When it comes to hair, people are obsessed with trying the latest trends in hair color. Some will go to any extent to achieve their desired hair color, while others opt for a more subtle change. However, one popular myth in the hair care world is that dying your hair can make it thinner. In this article, we will explore the truth behind this myth and determine whether dying your hair can indeed make it thinner.
What is Hair?
Before understanding if dying hair can make it thinner, it is essential to understand what hair is made of. Hair is made of a protein called keratin, and it is produced by hair follicles located in the dermis. Each follicle is connected to a muscle that contracts and relaxes to create movement.
How Does Hair Grow?
Hair growth happens in three phases: the anagen phase (the growth phase), the catagen phase (a transitional phase), and the telogen phase (resting phase). During the anagen phase, the hair follicle is actively growing new hair. The length of this phase determines how long the hair becomes. In the catagen phase, the follicle reduces and prepares to shed the hair while the telogen phase is when the hair rests and eventually falls out.
Does Dying Your Hair Make it Thinner?
The worry that dying your hair makes it thinner is not unfounded, as hair damage is associated with hair thinning. Chemical hair dyes contain ammonia, peroxide, and other chemicals that can dry out and weaken hair, leading to breakage and hair loss. Additionally, the repeated use of hair dye can gradually strip hair of its natural oils and cause it to become brittle.
What Causes Hair to Thin?
Hair thinning can have several causes, such as genetics, hormonal changes, medication, stress, and nutrition deficiency. Age also plays a significant role in hair thinning. As we age, hair naturally becomes thinner and less dense because the hair follicles shrink and produce thinner hair strands. Other factors, like repeated styling or chemical treatments, can exacerbate the thinning process.
What Happens When You Dye Your Hair?
Chemical hair dyes work by lifting the outer layer of the hair cuticle and depositing color. During this process, the hair cuticle gets damaged, making the hair shaft more vulnerable to breakage. The chemicals in hair dye can also cause dehydration and strip the scalp of essential oils, leading to several scalp issues like dandruff, itching, and hair fall.
How to Avoid Hair Damage from Dyeing?
- Choose a hair dye brand that is free of harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and parabens. Look for natural hair colors that contain plant-based dyes like henna, indigo, or chamomile.
- Do a patch test on a small area of hair or skin to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients.
- Condition your hair regularly to keep it hydrated, soft, and shiny. Use a hair oil or a deep conditioning treatment once a week to nourish your hair follicles.
- Do not over-dye your hair. Wait for at least four to six weeks between dyeing sessions to avoid excessive damage.
- Avoid heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons before and after dyeing your hair because heat can exacerbate hair damage.
Can Hair Thinning be Reversed?
Yes, hair thinning can be reversed, depending on its cause. A healthy diet, stress reduction, and scalp care can help improve the hair’s health and thickness. If hair thinning is genetic, there are several treatments available, like hair transplantation or scalp micropigmentation.
How to Maintain Healthy Hair?
- Eat a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to nourish your hair follicles from within.
- Avoid excessive heat, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that pull hair tightly.
- Use a mild shampoo to clean your hair and condition it regularly to keep it moisturized.
- Maintain a healthy scalp by keeping it clean, exfoliating it regularly, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
- See a dermatologist if you notice any unusual hair thinning or hair fall to determine whether there is an underlying health condition causing it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the belief that dying your hair causes hair thinning is not completely unfounded. However, it is the damage caused by the chemicals in hair dye that leads to breakage and hair loss. By following the right precautions and choosing the right hair dye product, you can minimize hair damage and keep your hair healthy and thick.
FAQs about Dying Hair and Hair Thinning
- Does bleach make your hair thinner? Bleaching can damage the hair cuticle and cause hair loss. However, it usually does not impact the hair’s thickness.
- Can hair dye cause hair loss in men? Yes, hair dye can cause hair loss in both men and women if not used correctly.
- What hair color is least damaging? Natural hair colors like henna, indigo, and chamomile are the least damaging hair colors.
- Does hair dye fade over time? Yes, hair dye fades over time due to washing and exposure to environmental factors.
- Can hair dye lead to dandruff? Yes, hair dye can strip the scalp of essential oils, leading to dryness and flakiness.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2018). Hair Loss: Who gets and causes. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes
- DermNet NZ. (n.d.). Hair Follicle. Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hair-follicle/
- HairScience. (n.d.). Hair Growth Cycle. Retrieved from https://www.hairscience.com/hair-growth-cycle
- Medical News Today. (2018). Dyeing Hair When You Have Psoriasis: Tips and Precautions. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322751#Hair-dyes-to-avoid
- National Library of Medicine. (2002). Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002407/