Dying our hair seems like a solution to most of our problems. Had a bad week? Red hair color! Fought with an old friend? Make it purple!

Since coloring your hair is usually an impulsive decision, we do not even realize that we may be harming it. But the real question is: does dying your hair damage it? If yes, how much damage a hair dye can make? Let's get to the bottom of this whole thing of hair damage due to hair dyes.

Table of Contents

1. Does Dying Your Hair Damage it Permanently?
2. What Is the Healthiest Way to Color Your Hair?
  2.1 Watch Out for Lead Acetate
  2.2 Beware of Hydrogen Peroxide
  2.3 Say No to Para Phenylenediamine (PPD)
  2.4 Stay Away from Ammonia
3. Can I Apply Oil After Coloring My Hair?
4. How Should I Take Care of Color-Treated Hair?
  4.1 Use a Color-Protecting Shampoo
  4.2 Use a Nourishing Conditioner
  4.3 Use Leave-in Conditioners
5. The Bottom Line

Does Dying Your Hair Damage it Permanently?

Yes, in short. Hair dyes do cause a certain amount of damage to your hair shaft. This is because you are adding chemicals that alter the natural chemistry and structure of your locks. More so, if you use permanent hair dyes (and some types of semi-permanent hair dyes) or continue dying your hair over a prolonged period. 

To add insult to injury, it has been shown that, in lab animals, hair coloring may have potential carcinogenic activity. However, in humans the results were inconclusive, although some studies have shown some evidence that hair dyes may result in an increased risk of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. 

What Is the Healthiest Way to Colour Your Hair?

The healthiest way to color your hair is, first and foremost, to not do it too often and always read carefully the ingredients on the label. Find below the ingredients that you should avoid in your hair dye. 

Watch Out for Lead Acetate

Hair dyes containing lead acetate can have serious adverse effects on your overall health, especially in children and younger adults. Lead acetate is a neurotoxin. It gets absorbed through the skin and is potentially carcinogenic. Hence, the USFDA took action towards banning the presence of lead acetate in all hair cosmetics. Despite this, it is better to personally ensure, by checking the label, that your hair dye does not contain this ingredient. 

Beware of Hydrogen Peroxide

Many permanent hair dyes (and evem some semi-permanent hair dyes) contain hydrogen peroxide, a lightening agent. Although it is generally safe, it can have various side effects such as skin irritation, damage to the hair cuticle, and hair loss. Hence, make sure to, if you dye your hair at home, apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to protect your skin from damage. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (ACV), chamomile tea, or honey as natural hair-lightening agents.  

Say No to Para Phenylenediamine (PPD)

PPD is a common allergen found in many hair cosmetics. It is used in permanent dyes (and in some semi-permanent dyes) to give a more natural look to the mane. However, PPD is also known to cause many allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, when it comes in contact with skin. Plus, it has the potential to cause severe hair loss. 

Stay Away from Ammonia

Ammonia is also a common ingredient in hair dyes. It is a respiratory and asthma irritant, so it is better to avoid this ingredient. Moreover, ammonia-free dyes also add more shine to your hair. Hence, you have one more reason to avoid ammonia in your hair dye.  

Can I Apply Oil After Colouring My Hair?

Yes, you can apply oil after dying your hair. In fact, it is beneficial to do so. Hot oil massages are even better for your hair and scalp health and add more shine to color-treated hair. 

WOW 10 in 1 Hair Oil 

Our WOW 10 in 1 Hair Oil is composed of 10 super oils, including sweet almond oil, Moroccan argan oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and others. This moisturizing hair oil promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation to the scalp. Thanks to its intense nourishing properties, it softens hair, tames frizz, and seals split ends. 

You only need to massage a few drops of this oil, preferably warm, on your scalp for five to ten minutes and leave it on for at least thirty minutes. You can wrap your hair into a shower cap or plastic wrap for boosted effectiveness and added shine. 

How Should I Take Care of Color-Treated Hair?

You can take care of your color-treated hair by following the below-mentioned tips: 

Use a Color-Protecting Shampoo

A good color-protecting shampoo will make your hair dye last longer and maintain your hair health. Make sure the shampoo does not contain sulfates which strip away moisture and cause your hair color to fade.

Use a Nourishing Conditioner

Make sure to pick a conditioner that contains nourishing and moisturizing ingredients such as Moroccan argan oil, coconut oil, etc.

WOW Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner

Our WOW Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner is packed with Moroccan argan oil, vitamin B3, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil, and jojoba oil. It adds more shine and gloss to the hair, reduces the chances of breakage, seals split ends, and helps prevent and repair hair damage by boosting blood circulation to the scalp. You can use this conditioner for moisturizing your hair and reviving dry and lifeless hair. 

Use Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner Set

Using a shampoo and conditioner with onion oil can be beneficial for color-treated hair. Onion oil is rich in sulfur, which helps to strengthen the hair follicles and reduce breakage. It also helps to restore the natural pH balance of the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Additionally, the antioxidants present in onion oil help to protect the hair from environmental damage and prevent fading of color-treated hair. It also helps to add shine and luster to the hair.

Use Leave-in Conditioners

Leave-in conditioners add a lot of shine to your hair, while also making it more manageable. This is why you should always keep a leave-in conditioner handy.

WOW Hair Revitalizer Spray

Our WOW Hair Revitalizer is packed with essential nutrients and ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, Moroccan argan oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, shea butter, soy protein, etc.

This leave-in conditioner spray tames frizz, strengthens hair from roots, improves the appearance of split ends and damaged hair, and restores shine and vitality to hair. 

You can spray it on your hair, massage for a few minutes, and leave it on all day for shiny locks. 

The Bottom Line

So yes, even though hair dyes can cause damage to your hair, it isn't necessary to cut it out entirely. You can take care of your colored hair and ensure minimum damage. On that note, we have one more product recommendation for you:

WOW Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Mask For Color-Treated Hair

Our WOW Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Mask brings new life to your color-treated hair. It is composed of black spruce bark extract, wheat protein, argan oil, and other nutrients. These work together to help repair damaged hair, make it less prone to damage and protect the hair cuticle from the sun's UV radiation.

You can use this product on towel-dried hair by applying generous amounts of the mask from your roots to tips. Gently comb the mask on your strands with your fingers and allow it to sit for ten minutes before you rinse it off with warm water.