If you examine the hair under a microscope, you can see that it consists of three layers: a core, or a medulla, covered with a cortex - a hard shell and scales of keratin. If the hair has been exposed to any chemical attack, curl or color, the scales lie unevenly, and the hair looks brittle and dull. The outer layer contains pigments that give the hair color: melanin gives the hair a gray-brown shade and iron-containing pigment - yellow-red. Outside, the hair shaft is covered with transparent scales, refracting light and distorting the colors of the pigments. Because of this, the color of the hair changes under different lighting conditions.
All the variety of dyes is divided into two groups. The first group includes paints based on plant components, to the second - synthetic, obtained by artificial means.
Vegetable paints were used by our ancestors. They are more careful about the hair, not penetrating the hair. Giving a rich color, they also treat hair. Not in vain henna and basma are a part of many medical gels, balms, hair creams. Synthetic paints in turn also fall into two groups: oxidative and direct action. With the help of the first paint, you can not lighten the hair, since the coloring components do not penetrate the structure of the hair. The only effect that can be achieved with this type of paint is to make the hair a little darker. Oxidative paints are a mixture of two substances: a 5-6 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide, an emulsion and a tablet based on it. The coloring effect is achieved by treating the oxidant with substances contained in the paint. Shine and shine hair attached to components that contribute to a stronger reflection of light. Accordingly, colors of vegetable origin are washed away faster than paints of synthetic production.
Now let's pay attention to the chemical composition of paints, which determines their resistance. In order to be easier to navigate, manufacturers came up with the following labeling for packaging:
I - a shade of shampoo, after 6-8 times washing the head, the color is washed off. Has the most gentle effect, as the paint remains on the surface of the hair, not penetrating inside;
II - a semi-permanent product, withstands a 24-time wash of the head. They do not include ammonia, contain wheat proteins, beeswax, plant extracts, so they are not as aggressive to the structure of the hair, but are not suitable for dyeing gray hair. For those who did not dare to change the cardinal method;
III - permanent (persistent) paint, the effect is very long. Due to the composition of ammonia, it makes the hair shaft softer, which is favorable for deep penetration of coloring components into the hair. Suitable for high-quality dyeing of gray hair.
If you are thinking about where you'd better make the coloring, pay attention to the following: paints for professional coloring are not sold in retail, they can be purchased only in specialized stores. In the hairdressing salon the painters use only this type. They give a lasting effect, a rich color that can not be achieved by using paints for home dyeing. In this case, the shine and elasticity of the hair is preserved due to the "correct" composition of the paint, which includes the caring components. Do not dye the scalp, which is especially important for allergic people and people with sensitive skin.
When buying paint, pay special attention to the chemical composition. Choose one where the percentage of hydrogen peroxide is less - from 6 to 9 percent. Prefer colors without ammonia with UV filters, provitamin B5 and plant extracts. If the paint is of high quality, the composition should include an air conditioner to give the hair shine and radiance.
Before staining, test the skin reaction - drop a little paint on the inner crook of the elbow and wait 24 hours. If this place turned red, began to peel off, there was itching and unpleasant sensations, use another remedy. Postpainting should be in case the scalp is damaged. Choose the paint of well-known brands that have proven themselves in the market.
If you need to paint only overgrown ends, use Type II paint, applying it only on the base of the hair, so as not to overdry the ends of hair or use a toning balm. So you will extend the time between dyes by persistent means. If you need a cardinal change in hair color, give preference to type III paint. But before that, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Now about paints without ammonia. Indeed, such exist, but the ammonia in them is replaced by amines. These substances do not have an unpleasant smell, but if you wash your head badly, they will stay in your hair and injure them.
How to choose high-quality hair dye? Be sure to ask the seller-consultant. He certainly knows you better than the goods. In addition, you can help you a map of colors - a special cardboard booklet with a variety of colorful tails. First find your hair color, determine the number, consisting of two parts: the first means the intensity of the color, the second - the shades. To achieve a lasting effect, choose a maximum of two colors lighter than your natural color depth. If you want a darker color than your natural color, you can choose a paint of any depth and shade.