Does Hair Color Damage Hair Texture?

Does hair color damage hair texture? While highlights are a fabulous way to add a pop of new color, shine and shimmer, they come with their own set of rules. Highlights, especially those with a bleach base, may be harsh for textured hair, which tends to be naturally dry and fragile.

The good news is that it’s unlikely you’ve permanently lost your beautiful texture. While chemical processing like bleach, color and other treatments may temporarily alter your natural curl profile, once the chemicals have either completely grown out or been snipped off, the natural coil and spring should return.

To speed up the return of your texture see your favorite curl friendly stylist and ask them to trim the ends and/or the damaged sections of your hair to encourage your hair to snap back more quickly into shape.

Amping up the hydration to your hair will also help. You might want to consider adding hot oil or deep conditioning treatment masques to your normal rotation.

When any type of hair is damaged from chemicals the best plan is to turn up the Tender Loving Care (TLC). Make sure to cleanse only as frequently as needed in lukewarm water. Utilize only the most gentle products designed for your hair type, texture and current treatment needs.

If you decide to try highlights again you may wish to visit your professional stylist for just a few highlights which are much less expensive than a full head of highlights. Discuss potential damages and ask if a non-bleach form of color might be a better alternative.

The advantages of going to a professional hair colorist (rather than a hair stylist who just happens to do color) is that they can completely evaluate your hair texture and select a chemical highlighting formula which will work best with your hair.

To achieve the burst of color you might ask your colorist to apply highlights only to the hairline area. Start slowly with just a few very fine highlights adjacent to your face.

This allows you to enjoy the brightness of color without the potential damages to the rest of your texture.

If your hair does well with just a few highlights you can add more later. Even if your hair becomes more dry or frizzy with the partial highlights, it’s much easier to rehydrate those areas then to try and deal with your entire head of hair.

Images Courtesy Robert Williams