Is coloring good for your hair?

Author: Ms. Florine Feil DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Hair dyeing weakens the hair. This change in the hair integrity makes colored hair more porous and also weaker, so breakage of dyed hair is usually much more evident. (Non ammonia hair colors that claim no ammonia use an ammonia-like ingredient that does the same thing, but without the odor.

Is it damaging to color your hair?

Some of the ingredients in hair dyes can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Hair dyes can cause hair loss in some people. Some doctors advise women to avoid having their hair dyed during pregnancy (or at least until after the first trimester).

Can I color my hair without damaging it?

Absolutely, in fact coloring your hair darker shouldn't damage your hair. You can use color with zero ammonia that only deposits color, actually making it look and feel richer and shiny. Opt for a demi-permanent with a low volume of developer.

Which hair color is least damaging to hair?

Semi-permanent or natural hair dyes are good options as they minimize damage. Opt for ammonia-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free formulas, and consider plant-based dyes like henna or herbal hair colors. Shades close to your natural color, like dark brown or black, usually cause less damage compared to lighter colors.

At what age should you quit coloring your hair?

There's no specific age at which someone should stop coloring their hair unnatural colors; it ultimately depends on personal preference and style. Hair color can be a form of self-expression, and many people continue to use vibrant colors regardless of age.

What To Do Before Coloring Your Hair? – Dr.Berg

Will my hair be healthier if I stop coloring it?

And your hair might feel healthier

While hair dyes and techniques have come a long way since their follicle-frying beginnings, they do still leave some damage. Taking a hiatus from color will help your hair return to its previous state--especially as dyed ends get chopped off.

Should you go darker or lighter with hair color as you age?

There's no defined hair color that is more youthful, but darker colors can look harsher over time. Consider going for a more multi-dimensional hair color with lighter and darker pieces overall. Typically, a safe bet is to ask for balayage highlights that are around two shades lighter than your natural hue.

What is the healthiest hair color to use?

Opt for hair dyes made with natural colorants like henna, indigo, cassia, beetroot, coffee, and other plant-derived ingredients. These natural hair dye options allow you to color your hair without harsh chemicals like ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, and peroxide commonly found in conventional dyes.

What happens if you put grey hair dye on brown hair?

If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.

What is the most damaging hair color?

Comparing Permanent, Semi-Permanent, and Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes. Permanent hair color has the greatest potential for hair damage due to the chemistry involved and should be done most cautiously.

How to cover gray hair without dye?

How can I conceal grey hair?
  1. Root sprays. Light roots are easily concealed with root sprays until the next time the hair is washed. ...
  2. Hair mascara. Special hair mascaras for individual strands or light roots work similarly to root sprays. ...
  3. Toners. ...
  4. Highlights. ...
  5. Shampoos with colour effect.

What box dye won't ruin my hair?

Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color

A top performer in GH Beauty Lab testing, Garnier's permanent color is made with no ammonia and a high concentration of nourishing oil so it's gentle on hair that's damaged from treatments like keratin or thinning strands.

What is the healthiest way to dye your hair?

"If you really want to reduce your exposure to harsh ingredients the safest way, color-depositing conditioners and masks are best," Patton said. These dyes don't require a developer, so they're relatively gentle.

Why is box dye bad?

They typically contain high amounts of ammonia, PPDs, nitro dyes, metallic salts, and even henna. These are all harsh chemicals that can be extremely damaging to the hair as well as cause reactions to sensitive skin and allergies.

How to darken hair without damage?

Coffee works great if you're looking to go darker, cover gray hairs, or add dimension to dark tresses. Simply brew a strong coffee (espresso works well), let it cool, and then mix one cup with a couple cups of leave-in conditioner and 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds.

Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover gray hair?

Pick a lighter hair colour

A lighter colour will then look better. Your hair follicles produce less pigment as you're turning older. If there's no more pigment being produced in the hair follicles, your hair turns pigmentless.

Does purple shampoo work on brown hair?

Purple shampoo works the same way to eliminate brassiness on brown hair as it does on blonde. It helps to prevent color fade, while emphasizing shine, keeping brown hair vibrant and rich. Using purple shampoo on brown hair regularly will take out any unwanted warm tones in your strands.

Do brunettes go gray or white?

So while you may have been a brunette all your life, your hair follicles start producing less color as they age, and the regenerative cycle of hair dying and regrowing will start to produce hair with a lighter and grayer color than before.

How to get brown hair naturally and permanently?

The two best ways to dye your hair brown naturally involve using henna or coffee. Whichever method you use, spread the dye onto your hair using your fingers after you've mixed it, making sure it covers each strand thoroughly.

What is the best color to hide grey hair on dark hair?

The best hair dye for grey hair if you're brunette

You won't be surprised to hear that you should be covering the grey with brown dye, but the best hair dye for grey hair here is a medium-light shade, even if you are naturally very dark, as this will complement your naturally paling skin.

What is the most trustworthy hair color?

Wella Professionals Illumina Permanent Creme Hair Color

"These colors are gentle on the hair and very versatile, depending on what result you're looking for." This colorist-recommended pick boasts a gentle formula that provides permanent color while minimizing damage and leaving hair super shiny.

What color hair makes an older woman look younger?

What Color Hair Makes You Look Younger? Brighten up! Ten out of ten colorists agree, shades that are warm-toned read more youthful than cool-toned hair colors. Spicy copper reds, rich caramel brunettes, and soft honey blondes will warm up your complexion for younger-looking skin (hold the retinol).

Does long hair age you?

It is a common misconception that long hair makes you look older. In reality, the way your hair is styled and maintained has a bigger impact on your appearance. With proper grooming and styling, long hair can actually make you look younger.

What hair color looks best on a 60 year old woman?

Silver, ashy, blond, and platinum are indeed the most popular hair color choices for women over 60. And with good reason! Instead of coloring to hide your grey hair, you can choose to embrace it. I've seen way too many women with poorly colored dark brown hair color that just doesn't look natural or flattering.

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