How Does Hair Dye Work? – Hair Care Knowledge From Your Trusted Chicago Men’s Salon

When you feel like switching up your look and style, a simple yet effective way of accomplishing this is dyeing your hair. Hair dye comes in a plethora of colors, ranging from natural shades to brighter, more outgoing hues. No matter what look you’re longing for, our expert hair stylists at 18|8 Chicago Men’s Salon can help you achieve your desired ‘do. But before you color your hair, you may have some questions about how hair dye actually works and what you can do to maintain your fresh new color.

Types of Hair Dye

To understand how hair dye works, it’s easier to first take a look at the different types available: semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent.

Semi-Permanent Dye

Semi-permanent dyes are a great way to get started if you’re a little nervous about making a big change. Semi-permanent dyes contain very small molecules that enter your hair’s outer layer (the cuticle) and cortex (the second and thickest layer), but that don’t interact with your hair’s natural pigments. Because of the size of the molecules, they exit the hair more quickly, meaning that semi-permanent color typically lasts only six to twelve shampoos. Combined with a stylish men’s haircut, this can be a great way to ease into a new style!

Demi-Permanent Dye

The next step up, demi-permanent dye, contains molecules which enter the hair’s cortex and combine with one another to form larger molecules, meaning the color stays vibrant for more shampoos — about 25 or so. Demi-permanent dyes also tend to contain a small amount of peroxide, which helps subtly enhance the color.

Permanent Dye

In permanent dye, the color molecules enter your hair’s cortex where they proceed to expand until they reach a size that cannot leave the hair again, meaning the molecules are unable to be shampooed out. Permanent dye also uses both peroxide and ammonia, with the ammonia lightening your hair’s natural color to create a new base color for the dye pigment to form the new, permanent color. Regular touch-ups are recommended, since as hair grows out, roots the shade of your natural hair color will begin to show.

Maintaining Your New Hair Color

Caring for your hair after getting it colored is an important part of keeping your scalp and hair looking fresh. Investing in high quality, color-safe shampoo and conditioner will help prolong the vibrancy of your newly colored hair. If you often heat-style your hair, be sure to use a heat protectant before styling. Most importantly, be sure to listen to your 18|8 men’s hair coloring specialist for further advice on how to maintain your new color. During your hair coloring appointment at our Chicago men’s salon, your stylist will equip you with the knowledge you need to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, and can also help you decide on the right men’s haircuts to compliment your new color, too!

Leave it to Your Men’s Hair Coloring Professional

While it can be tempting to use cheap box dye to quickly achieve a new hair color, results will always be best if you leave it to your trusted men’s salon in Chicago to get the job done. Professional stylists have access to higher quality, professional-only hair dye, which is customized to create specific colors for each client’s individual hair type. This gives you the best results for your hair. Your stylist will also have the tools and accessories available to help you maintain your new color after the dying and styling process has been completed.

Visit Your Men’s Salon in Chicago, IL

As your trusted men’s hair salon in Chicago, 18|8 is proud to be your destination for men’s hair coloring and men’s haircuts. Our professional stylists can help you find the right cut and style to compliment your look, or just help you with some fresh color to cover those unwanted grey hairs. Contact us today to learn more about our men’s haircuts and coloring, as well as other available services, then book your appointment! We look forward to seeing you.