Heat might affect hair color in different ways. Whether it’s sun exposure, hot irons, blow-drying, washing hair in hot water, all of this can change color of your hair. Heat can cause hair color to fade quick, leaving hair dry and damaged. High temperature can also cause the hair cuticle to open, and lead to release of dye molecules which leading to a dull, faded appearance.
Many people believe that heat can affect to hair color, but this is not entirely true. Heat can cause cuticle of hair to open, and lead to the release of dye molecules. But this will not change color of the hair. However, there are some color changing hair dyes. They are semi-permanent thermochromic hair dyes that change color while exposed to temperature changes. These colors cover the outer cuticle of hair and change color from one to another when exposed to temperature changes.
Understanding Hair Pigmentation
It is important to understand the basics of hair pigmentation, as hair color changes. Hair color is determined by melanin which is pigment, and produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin, responsible for color of hair from dark brown to black, and pheomelanin, responsible for red and light shades.
The type of melanin and amount in human hair is determined by genetics. However, there are other factors which may affect hair pigmentation. For example, exposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) rays alter level of melanin. It causes hair to appear lighter or discolored.
Aging is another factor which can impact hair pigmentation. With age, the melanin production slows down, and it lead to appearance of gray or white hair. This is because specialized melanin production cells are die off.
Beside to genetics, sun exposure, and aging, there are also other factors which may affect hair pigmentation. For example, medications or certain disease can lead to hair color change. In addition, exposure pollutants or certain chemicals can affect hair pigmentation.
In general, it is important to understand basics of hair pigmentation to better understand why hair color changes over time. Although genetics play a significant role in determining hair color. There are also other factors that can affect hair pigmentation.
Effects of Heat on Hair Structure
As we mention earlier, heat can cause significant damage to hair. But what exactly happens when we apply heat to our hair?
When exposed to heat on our hair, the natural oils in our hair are removed. Also water molecules evaporate, and change structure of hair protein. High temperature lead to rapid drying of water, which affects the structure of each strand and can lead to cracking of the cuticle, outer layer of the hair, and make hair more vulnerable to damage.
Furthermore, heating can also lead to rapid fading of hair color, leave hair dry and disrupting hair care. Heat destroys very structure of cuticle of your hair, break apart precious keratin content. As soon as this happens, your hair becomes weak and vulnerable. This can lead to increased split ends and brittle hair, which are two common signs of heat damage.
Some studies show that heat treatment can also lead to gradual disappearance of cuticle scales and complete destruction of your hair structure. This can cause your hair to become brittle, dry and prone to breakage.
Heat-Induced Hair Color Changes
As person who has been experimenting with hair colors for a while, I often wondered if heat can change hair color. After doing some researches, I find out that heat can actually cause hair color change in natural and dyed too.
Natural Hair
Heating can lead to change in color of natural hair due to breakdown of melanin. It is pigment that gives hair its color. When exposed to heat, melanin can break down, and cause hair to appear lighter or even become gray. This is also reason of why people often notice that their hair gets lighter in summer months while spending time under the sun. However, it is important to note that this process is gradual. It will not lead to immediate change in color.
Dyed Hair
Heating also can lead to a change in color of dyed hair, especially if the paint used is semi-permanent or temporary. There are heat-activated color-changing hair dyes and they change color under the influence of high temperatures. These dyes contain carbon-based coloring molecules with reversible bonds. These bonds are more stability in certain temperatures. While heat level rises, falls, or change in any way, a reaction occurs. In a result bond is restores and leads to a change in hair color.
Moreover, heat-resistant styling products such as irons and curling irons also can cause change of hair color. High temperature can cause dye to fade, and as a result lighter hair color. It is important to use anti-overheating products to prevent hair damage and perverse hair color.
Preventing Heat Damage to Hair
Proper Use of Heat Styling Tools
Thermal styling products can damage hair if used incorrectly. It is important to use a temperature appropriate to your hair type to prevent heat damage. Thin or fine hair should be styled at lower temperature, and also thick or coarse hair can withstand higher temperatures. It is also important to use thermal styling products sparingly, limiting their use to maximum of 2-3 times a week.
It is important to constantly move heat styling tools avoid overheating and damage to hair while using them. Too long concentration of heat in one place can cause your hair become brittle and prone to breakage. In addition, it is important to use heat-protective spray or serum to protect your hair from damage.
Hair Protection Products
It is better to use hair protection products to prevent heat damage. These products are designed to protect your hair from harmful effects of thermal styling products. Most of the popular hair protection products include thermal protection sprays, serums and indelible conditioners.
When choosing hair protection product, you should pay attention to the one that is specially designed for heat styling products. These products are designed to protect hair from high temperatures created by thermal styling tools. In addition, you should choose a product that matches your type of hair. Thin or fine hair may require lighter remedy, and coarse or thick hair may require heavier remedy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, heat can cause hair color to change due to exposure to heat from styling tools such as irons and hair dryers. This can lead to change in color and damage of your hair shaft. Exposure to sun can also change hair color, as ultraviolet rays can ray can destroy proteins of hair, causing fading.
Other factors such as stress, medication, and hormonal changes also contribute hair color changes. To prevent heat damage and discoloration, you should use heat protection products before using hot styling tools. Good hair care and awareness of possible change in color can help maintain desired hair color. Take care of your hair and I wish you could keep your hair healthy, strong and beautiful.