Experimenting with red, purple, pink hair color, we have all been through at least one of those phases. Sure, temporary hair dyes may be fun to do every once in a while, but are they safe for your hair?

In this article, we will discuss that and other common questions about temporary hair dyes.

Table of Contents:

• Is it Safe to Use a Hair Dye That Washes Out in 1 Wash?
• Common Harmful Ingredients Present in Hair Dyes
• How to Repair Damaged Hair Due to Hair Dyes
• Shield Your Hair from the Sun
• Olive Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar Mask
• Nourishing Hair Mask
• Condition Well

Is it Safe to Use a Hair Dye That Washes Out in 1 Wash?

Temporary hair dyes are applied in the form of lotions, foam, or shampoos. They change the hair color for a relatively short amount of time, usually until the first wash. 

The main purpose of temporary hair dyes is to add highlights, remove yellowish tones from white hair, or cover up gray hair.

They contain high molecular weight ingredients, which deposit on the cuticle of the hair and are removed easily on washing. They are bonded to a cationic polymer. 

It reduces the product's solubility and increases its affinity to hair. Temporary dyes like henna have been known to cause allergic contact dermatitis. 

Temporary hair dyes coat only the external part of the hair, meaning they do not penetrate the cortex of the hair. They do not cause any damage to the hair structure itself.

Permanent hair dyes, on the other hand, do affect the structure of the hair. Due to this reason, temporary hair dyes are less damaging to your hair. 

Of course, less damage and no damage are very different things.

Applying color to your hair makes your strands more porous. It decreases your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. 

In a way, the temporary hair dye is not as temporary as you think. Although, of course, applying hair dye once or twice is not going to cause any lasting damage. 

Common Harmful Ingredients Present in Hair Dyes

If your hair dye contains one or more of the following ingredients, it is causing more damage to your hair than you may realize. 

Para-phenylenediamine

Para-phenylenediamine or PPD is a common ingredient in hair dyes. It causes damage to your hair by altering the genetic material of cells. In severe cases, it can lead to skin sensitization, cancer, mutagenicity, or organ system toxicity. 

Parabens

Parabens are used as preservatives in products. The two most common parabens are Methylparaben and Propylparaben. They can produce severe allergies and skin irritation.

Lead Acetate

Lead Acetate is added in dark shade hair dyes. In some cases, it can lead to anemia or neurological problems.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is mixed with other hair dyes to develop a specific color. It can cause scalp irritation and affect the endocrine system.

Ammonia

Ammonia is widely used in hair dyes. It opens up the hair cuticle and allows the dye to seep into the shaft. 

It may produce caustic burns and lung irritation.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is added to strip the natural hair color before applying the hair dye. It can also change the hair structure and make it brittle.

How to Repair Damaged Hair Due to Hair Dyes

Now that we have established that hair dyes can cause a certain amount of damage let us discuss how you can repair the damage.  

Shield Your Hair from the Sun

The damage worsens the longer your hair is exposed to the sun. Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the harsh UV rays. 

Olive Oil

Put the moisture back into your dry and damaged hair with olive oil. Warm about 1 quarter of a cup of olive oil and apply it on your roots and strands. Wrap your hair in a towel and let it sit for 45 minutes. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Mask

Apple cider vinegar will revive your damaged hair and restore it to its former glory. Combine 1 tablespoon of ACV with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 egg whites and rub them on your hair. Keep it on for 30 minutes and rinse.

Nourishing Hair Mask

Applying a hair mask once a week can salvage your damaged hair more than you think.

WOW Red Onion Black Seed Oil Hair Mask

WOW Red Onion Black Seed Oil Hair Mask will transform your damaged, weak hair to smooth, lustrous, glossy hair. 

Using this hair mask once a week will deeply condition your strands and add volume and shine to it. Infused with antioxidant-rich red onion extract, black seed oil, and wheat protein, it promotes blood circulation to the roots, strengthens, and forms a protective barrier on the hair. 

Apply it evenly from the mid-sections of your hair to the ends. Use your fingers to comb the hair and emulsify the mask, so it penetrates the hair shafts. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes and wash with plain water. 

Condition Well

Conditioner is one of the most important steps in your hair care routine. It forms a protective layer over your strands and prevents them from damage. 

WOW Coconut & Avocado Natural Hair Conditioner

WOW Coconut & Avocado Natural Hair Conditioner is all-natural and safe for color-treated hair. Infused with botanical extracts, it softens and rebuilds your hair. 

Free from sulfates, parabens, or silicones, it gently moisturizes your hair. Use it on the strands of your hair after shampoo. Leave it on for a few minutes to let it nourish your strands. 

While it is true hair dyes, temporary or permanent, do cause some degree of damage to your hair, there are several things you can do to minimize the damage and repair it. 

For that, I have a product recommendation for you. 

WOW Moroccan Argan Hair Oil

WOW Moroccan Argan Hair Oil is perfect if you are currently struggling with thin, dry, brittle hair with split ends and itchy irritation. 

This natural blend of Moroccan Argan Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil & Coconut Oil works on all hair types and rejuvenates your hair health. 

You can also leave it on overnight to deeply nourish your hair. 

Explore the WOW website for other natural hair care products.