Everything you need to know about hair dye

Dyeing your hair is a fun way to get a new look. But did you know there are lots of different kinds of hair dye? We've got you covered if you’re new to colouring your hair.

In this guide, we’ll share more about all the different types of hair dye and offer some safety tips as you dye at home.

Choosing the Right Hair Dye

Choosing the right dye makes a huge impact on the final colouring of your hair. Different dyes have different chemicals. The severity of these chemicals also impacts the longevity and brightness of the colour.

Consider your hair type and texture before choosing a dye. Thin or damaged hair may need extremely gentle dyes, while stronger hair can handle harsher ones. You should also ensure the dye has no ingredients you’re allergic to.

Types of Hair Dye

There are several different types of hair dye to choose from. Here are each of the different types and how they differ.

Temporary Hair Dye

Temporary hair dyes are just that – temporary. They coat the hair’s outer cuticle and don’t permeate the hair like other harsher dyes. This gives you colour that lasts a few shampoos, so they’re great for short-term events or those with fine hair. You can often find these dyes in spray, gel, mousse, or even conditioner form for easy application.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Semi-permanent hair dyes partially penetrate the hair shaft and last longer than temporarily. You can expect semi-permanent hair dye to last 4-8 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.

Because they must penetrate the hair shaft, semi-permanent hair dyes have small amounts of peroxide or ammonia. Be cautious with this dye as you apply it, given these ingredients.

Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

Demi-permanent hair dyes have more peroxide than semi-permanent hair dyes. This means they can penetrate the hair shaft even further for longer-lasting colour. Usually, demi-permanent dye lasts between 6-10 weeks.

This type of dye is typically recommended for individuals wanting to cover grey hair, as it produces a more vibrant result than semi-permanent dyes.

Permanent Hair Dye

Permanent hair dyes often contain a combination of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. This lets the colour molecules fully penetrate the hair cortex. This is the most long-lasting hair dye, as it does not wash out over time. This is a good choice for significant colour changes or those wanting to cover grey hair without any risk of washing out.

However, they are the most harsh hair dye out there due to their chemical content, so they are not suitable for everyone.

Natural Hair Dye

Natural hair dyes use plant-based ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide. Natural hair dye ingredients include henna, indigo, and herbal extracts. Natural dyes come in a wide range of colours, from reds to browns.

Using natural ingredients, these dyes help to enhance natural hair colour without causing significant damage. Because of the lack of harsher chemicals, they only come in limited natural colours and often require more regular application.

Safety First

When dyeing your hair, safety is crucial due to the potential harm caused by chemicals in hair dyes. Always follow these steps to be as safe as possible:

• Perform a patch test to check for allergies

• Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions, including processing time

• Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with chemicals

• Dye hair in a well-ventilated area to reduce fume inhalation

• Limit dyeing frequency to prevent hair damage

In case of adverse reactions, rinse the dye immediately and seek medical attention if needed.

 

Always make sure you choose the right type of dye for your preferences and go for a colour you know you’ll love. Enjoy your new look!