Ask Vann: Should I Dye My Hair?

Pursuit of Nappiness: Ask Vann Column

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Pursuit of Nappiness: Should I dye my hair?

Vann Cosmetics: Studies have shown that approximately 75% of women color their hair, and the

percentage of men who color their hair continues to grow. Eugene Schuller invented

the first commercial hair coloring system in 1909.

Natural Colorants

People used natural color pigments before coloring products were available to

purchase in stores. Henna or black walnut shells were popular choices. Vinegar and

other strong acids were used to lighten the hair. There’s a common misconception

that these natural ingredients are safer than what’s available now. This is no true. It

is nearly impossible to get consistent hair color results, and often people are allergic

or sensitive to these natural options. This is why chemists formulated safer

alternatives for consumers to use on their hair.

Semi-Permanent versus Permanent

Temporary hair colors are deposited on the outside of the hair shaft. The color can

also contain a small amount of peroxide that helps disperse pigments inside of the

hair shaft. Overtime, a few washes will dislodge these pigments and remove the

color from your hair.

Permanent hair color undergoes a different process. The cuticle must be opened so

that the color can deposit onto the hair. After the cuticle is open, the dye reacts with

the cortex of the hair strand, to either remove or deposit color. Then, the cuticle

closes, and the new color is protected.

Here are a few ingredients you should be familiar with, if you color your hair:

Hydrogen peroxide- is a chemical that lightens the hair. It is used in an alkaline

solution to open the hair shaft and allow the peroxide to react with the melanin in

the hair shaft.

Ammonia– is an alkaline chemical that opens the cuticle and allows the color to

penetrate the cortex of the hair.

Bleach– is used to lighten the hair. It reacts with the melanin in your hair. Bleach

oxidizes with the melanin, and removes the hair color in an irreversible chemical

reaction. Once your hair is bleached, you will notice a yellow-ish tint. This is the

color of keratin, the structural protein in hair.

Color your hair and have fun with it! If you use a permanent hair color, make sure

you have a pH-balanced conditioner to close your cuticles. Your hair can dry out, so

invest in a good deep conditioner.

Send your questions for Vann Cosmetics to answer by commenting below or email pursuitofnappingess@gmail.com subject ‘Ask Vann.’ You can even tweet us at @PursuitofNappi| @VannCosmetics #AskVann

 Gavanne DavisGavanne is the CEO and Founder of Vann Cosmetics, LLC., which is a cosmetic consulting company that assist accounts in launching cosmetic lines, brand management, and drafting formulas. You can contact her at Gavanne@VannCosmetics.com or visit her website at www.VannCosmetics.com.