- When deciding how often to color hair you have to keep in mind the condition of the hair, what kind of dye is being used and what color you are dyeing the hair. If the hair is in poor condition from being over processed or very dry for any reason, including too much sun exposure, the hair cuticle may be porous. A porous cuticle will absorb color faster, which will effect the amount of time that the hair dye should be left on. Thin hair is more fragile to dyeing than coarse thick hair is and should be dyed as infrequently as possible.
- The type of dye that is being used is very important as well because each dye is different and one can damage hair more than another. Hair colors that lighten the hair are referred to as permanent hair colors and create the most damage to the hair. Permanent hair colors are damaging because they contain peroxide. Peroxide damages hair because it works by opening the hair cuticle stripping the hair of its color and then the hair reabsorbs the new color. Permanent hair color is drastically different than the original color so the roots have to be redone every four to six weeks and if hair is severely damaged it should only be colored six to eight weeks and only by professional hair stylists. Gray hair can be done every four weeks. Semi-permanent hair color is hair color that makes the hair darker and does not strip the hair it just puts new color into the hair. Semi-permanent hair color can be re done whenever it is needed. It will take about four to six weeks for the hair to grow out and roots to show, but if the hair regrowth blends then it can be recolored at the individuals discretion.
