Dyeing hair is a popular way for many African American women to change up their look or cover greys. However, dyeing can be damaging to hair that is already dry or brittle. The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize damage when coloring your hair.
Evaluate Your Hair’s Health First
Before dyeing, it’s important to start with hair that is as healthy as possible. Here are some tips:
- Avoid overprocessing your hair with chemical treatments, heat styling, or tight hairstyles which can cause breakage.
- Use moisturizing products and protective styles to improve hair health.
- Trim split or damaged ends to remove areas that are prone to breakage.
- Do a strand test to assess hair strength and elasticity.
If your hair is very damaged, you may want to delay dyeing until your hair is stronger.
Choose the Right Dye and Color
The type of dye and shade you select can impact how damaging the process is:
- Semi-permanent/deposit only dyes coat the outside of the hair strand and wash out over 4-8 weeks. They don’t penetrate the cuticle so are less damaging.
- Permanent dye opens the cuticle to deposit color and lasts 4-6 weeks. This causes more cuticle damage but can cover grays better.
- Demi-permanent dye deposits color but washes out slower than semi-permanent. It causes minimal cuticle damage.
- Choose a shade close to your natural color to limit required processing time.
Prep Your Hair Properly
Proper prep is key to minimizing damage from dyeing:
- Wash hair the day before to remove dirt and oils.
- Apply a protein treatment 1-2 days before to strengthen and fill gaps in the cuticle.
- Use a clarifying shampoo to open cuticles and allow dye to penetrate evenly.
- Detangle completely and remove shed hair which can cause uneven dye absorption.
- Apply a protective barrier like petroleum jelly around hairline to avoid skin staining.
Carefully Apply and Process the Dye
Follow instructions precisely to avoid overprocessing:
- Wear gloves to apply dye evenly from roots to ends.
- Do not exceed maximum processing time.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until water runs clear.
- Use a color-protecting shampoo for first 1-2 washes post-dye.
- Limit washing to 2-3 times per week to make the color last.
Deep Condition After Dyeing
Intensive conditioning helps restore moisture and strength:
- Apply a deep conditioner immediately after rinsing out dye.
- Cover hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer to allow deep penetration.
- Leave the deep conditioner on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out.
- Focus conditioner on the ends which are the oldest and most porous.
Continue Protective Styling and Moisturizing
Keep hair healthy and strong between colorings:
- Moisturize regularly with leave-in conditioners and creams.
- Avoid overusing heat tools which can dry out hair.
- Wear low manipulation styles like braids or twists.
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase to avoid dryness.
- Use Olaplex or similar bonding treatments to mend broken bonds.
Give Hair Breaks Between Dye Jobs
Limit how often you color for healthiest hair:
- Wait at least 6-8 weeks between permanent dye applications.
- Use semi-permanent rinses or glosses in between to refresh color.
- Get a cellophane gloss treatment for shine without chemicals.
- Use root touch-up powder or spray to blend new growth.
- Consider letting hair grow out fully between dye jobs to recover strength.
See a Professional Colorist
Salon dye services can be gentler on hair:
- Professionals assess your hair’s health and needs first.
- They use higher quality dyes and developers.
- They thoroughly prep and deep condition hair.
- They control timing and temperature precisely.
- Box dyes use a “one-size-fits-all” approach which can overprocess hair.
Consider Lower Maintenance Options
Think about alternatives if dye is causing too much damage:
- Try semi-permanent colors that wash out quickly.
- Look into non-chemical options like rinses, glosses, and henna.
- Investigate wigs or extensions to temporarily change your look.
- Embrace your natural texture and gray hair.
- Focus on healthy hair habits rather than frequent coloring.
Conclusion
Dyeing African American hair can be done without causing major damage. Evaluate your hair’s current health, choose gentle dye options, properly prep and care for your hair, and limit processing frequency. With some caution, you can successfully change up your color without compromising your locks!