There is a lot of debate surrounding whether hair dye can cause hair loss. Some people say that it definitely does, while others maintain that there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. So, what is the truth?
To answer this question, we need to first understand how hair dye works. Applying hair dye to your scalp penetrates the shafts of your hair and coats them with color. Over time, this coating can build up and make your hair look dull and lifeless. It can also clog your pores and prevent your scalp from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. This can lead to scalp irritation and inflammation, which can cause hair loss.
Can hair dye cause hair loss?
So can hair dye cause hair loss? Yes, if you overuse hair dye or let hair dye sit in your hair too long, you will cause long-term damage to your hair and cause hair loss.
In other words, yes hair dye can damage your hair.
That being said, hair dye itself doesn’t cause the hair loss. Instead, hair dye damages the hair itself and can cause hair breakage. Your hair will still grow (as the follicles themselves aren’t damaged) but the hair breakage will persist if you don’t stop using the hair dye.
Why is my hair breaking off and thinning?
As with lots of hair treatments, your hair is likely breaking off and thinning due to using too much hair dye or over-styling and treating your hair. Using lots of potentially damaging products consistently (heat-based styling, unnatural chemicals, etc.) will cause hair breakage and therefore hair thinning.
Thankfully, just because you might have overdone it and now have hair loss/hair thinning, you can likely reverse the damage.
Can hair breakage grow back?
Hair breakage can grow back as long as the follicle itself isn’t damaged. In the case of overusing hair dye, you should be able to grow back your hair as it does not cause any damage to the follicles.
You might not be able to achieve your original hair thickness/color as the damage has been done, but you can get back a healthy head of hair.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, the best thing to do is see a doctor or trichologist who can help diagnose the cause and offer treatment options.
Hair dyes are full of harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your hair. If you use hair dye too often, you may experience hair loss. However, if you use hair dye correctly and take care of your hair, you can avoid damaging it.
How do I stop my hair from breaking off and thinning?
If you want to stop your hair from breaking off and thinning, you need to give it a break from all the treatments and styling. Let your hair air dry whenever possible and avoid using hot tools. When you do have to style your hair, use a heat protectant and be sure not to overdo it.
You should also give your scalp a break from hair dye by switching to more natural products or only coloring your hair every few months.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, see a doctor or trichologist to get advice on how to take care of your hair.
How can I stop my hair from falling out from hair dye?
A couple of tips for those who are looking to stop their hair from falling out from hair dye:
- – Don’t dye your hair every month
- – Use fewer chemicals in your hair dye
- – Let your hair air dry as often as possible
- – Avoid using hot tools on a daily basis
- – Use a heat protectant when styling your hair
- – Don’t overdo it with the hair dye
- – let it sit in your hair for the recommended amount of time
- – Rinse your hair thoroughly after dying it
These are just a few tips to help you avoid hair loss from hair dye. Remember, if you do experience hair loss, it is usually temporary and can be reversed with some time and TLC.
What is the safest hair dye for thinning hair?
If you already have thinning hair and are worried about what the safest hair dye is for thinning hair, we have you covered.
First and foremost, avoid permanent hair dyes if at all possible. These types of hair dyes contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair and lead to further hair loss.
Instead, opt for a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair dye. These types of hair dyes will still add color to your hair but won’t be as harsh on your strands.
Another tip is to avoid box dyes and go for professional hair color. Professional hair colorists will be able to mix a custom color that is less likely to damage your hair.
Your stylist should be able to point you toward ammonia and peroxide-free products. And if your hair is thinning, definitely avoid bleach. These are chemicals that are much harsher on your strands and are found in permanent dyes (which is why we avoid them).
Henna and other more natural hair dyes will be much safer for thinner hair.
Can too much hair dye cause hair loss?
Yes, too much hair dye can cause hair loss. If you are overusing products that can damage your hair it will create the appearance of hair loss. Most of the time hair can be grown back if you stop treating it so heavily.
Can black hair dye cause hair loss?
Yes, black hair dye can cause hair loss. Any type of hair dye with lots of chemicals in them will cause thinning/hair loss.
Can salon hair dye cause hair loss?
Salon hair dye can cause damage to the hair, but you should be able to speak with stylists that can point you toward less damaging hair dyes. Read our safest hair dye section above for more information.
Can box hair dye cause hair loss?
Yes, box hair dye can contain lots of chemicals that will damage your hair and lead to hair loss. We recommend avoiding box dyes and opting for a professional stylist instead if you’re worried about damage to your hair.
Can leaving hair dye on too long cause hair loss?
Yes! We actually have an entire article on what happens if you leave hair dye on too long. We highly recommend you check it out. But, long story short, leaving hair dye on too long will cause damage to your hair.
This can lead to hair loss, so be sure to follow the instructions on your hair dye box to avoid this.
How can I tell if my hair loss is from hair dye?
If you are losing more hair than usual or noticing thinning in patches, it’s time to see a doctor. They will be able to help you determine if your hair loss is from hair dye or other causes.
Other causes of hair loss include:
- – hereditary conditions
- – certain medications
- – thyroid problems
- – protein deficiency
- – stress
- – alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss)
If you are experiencing hair loss, we recommend seeing a doctor to get to the root of the problem. They will be able to help you determine if hair dye is the cause and come up with a treatment plan.
I hope this article helped someone and I wish you the best! xoxo