8 Reasons natural dyes don't dye

Posted by KatakamiYuki on

Why Won’t My Hair Take Color?

Few things are as disheartening as investing time and money into coloring your hair, only to discover that the dye didn't take as expected. The question "Why won’t my hair take color?" Rest assured, you're not alone in facing this challenge. If you wonder why your hair's unresponsive, continue reading! In the following article, we'll delve into several common factors hindering your hair from embracing color and provide valuable insights to help you achieve more satisfying results in your future natural hair coloring endeavors.

 

If the way of dyeing is wrong

1. Your Hair Dye Didn’t Sit for Long Enough

dyeing time

Hastening through the processing time is a guaranteed method to result in insufficient color absorption. The natural pigments require ample time to permeate your hair's cuticle. Usually, it's recommended to let the dye settle for about 45 to 60 minutes. Could you follow the timing of your natural hair color product? If your hair tends to resist color absorption, opt for the upper limit of the time range to ensure optimal results. Patience during the processing phase is key to achieving the desired color outcome.

2. The Dye Paste Didn't Have Enough Water

paste

Excessive moisture has the effect of widening the hair cuticle. In this state, natural dye gradually seeps through the openings, imparting color to the hair. Conversely, inadequate moisture will result in a closed cuticle and suboptimal dyeing when dissolving the natural hair color powder. On the other hand, excessive water addition prevents the paste from adhering correctly to the hair. To strike the right balance, it's advisable to create a paste with a consistency similar to that of ketchup or yogurt. This approach ensures the ideal amount of moisture for effective and even dyeing.

 

Factors that inhibit hair dyeing

3. Your Hair Is Dirty

dirty hair

Natural hair color is more sensitive to dirt than chemical hair color, which often incorporates surfactants to enhance penetration and can tolerate slightly dirty hair. When using natural methods like henna, the condition of your hair matters significantly. If your hair is unclean, the dirt can directly influence the outcome of the color. To ensure optimal results, it's advisable to organic shampoo your hair before applying henna or any natural colorant. 

4. Your Hair Is Too Greasy

Oily hair and scalp image.

Strike a balance when it comes to natural oil buildup in your hair. While a certain amount shields your hair and scalp during coloring, an excess can hinder dye penetration. Excessive oil will cause the dye to slide off, resulting in uneven or even absent coloration. It's true that dyeing unwashed hair is beneficial, but ensure it's not overly saturated with oil before the treatment. If it is, opt for a swift wash using a mild shampoo before applying the dye.

5. Silicon Mix Shampoo and Conditioner

Silicone-infused shampoos and treatments offer convenience, yet they present a challenge for those opting for 100% natural plant dyes. The presence of coating agents in such products can impede the dyeing process. Natural pigments consist of small particles, often referred to as low molecules. When silicone products coat the hair, even these tiny particles struggle to penetrate effectively. This barrier silicone creates prevents optimal dye absorption, leading to subpar dyeing outcomes. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid silicone-based products when using natural dyeing methods to ensure vibrant and successful results.

6. You Have Hard Water

Hard Water vs Hair.

In countless American households, hard water courses through the plumbing. Laden with abundant dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, hard water deposits these minerals onto your hair. As a result, a layer forms, creating a barrier that hinders color penetration. This buildup acts like a film, preventing the color from effectively reaching and adhering to your hair strands.

 

Easy to remove plant pigments

7. You Have Low Porosity Hair

Low Porosity Hair

In contrast to high-porosity hair, low-porosity hair features a tightly sealed cuticle that doesn't readily absorb the pigments from your dye. Place a few strands of recently washed, product-free hair into a glass of room-temperature water to ascertain if your hair has low porosity. If these strands float on the water's surface for two to four minutes, you may have low-porosity hair. To counter the effects of low porosity hair, you can apply heat during the coloring process or extend the dye's application time beyond the norm. It's important to note that this widely used hair porosity test needs to be backed by scientific consensus. In other words, it's considered pseudoscience.

8. Your Hair Is Too Damaged

Damaged and normal hair

When it comes to dry and damaged hair, achieving and maintaining color can be challenging. Damaged hair tends to be excessively porous, characterized by openings and gaps along the strand's surface. While this porosity might initially lead your hair to absorb color effectively, the results won't be enduring. In fact, the excessive porosity will cause your hair to release pigments, resulting in rapid fading of the color. To address this, it's crucial to focus on repairing and restoring your hair's health before attempting to color it.

 

For dyeing trouble 3 to 6, we strongly recommend our specialized organic shampoo. If your hair falls within dyeing trouble 7 and 8, we suggest harnessing the nourishing power of Ayurvedic herbs to promote comprehensive hair health from the very root.

Organic Shampoo Bar For Natural Hair Dye

Ayurvedic Hair Treatment Powder

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