What damages your hair the most: the chemical coloring !

Are you wondering about the effect of the coloring chemical on your hair? You will discover that not only do its toxic products permanently damage your hair, but that they also pose risks to your health.

Sylvie Hampikian, pharmaco-toxicologist expert and co-author with Alexandra Perrogon of "J'embellis mes cheveux (I Embellish My Hair)", published by Terre vivante, tells us all about the risks associated with coloring and alternative and restorative solutions.

What is hair made of? Better understand what can damage hair

In order to fully understand the mode of action of colorings It is important to know the structure of a hair.

You will see that the toxic formulas have been designed to attack each level of this structure. A hair is made up of three concentric layers.

On the outside, the cuticle, a very thin envelope, is composed of scales arranged like the tiles of a roof. It protects the hair. Then, the cortex, which is robust, is made up of keratin fibers and pigments (melanin). They are the ones who set the tone for the color to the hair. Finally, the marrow, a hollow part, which exists only in large-diameter hair.

coloring chemical permanent or tone on tone: toxic and dangerous products that damage the hair

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's distinguish between two types of colorings .

The coloring chemical "tone on tone

You may know it as " regé" or " diacolor ". It acts on the surface by adsorption, without penetrating the interior of the fiber and fades in 4 to 8 shampoos or in a few weeks depending on the process used.

It affects about 20% of colorings which are now practiced in France. Its components include azo compounds and the PPD (paraphenylenediamines) family.

The coloring permanent chemical oxidation

It is the most practiced in conventional hair salons and also the most harmful. This coloring " oxidation ", aims to permanently modify the color of your hair.

The first step is to open the cuticle scales. Indeed, it is necessary to weaken the protective layer of the hair so that it allows the chemicals to enter.

Then, the oxidizer of the coloring Chemical will lighten your hair's natural pigments. Whether you want to go for it or not, your colorthe coloring Chemical always discolors your color Natural. This discoloration makes room for the new artificial pigments.

Finally, the artificial pigments will penetrate the inside of the hair to give it its new color definitive.

For all these steps, it is necessary that the coloring contains ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. By the way, if your color is noted as "ammonia-free" and contains an ammonia derivative called monoethanolamine. 

Damaged hair: the real risks and dangers of colorings chemicals

The four main chemicals found in colorings are also the most dangerous to health. Ammonia, peroxide, PPD and resorcinol all have an unreassuring toxicological profile.

By spreading the scales of the cuticle and oxidizing the cells of the cortex, the colorings Chemical capillaries cause lasting damage to the hair, which becomes dry and porous. Both in terms of its composition and its process, the color Chemical damage to your hair. It is harmful to the health of your hair.

In addition, the color Chemical oxidation is applied to the scalp. Powerful oxidants and sources of free radicals, their components could promote hair loss and bleaching.

Finally, " Accidents coloring » occur with the colorings chemicals at the hairdresser's or with colorings bought in supermarkets.

Some colorings Chemical chemicals can cause massive hair loss and loss.

The products that accompany the coloring Chemical chemicals also damage your hair 

Well great, after making a coloring The hairdresser recommends some products. The purpose of these products is to hide the poor condition of your hair. Indeed, once the hair is damaged, shampoos, treatments or masks aim to camouflage the porosity of your hair.

These products are based on siliconeThese hair care products contain silicone, which smothers the hair and deposits carcinogenic substances and endocrine disruptors(parabens).

Toxic products to avoid:

• Ammonia and monoethanolamine
• Hydrogen peroxide, and substitutes ("peroxide-free" label)
• PPD (paraphenylenediamine)
• Resorcinol

The coloring : the color that doesn't damage and cares for your hair

The coloring Natural and plant-based contains only powdered botanicals and water to take care of your hair. The color does not penetrate the inside of the hair.

As a result, it does not weaken the cuticle, the hair's natural protective layer. On the contrary, it sheaths and coats the hair.

This protective vegetal layer strengthens your hair and is a real care for your hair. It adds thickness, volume and shine.