Can Coloring Your Hair Lead to Hair Loss?

hair coloring

Many popular hair treatments can be damaging to hair – from straightening and curling to relaxers and perms. One of the most popular hair treatments people do is hair coloring.

While the possibilities are endless when it comes to coloring hair, it’s important to keep in mind the damage it can cause in the process. One common question people have about hair coloring is whether it leads to hair loss.

The answer is yes, hair coloring can lead to hair loss – but it isn’t necessarily permanently lost. Let’s talk about why and how this can happen.

Does Hair Dye Weaken the Hair?

Hair coloring involves applying chemicals to the hair that alter the color of the hair strands. During the process of changing the color of the hair, a few things happen.

First, the hair is prepared and combed for effective and thorough coloring. This is especially true when dying hair to a lighter shade. However, this can weaken hair and increase hair loss temporarily, because the hair is pulled on repeatedly.

Additionally, most hair coloring dyes contain chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that are essential for altering the color of the hair. These are harsh chemicals that can cause hair loss because they loosen, weaken, and break hair strands.

Lack of Hair Growth vs. Hair Loss

When it comes to hair loss, there is a difference between hair not growing vs. actually losing existing hair. Hair dyes do not stop hair from growing, but hair dye can cause hair to fall out more easily and quickly than before.

Fortunately, hair dye does not damage the scalp. This is good news, because it means hair can be restored after it’s been damaged from hair coloring. If you experience hair loss due to frequent coloring using harsh chemicals, once you stop using them, your hair can grow back.

Preventing Hair Loss Due to Coloring

To help your hair start to grow back again, do the following things:

Use Colors that Are Close to Your Natural Hair Color

The further away you go from your natural hair color, the stronger the chemicals must be to change the color. While it may be enticing to change your hair color drastically, try to stay as close as possible to your natural color so there is less need of harsh chemicals.

Avoid Dyes with Harsh Chemicals

There are numerous brands of hair dyes – some are better than others. Talk to a hair loss specialist about which types of dyes are better for you and which specific chemicals to avoid.

Talk to a Hair Restoration Specialist

Hair loss can happen gradually, and most people wait to see a specialist until it has progressed significantly. There are a lot of things you can do early on to slow down and prevent hair loss, and a hair loss doctor can explain what you can do to help maintain your hair.

Who Can Restore My Hair?

If you are interested in learning more about how to stop hair loss, Darling Hair Restoration would love to help. Our experienced medical team has a wealth of knowledge in the field, and we use the latest treatment options available to help our clients look amazing.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Darling, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (816) 792-3400 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. Let us help you get back to a fuller head of hair so you can feel great about yourself again!