Hair coloring is all a matter of chemistry, the first commercially available hair color that was considered inherently safe dates back to the early 1900s. Today it is estimated that a good three quarters of women color their hair and the percentage of men who visit a hair color salon is growing rapidly.
What is hair?
Hair is composed mainly of keratin which is a naturally occurring protein that is the basis of fingernails and toenails. The natural color of one’s hair depends on the ratio of two other proteins, one of which, eumelanin is responsible for dark hair and phaeomelanin which is responsible for blonde, red and ginger colored hair. As a person ages these proteins disappear and the result is grey or white hair.
Temporary hair coloring:
Temporary hair colorants usually deposit acidic dyes on the surface of the hair or they may contain minute molecules of pigment which can actually penetrate the hair shaft when using a small amount of peroxide solution. Repeated shampooing will eventually dislodge the temporary colorants from the hair shaft. Temporary colorants do not contain ammonia so the hairs natural color returns once the product is completely washed out.
Permanent hair coloring:
When a hair color salon is asked to permanently color a clients hair they must first open the outermost layer of the hair shaft otherwise the color will not take. Once the hair is open the permanent dye reacts with the inner portion of the hair shaft. Most permanent hair color uses a two stage process which occurs simultaneously. These processes first remove the original color from the hair and then the new color is deposited. It is essentially the same process as hair lightening but a colorant is bonded to the hair. The chemical that opens the hair outer layer is ammonia which also acts as a catalyst when the permanent colorant meets with the peroxide which is the oxidizing agent or developer. It is the developer that eliminates the previous hair color by breaking down chemical bonds in the hair which in turn release sulfur. It is this process that gives the odor that is characteristic during hair coloring. The hair colorants also contain various conditioners that aid in closing the hair after coloring, sealing the color in and protecting it from the effects of shampoo.
Temporary colors, permanent coloring; highlights any other treatments are available in a hair color salon. You are invited to make your appointment now with Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa. They deliver the most exceptional, high-quality hair color treatment using the best in cosmetics products.
