Is it Safe to Color Your Hair Every 30 Days?

Most hair colors can be applied safely every 30 days.

Hair colorists recommend that color retouches be performed every four to six weeks. High-lift color clients (anyone that lightens their hair by 3 shades or more) and clients that are 75 to 100 percent gray require retouches more often. Subtle color changes such as highlights and lowlights should be retouched every two months. Retouches and monthly colorings are safe; however, damage can occur if they are done improperly.

Health

There are no ill health consequences associated with frequent colorings provided that there is at least a week between applications. It is also safe to perform back-to-back corrective coloring treatments. Side effects of excessive coloring include scalp sensitivity, blisters and abrasions.

Damage

The most common concern associated with frequent coloring is hair damage. Damage can occur with frequent applications of color but can easily be avoided with proper technique.

Depositing Color

Depositing color or making the hair darker results in the least amount of damage. The safest application technique involves applying color to the regrowth section only and pulling the color through to the ends for a about 5 minutes.

Lifting Color

To avoid damage when lifting color, color should not overlap previously colored sections during retouching.

Considerations

Performing a strand test is the best possible way to determine if it is safe to color hair. Strand tests are performed by applying color to a small strand of hair and processing the color until the desired color is achieved. The hair should be checked for damage after the strand test has been performed.

References

• "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology;" Milady, Diane Carol Bailey, Margrit Attenburg; 2008