You’re staring at a plug hole full of so much hair that it looks like the top of a tiny person’s head and you’re wondering – can hair dye cause hair loss?
It’s a common worry for those of us who dye our hair regularly.
Hair is such a major part of who we are and how we feel about ourselves. That’s why we dye it after all!
The good news is, while hair dye can certainly damage your hair, the chemicals used don’t actually penetrate your scalp deep enough to damage or kill off the root of your hair, causing hair loss. Hoorah!
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How does hair dye work?
Hair dye works by coating or penetrating your hair to change its colour permanently, semi-permanently or temporarily.
What it doesn’t do is alter or affect your hair in any way below your skin. Even if your hair dye goes out of date (you can still use it by the way).
What this means is that new hair that is ready to grow through is unaffected by hair dye, which is why we can rule it out as a cause of making anyone go bald.
Why does my hair fall out?
So why is your hair falling out?
Well, it’s no surprise that the chemicals used in hair dye and the process itself can dry out and damage your hair.
Long time coloured hair lovers like us know only too well how frequent styling, hot tools and hair dye make you look fabulous, but can be a frizz making combination.
So it’s natural to worry that it’s making your hair fall out too.
Hair dye can weaken your hair shaft, causing your hair to become brittle, lose its elasticity and snap.
This is how it can seem like you’re losing your hair but in fact, it is your hair breaking off.
There are many other reasons your hair may be falling out that aren’t to do with hair dye.
Hormone imbalance, thyroid imbalance, pregnancy, nutrient deficiency, stress, toxin exposure can all cause hair loss.
If you’re worried about hair loss, you can see a professional Dermatologist who’ll be able to pin-point the cause through tests or consultation. They’ll also offer medication, treatments or remedies that will help.
How can I stop hair dye from damaging my hair?
A good hair care routine before and after you dye your hair, and using only the best products for dyed and coloured hair will ensure your hair stays in tip top condition and your colour lasts for longer.
This also means you’ll need to use hair dye less, causing less damage.
The type of hair dye you use can also make a difference so be sure to pick the right type for your needs. Bleach is particularly drying whereas semi-permanent and natural hair dyes are more gentle on the health of your hair.
TOP TIPS
- Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, including stress and poor diet.
- One factor that is often overlooked is hair dye usage.
- It’s important to use a shampoo and conditioner made for colour-treated hair when using hair dye in order to keep your scalp healthy.
- If you’re worried about losing your natural colour or don’t want to risk damaging your scalp with chemical treatments, consider going lighter instead of darker with your new look.
- Using an all-natural product like henna on the roots will also help protect against damage from harsh dyes while still giving you some coverage if you’re looking for something low maintenance.
So can hair dye cause hair loss? No.
Many people worry that hair dye can cause hair loss, but the truth is any change in your routine will have an impact on your locks.
These days there are plenty of natural and organic dyes available for those who want safer alternatives.
You can find out the answers to more common hair dye questions over on our FAQs page.
And as always, make sure you follow our advice in How to look after coloured hair and keep it luscious for longer.