Learn why permanent box dye hair colour fades over time, including factors like hair health, washing habits, and environmental conditions tailored for young teens.
When we talk about box dye, we mean the hair dye that comes in a box and you can buy from drugstores. Most of these dyes claim to be permanent, which sounds great because we want our hair color to last. But here’s the thing: even though it says ‘permanent,’ the color can fade, and there are several reasons for this.
Your hair is made up of different layers, and the outer layer is called the cuticle. When you dye your hair, especially with a permanent box dye, you open up this cuticle to let the color go in. Over time, the cuticle can get damaged from heat (like from hairdryers), styling products, and environmental factors (like sun exposure). Once the cuticle is damaged, it can’t hold on to the dye as well, causing the color to fade.
How often you wash your hair affects how long the dye lasts. Every time you wash your hair, you’re washing away some of the dye molecules. Using hot water, strong shampoos, or washing too often can make the color fade faster. It’s better to use mild or color-safe shampoos and wash with cool or lukewarm water.
Just like how the sun can lighten your skin, it can also lighten your hair color. UV rays break down the dye molecules, which causes the color to fade. Swimming pools with chlorine can also strip the color from your hair. If you’re spending a lot of time outside or swimming, it’s a good idea to wear a hat or use hair products with UV protectors.
Using many styling products like hairspray, gels, or even conditioner can leave a buildup on your hair. This can make the dye less effective and make it fade faster. To help with this, try to clarify your hair sometimes with a special shampoo that removes the buildup.
So, even though box dye is marketed as permanent, various factors like hair health, washing habits, sun exposure, and product buildup can all contribute to fading. If you want to keep your color fresh, try to take good care of your hair and limit exposure to things that cause the dye to wash out. Remember, taking care of your hair is just as important as the color you choose!