Comparatively Speaking: Altering Hair with Bleach vs. Temporary Dye
By: Anthony J. O'Lenick, Jr.
Posted: October 23, 2012
Hair can be treated using several different types of products to alter the color. The different types of color-altering hair products include: bleach, temporary dyes, metallic dyes, natural dyes, semi-permanent dyes (often referred to as direct dyes) and permanent dyes (often referred to as oxidative dyes). This is the first in a series of three columns that will address the above color products, with the difference between bleach and temporary dyes being initially discussed.
Hair color is a result of melanin embedded in the cortex of the hair. The outer portion of the hair is referred to as the cuticle. Moving inward from the cuticle toward the core, the next region is the cortex. The cortex is where the naturally occulting pigments reside. Finally, the medulla is located at the center of the hair. The color of the hair is a result of the interaction of light with the pigments in the cortex of the hair. Methods that alter hair color, therefore, relate to either altering the pigment in the cortex or applying a color to the cortex.
Bleach
Bleaching hair is a process where the pigment in the hair is destroyed through a chemical reaction. Bleaching is used by itself or to remove pigment before color is deposited.
The bleaching agent must penetrate both the cuticle and the cortex without losing activity and without destroying the structure of the hair. Alkaline hydrogen peroxide is effective on intact hair, and peroxydisulfate (persulfate) is used for intensive bleaching. The color of the hair is destroyed in both processes. Hydrogen peroxide bleaches are two component systems that are mixed together just prior to use. Hydrogen peroxide is provided in an 8% solution in water, stabilized at about pH 3.5 and is mixed with alkaline solution immediately prior to bleaching to a pH of 9 -10.
Recent Advances in Hair Coloring
Practical Modern Hair Science, is your definitive guide for translating hair science into practical application. Learn the science behind hair products. A sample of what you will find in this book: Measuring color, color formulation, bleach products and permanent colorants.
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