I've always loved dyeing my hair. Whether it's a new look for the summer or a more dramatic feel for fall, you'll most likely see my strands in a different shade of some red, brown, or black throughout the year. But after many trips to the salon, I can't help but wonder how often can you actually dye your hair ? Am I really damaging my hair? Is there an actual limit to how much you can dye your roots? I know that dyeing your hair is somewhat damaging no matter what, but how much is too much?
According to Hair Care Manual, "The general rule is to wait four to eight weeks before coloring your hair again but [...] it’s not always necessary. If your hair is strong and you use a dye which is not too harsh then you can try to wait a little less than that and everything might still turn out fine. In most cases you can feel if your hair is OK and you can dye it sooner or if it’s damaged and needs to be fixed first."
For me, I've never really had a problem with "over dying" my hair or causing it to be extremely dry. Although I have thin hair, coloring it every 2-3 months works well and I don't really worry too much about the chemicals causing too much damage.
However, it also truly depends on what kind of color you're using and if it's super drastic. So before coloring your hair, make sure to note a couple of things before doing so:
1. Don’t Overdo It
As much as you can, make sure to stick to only dyeing your hair within the four to eight week time span. When you over-dye your hair, it may be hard to fix and maintain it. According to Hair Care Manual, "You probably understand that any chemical process takes its toll on your hair and coloring is certainly no exception. That is the number one reason why you shouldn’t re-dye your hair right away – exposing your hair to hard chemicals is not something you want to do too often."
2. Lighter Shades Damage Your Hair More
The truth is that when you dye your hair lighter, it actually causes more damage to your strands. Celebrity hair stylist Mitch Stone told Birchbox, "When you are coloring darker, you are actually depositing color as opposed to stripping it out of the cortex. This is a much harsher procedure and it takes a harsher chemical: bleach."
3. Keep Hair In Good Condition
If you change your hair color frequently, make sure that your strands are in good condition before you change it up again. The more chemicals you apply to already damaged hair, the worse its texture will get. Don't keep adding more or different colors if your hair can't take it.
4. Know What You Can Maintain
Certain colors may be easier to maintain than others. I personally enjoy having darker hair because it's easier to take care of. I don't have to color it as often, and if I do let it grow, it still looks pretty subtle and natural. If your schedule can accommodate a high-maintenance hair color, then I'd say go for that unicorn ombré!
5. Think Before Bleaching
One of the most severe hair coloring procedures you can do to your hair is bleaching. So definitely think about the pros and cons before doing it.
6. Let Your Hair Grow Out Before Changing Colors
According to Med-Health.net, "When changing the colors in your hair, it is best to let the last color to grow out completely. This will allow your hair to absorb the new color more easily. If you mix the old color that is still in your hair with a new one, you will end up with an odd tinge." Before going from red to brown, definitely try to grow out your hair as much as you can before making that appointment.
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