Can Dying My Hair Cause My Hair to Thin?

Hair dying has become an increasingly popular fashion statement over the years. People choose to change their hair color because they feel it is more attractive than their natural hair color. For some people, hair dying is a way to make a bold statement with their hair, while for many older adults, it is a way to hide their gray and retain a more youthful look. Whatever the reason, a common question and concern are, "Can dying my hair cause my hair to thin?

Can Hair Dying Damage the Hair?

Many hair dyes contain harsh chemicals, such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, that can damage hair and lead to issues. Hair dyes work by using chemicals to alter the hair's structure, enabling the dye to penetrate the hair shaft and change the hair color. Both permanent and temporary dyes contain chemicals that damage your hair structure, leaving it brittle and dry and susceptible to breakage and damage.

The hair coloring process, as well as the chemicals in the dye, weaken the hair shaft, and excessive damage may lead to a noticeable increase in hair loss and an overall thin appearance. The rubbing, combing, and manipulation of the hair shafts during the dyeing procedure can loosen hairs in the telogen or resting phase of the hair growth cycle and cause increased shedding.

Ammonia is used in hair dyes to penetrate the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair shaft, which protects the hair from damage. The ammonia swells and lifts the hair cuticle, immediately penetrating and damaging the hair shaft. The sole purpose of ammonia in hair dyes is to break the cuticle and allow the dyes and peroxide to penetrate and cause a color change. While a ph-balancing conditioner or color-stop shampoo will partially close the openings, the change in the hair's structure makes it more porous and weaker, increasing the likelihood of breakage.

There are some ammonia-free hair dyes available, but they typically use an ammonia-like ingredient that serves the same purpose. Non-ammonia hair colorings may not have the strong odor associated with ammonia, but they are no less damaging to your hair.

After the cuticle is lifted, hydrogen peroxide in the hair dye is used to achieve the hair's desired color. The hydrogen peroxide remains on your hair until the dye penetrates the hair shaft. The hydrogen peroxide in hair colorings leaves your hair dry and frizzy and makes the hair shaft prone to damage.

The longer the ammonia and peroxide stay on your hair, the more damage that is done. For people who routinely color their hair with permanent hair color, thinning hair or hair loss is typically from breakage, rather than actual permanent loss.

Can Dying My Hair Cause My Hair to Thin?

Hair dying itself does not affect hair growth or cause thinning hair because the dye and chemicals used do not penetrate the scalp or harm the hair follicle. While hair beneath the scalp that has not yet emerged is not harmed by dying your hair, the color-treated hair may be damaged by the process, causing an increase in hair shedding.

The primary cause of thinning hair due to hair dyeing is the physical weakening of the hair shaft. Hair dyes used to lighten hair color cause the most damage because of the high volumes of peroxide they contain. People that lighten their hair color from brunette to blonde often notice shortening of the hair and the need for less frequent haircuts. The perceived shortening is due to the breakage of the hair shafts farthest from the scalp, which have accumulated the most cuticle disruption.

Contact Mane Image

At Mane Image, we are experts at helping with thinning hair and hair loss. Our team can help to provide proven solutions to deal with the issue, regardless of the cause. If thinning hair or hair loss has you concerned, contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation.