truth behind hair colour discovered

The truth behind hair colour has been finally discovered. Most of us, till date, have been under the notion that the recent ammonia-free colours available in the market are less harmful for the hair as compared to the conventional permanent hair colours containing ammonia. The myth has been believed so strongly because ammonia-free colour does not smell too strong. However, Maria Castan a scientific communicator from P & G informed at the recently held Wella event that ammonia-free colour is not necessarily damage free.

a glimpse of the Wella event

Truth revealed:

Maria revealed the truth behind hair colour and threw light on the fact that ammonia-free permanent hair colours replace ammonia with another similar active ingredient which even though doesn’t smell can prove to be worse for a person’s hair.

The science behind the truth:

Every permanent hair colour requires an active ingredient, known as “alkalizer” which helps the colour enter the hair cuticles and colour it. For over 50 years, ammonia was being used as the alkalizer in most hair colours. The ammonia-free colours substitute ammonia by another less effective alkalizer called “MEA” which is used safely in semi-permanent colours. However, the higher concentration of MEA in permanent hair colours, makes the ammonia-free permanent hair colour more damaging for the mane.

Maria said that neither ammonia nor MEA, on their own are good or bad. What matters is the concentration of the alkalizer (ammonia or MEA) used in the hair colour. Maria also tells that the no-ammonia or ammonia-free hair colours have not shown any advantage in terms of hair protection.

After extensive research and analysis, Wella, which has been involved in colour innovation for over 133 years now, and believes in providing superior hair protection and colour results to its users, realises that hair damage is a crucial aspect which cannot be ignored. Hence, the brand has decided to not take the “no-ammonia” path for its permanent hair colour.

So the next time you pick a hair colour do take a note of the concentration of the alakalizer(ammonia or MEA) used in it.

Readers addressed

Q1. Is there a difference in the hair quality/texture for men and women and how does that govern their hair colour choices?

There is no difference on the hair biology (quality/texture) that will have an impact on colouring the hair or which should be their colour choices. The choice will be more driven by the trend, skin tone and natural hair colour more than the biological differences.

Q2. Is it safe to use hair colour after every 15 days and what should we do to keep them soft as after hair colouring, the hair become dry and start falling.

Hair colour it is safe to use as many times as you want, however, in order not to over process the hair, I would wait 2 weeks until the next coloration. I will always use a colour protection shampoo and conditioner to protect the vibrancy and the brilliance of the colour that will also help to avoid the dryness.

Q3. What is the best food for grey hair? Please share

                A Source suggests* that besides a few health disorders (thyroid and anemia) which can cause premature greying; certain nutritional deficiencies also lead to greying of hair. It is also suggested that decrease in melanin in hair roots, which gives hair its colour, can also cause hair to turn grey. Hence it is essential to include healthy food rich in vitamins and melanin in your diet to adorn healthy locks. Here is a list of few items one should incorporate in their diet to have stress free tresses:

1.  Fresh leafy vegetables like spinach (source of B vitamins)
2.  Chocolate (source of copper, which produces melanin in hair). Now you have a reason to grab a bar :p
3.  Berries like gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries (source of vitamin C)
4.  Almonds 
5.   Curry leaves(apart from including these in your cooking one can add them to coconut oil and use the warm heated oil for a hair massage)
6.     Dairy products 

  I hope this post helps the readers like it helped me .

                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                 *bold sky.com