the outer protective layer – the cuticle. The dye then reacts with the cortex to deposit or remove colour. Most professional hair dyes use a 2 stage process; removal of the original colour and depositing of the new colour. Ammonia is the chemical that usually opens the cuticle with Peroxide being the chemical that develops or oxidises. The cuticle is closed at the end of the process, and it is this that can lead to hair damage. If the cuticle is not fully closed the cortex can be exposed, which can lead to damage.
How does Absolute Collagen help chemically coloured hair?
Absolute Collagen helps with the formation of Keratin, the main protein structure of the hair’s cortex. Absolute Collagen is packed with amino acids such as:
Arginine; this supports the production of Keratin. It supports healthy hair growth by opening the potassium channels, improving blood supply and stimulating hair growth. Research also shows that this amino acid helps to shield the hair from the potential damaging effects of hair colouring by preventing the attack from Peroxide on hair proteins and surface lipids. In other words, it helps to keep the strength in the hair if it has been treated with chemical dye.
Isoleucine; is found in Keratin, supports Keratin production and helps with the absorption of proteins from our diet, which is key to healthy hair.
Leucine; is found in Keratin, supports Keratin production, helps in regulating blood sugar, stimulates wound healing and supports the production of growth hormones.
Threonine; is essential for the metabolism of protein. Is supports the formation of Keratin and enhances the effectiveness of the immune system.
Methionine; supports the production of Keratin. It contains sulphur which is important to strong healthy hair. It helps to protect against oxidative stress and may help to slow down greying and hair thinning. A Dermatology congress in 2006 saw a 10% increase in hair growth using a Methionine and B Complex supplement.
Tyrosine, Melanocytes; which are the cells that produce Melanin that give our hair its natural colour. Use Tyrosine to support this function, and can help to ensure that our natural hair colour is vibrant and healthy.
Hair Colouring Dos and Don’ts
When colouring your hair try to work within what is achievable. Taking very dark hair to platinum blonde in one treatment is not possible and if you try it, without doubt there will be hair damage.
Be aware of the natural tones in your own hair. Sometimes red tones can make a blonde colour look quite warm and yellow, so really discuss what you are trying to achieve with your Hairdresser and take their advice.
Don’t colour the hair too often. Between 6 – 12 weeks is the usual time between colour applications. And remember, try not to overlap colour applications, as the more you open and close the cuticle the weaker the hair becomes.
Do look after your coloured hair with colour protecting shampoos, and don’t forget the conditioner to keep the hair smooth and shiny.
Do eat well. Protein and amino acids are so important to the structure, strength, colour and health of the hair. That’s why I love Absolute Collagen as it delivers a great boost in a very easy to take and absorb format and the results really do speak for themselves.
As always, if you have any general concerns then please e-mail me at eva.proudman@ukhairconsultants.com and I will be very happy to help and support you. Or get in touch here!