If we could label the perfect season for hair color, summertime would be my choice! Summer is the season where we let it all hang out. Before your make the jump towards coloring your natural hair, know that coloring your hair can cause damage and dryness if you do not know how to care for your colored hair. I do not know any real “natural” way to color your hair green, purple, blond, or pink. So, if you choose to color your natural hair understand that you are using a chemical to color your hair, so proceed with caution. When making the decision of coloring natural hair, there are a few important factors you must consider.
Ammonia
There are a lot of “ammonia free” products on the market promising a black to blonde result. Very unlikely. Ammonia is a major chemical in dyes. It opens your hair cuticle and swells the strands so that the color can penetrate to the cortex to yield color change.
Without ammonia, color change is not effective, and you may never achieve you desired color. Without ammonia, the color sits on your hair instead of penetrating into your hair strands. Some popular ammonia substitutes are ethanolamine, also known as monoethanolamine or MEA. These can damage your hair just like ammonia. Companies mislead consumers by advertising products with these substitutes as “Ammonia-free” but these substitutes are not safer.
Bleaching Isn’t Necessary for Lighter Shades
This is true (in most cases). Hair that hasn’t received ANY prior color (virgin hair) can be lifted with peroxide and color which is safer than bleach/lightener. Though safer than lifting with a lightener or bleach, one must know the condition of their hair prior to any chemical service. Adding chemicals (color) to damaged, weakened hair can be destructive.
It is recommended that, prior to coloring, you should do weeks of deep conditioning treatments. Doing so will help reinforce moisture that color has been known to diminish. Use shampoo and conditioners for color treated hair. These products will help your hair maintain proper pH levels and extend color life. Moisturize often, condition after every shampoo, and use cooler water temperatures when shampooing & rinsing.
Color Care
Lastly, and most importantly, adjust your regimen when you color your natural hair!! Use shampoo and conditioners for color treated hair. These products will help your hair maintain proper pH levels and extend color life. Moisturize often, condition after every shampoo, and use cooler water temperatures when shampooing & rinsing (this helps close the cuticles and extends life of color). When in doubt, visit your local salon or stylist who specializes in the service you desire.
This is not to make you afraid to color your hair. These are suggestions to consider. Go sis go! Do it, do it! Go hard or go home!!!
This article was originally posted on September 2, 2019.
Kandis “Maureen” May is a graduate of Florida State University and holds a Bachelor’s in Criminology, minor in Community Education, and an Associates in Paralegal Studies from Tallahassee Community College. As a certified Paralegal and Florida Public Notary for 10 years, Kandis holds the position as a Legal Research Assistant for the Florida Public Service Commission. In addition, Kandis is a Real Estate Investor and Realtor.
