How Does Hair Dye Affect Hair?

The Basics

Most women and more than a few men use hair dye at least once in their lifetimes. Some do it to cover up gray hair and others just to try something bold or new. For whatever reason it's used, hair dye is one of the top selling beauty products in the U.S. Those who use hair dye on a consistent basis may want to be cautious and really find out what long-term hair dye use does to hair.

Overall Effects

Whether you're going darker, lighter, using highlights or just trying to cover that gray, hair dye will have other effects on your hair besides merely changing the color. The chemicals used to dye hair are damaging to the hair shaft and can cause your hair to look dry and brittle.

Use caution especially if you regularly straighten, curl or use a hot blow dryer on your hair in addition to the hair dye. These procedures are very drying to the hair and this can make the hair so brittle that it actually breaks off. If your hair is already fine in texture, the damage will be even greater.

Prevention

For the least amount of damage to your hair, always go to a hair professional to get your hair dyed. Discuss with him your concern about damaging your hair and ask him to use products that cause less damage. This may include using henna hair dye products or simply using a better, more creamy conditioner after dying.

If you do intend on dying your hair yourself, check the expiration date on the package. Most hair dyes will expire, so you want to be sure that yours is well within the date to be used.