YesThere is a day for hair coloring to cover gray hair. Hair color has evolved into a fashion statement. As a doctor, I see young people doing global coloring, smoothing, and other chemical treatments, which eventually damage their hair to such an extent that by the time they reach their 30s and 40s, they Loses half his head.
Are you one of those who like to experiment with your hair color every season? And are you confused with so many options in the market? Here’s a quick guide to buying the right colors.
When it comes to hair color, many people focus on finding the right color. But it is equally important to choose the one which is good for your scalp. A wrong choice can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to itchiness, dryness and flaky skin, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
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Read Labels, Do a Patch Test
It is important to read the label carefully. Look for ones that are free of parabens, ammonia, peroxide, and sulfates. These chemicals can be harsh on the scalp and cause irritation or allergies and can even lead to diseases like asthma, autoimmune disorders like LPP, etc. Avoiding dyes that provide quick results — like instant color shampoo or 5-7 minute hair dye — is my advice, especially for people who are allergic or have problem skin. One-wash colors are extremely dangerous for your hair, scalp and skin as they contain PPD, hydrogen peroxide and resorcinol.
The best content is no guarantee that it is suited for you. That’s why do a patch test before applying. Apply a small amount of color to your skin and wait 24-48 hours to see if you have any allergic reactions. If you experience itching, redness or swelling, avoid using the dye altogether.
Be careful with these ingredients
Ammonia: This gives paint its pungent, unpleasant odor. Manufacturers use it because it helps the pigment penetrate the cuticle. However, repeated application has an effect as it leaves the hair dry and damaged. Apart from this, ammonia also brings discomfort to the throat and respiratory system.
PPD or Paraphenylenediamine: This is another commonly used ingredient. PPD destroys the pigment, which is responsible for maintaining the natural color of the hair. Excessive exposure to this toxic chemical, which is also a recognized carcinogen, can cause rhabdomyolysis, respiratory failure, and cardiac problems. Studies have shown that PPD combines with ammonia to cause allergic reactions and promote other harmful effects at the cellular level after being absorbed by the scalp.
Hydrogen peroxide: This is often used as an alternative to bleach because it is known to be gentler on your hair. Unfortunately, there is no truth to this commonly prevalent myth. Using peroxide to lighten your hair causes cuticle damage in the long run, leading to frizz, split ends, and even breakage.
PTD: Research shows that a significant amount of PTD is absorbed through the skin during the dying process. This chemical is not only harmful to the person coloring the hair, but it can also cause allergies to the hairdresser.
Quaternium-15: This chemical is a recognized allergen and is used as a preservative in many cosmetic and hair products. It emits formaldehyde, which can cause contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to it.
Resorcinol: This is a dangerous substance that can harm not only your scalp but also your general health. It is classified as a hazardous chemical because it is flammable, causes stomach upset when inhaled, and causes redness when it comes into contact with the skin. Resorcinol is a recognized hormone disruptor with the potential to induce thyroid malfunction and negatively affect your central nervous system.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS: This cleans your hair almost too thoroughly during the dyeing process. SLS is also included in household cleaning products, so it not only removes dirt but also essential, natural oils, leaving your hair brittle and prone to breakage. Chronic exposure to SLS can also cause skin inflammation.
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natural ingredients
Nature’s organic remedies never fail to deliver, be it for your hair, skin, or general health. To avoid hair dyes with harsh chemicals, look for hair dyes that contain natural ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation and are gentler on the scalp.
As a dermatologist, I recommend a few brands that not only offer a plethora of colors but are also fragrance-free and use ammonia-free permanent technology. They are changing the hair color business with the ODS² oil-based system. Oil Delivery System 2 technology is a unique oil-based color delivery system that helps optimize the effectiveness of the hair coloring process.
There are also brands that have an organic composition, are completely natural, cost-effective and less harmful to hair. They are loaded with all natural ingredients like Indigoferra Tinctoria (Indigo), Lawsonia Inermis (Henna), Rubia Cardifolia (Manjistha), Coffea Arabica (Coffee), Bacopa Monniera (Brahmi), Acacia Catechu (Katha), Emblica Officinalis (Amla) . ), Eclipta Prostrada (Bhangra). They help you achieve the desired color without cuticle damage.
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post-haircare treatment
If you have an itchy scalp after coloring your hair, or if you have dermatitis or dandruff, which is quite common, try this simple home remedy. Mix 1 teaspoon of an antiseptic lotion like cetrimide with 5 teaspoons of water in a bowl and apply it to your scalp for 30-60 minutes before shampooing. Incorporate yogurt into your aftercare treatment for the next several days to prevent further irritation the day you color your hair.
In addition to all the advice that includes what to choose and what not to choose, it is important to remember that excessive exposure to any external material will adversely affect the scalp. So reducing the frequency of coloring is not a bad idea. Use only to hide gray. As far as fashion colors go, don’t try them more than once in five years.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Dermatologist, Anti-allergy specialist, Laser Surgeon and Internationally trained Esthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Thoughts are personal.
(Editing by Anurag Choubey)