The Science Behind Color
From the heroes of ancient Greece to the first-century Romans, hair coloring has always been, well, “in.” Drastic measures like using harsh soaps and bleaches used to be the pathway to changing your look but thank goodness we've come a long way since that time!
Today, changing your hair color isn't that much of a risk (if you have a professional stylist that knows what they're doing). Almost 75 percent of American women have reportedly colored their hair which is a huge difference from the 7 percent that admitted to coloring in the 1950s. But don't get us wrong, men also color their hair (even if they don't all admit it).
So, what’s the science behind hair color? Well, we’re glad you asked because we love a good science lesson – especially as it relates to coloring your hair.
Understanding Color Products
Remember that nasty spoiled or rotten egg smell that would instantly enter your nose upon getting your hair colored? If that wasn't enough to dissuade you, then nothing would. Thankfully, today the products smell better, and there are a variety of ways to apply them. However, without proper application, the peroxide and ammonia found in many color products could cause real harm if not professionally handled. We repeat: real damage can happen without professional service. So, this might be a clue to leave those box color kits on the shelves next time.
Here are the basic levels of color to consider:
Semi-Permanent Color
Semi-permanent can add color without changing your natural color too much.
The Chemistry: The hair color contains tiny color molecules that enter the hair's cuticle, or outer layers, and go into your hair's cortex. They don't interact with your natural pigments, and, eventually, they will exit the hair shaft after a few shampoos. It contains no ammonia or peroxide.
Rough Translation: Semi-permanent can last for 6 to 12 shampoos. Not so grand on the gray coverage.
Demi-Permanent Color
You can expect demi-permanent color to last longer and take you the distance
The Chemistry: This color system contains pre-colored molecules that work to penetrate the cuticle and then enter the cortex where they then partner to create medium-sized color molecules. The larger size of the molecules means it usually takes longer to wash out. It also does not contain ammonia and only a small amount of peroxide to lighten your natural pigment.
Rough Translation: Demi-Permanent can last for 24 to 26 washes and can cover up to 70% of gray hair.
Permanent Color
The big permanent. The champions of champions. This is for the brave and those that are going to take a daring leap.
The Chemistry: small molecules of color enter every hair cuticle and enter the hair’s cortex to react with melanin in the hair. Both ammonia and peroxide create a bond of tiny molecules that react and expand to a size that cannot be washed out.
Rough translation: Permanent hair color fades over time but it doesn’t wash out. Bonus? It conceals 100% of gray hair.
Is it essential that you go to a professional for permanent color jobs? Dear God, yes! Expect to get regular touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain your color.
Now that you know how the world of hair color works, you can make the best decision for your hair needs. Give us a call and let us know how we can help.