One of the most important things you will learn in cosmetology and hair school is when to discontinue hair coloring. As a hairstylist, many of your clients will be older women who depend on hair dye to cover up their grays. While it is a perfectly normal and quite common way to eliminate the appearance of gray hair, dyeing the hair too much could end up doing more harm than good.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Discontinue Hair Coloring for Clients?
While a student in hair school, you learn that your main objective is to make your clients feel better about their appearance. At the same time, it is essential to advise your clients when something could be damaging or harmful to their hair. Hair dye is widely used and is safe for most people when used correctly. Nevertheless, poor hair coloring practices can cause damage to the hair and scalp. For example, a bad hair coloring treatment can make your clients’ hair to be dry and brittle.
Here are a few ways to tell if it is time to advise your client to stop using hair coloring products to cover their grays.
Their Hair Begins to Feel Dry or Brittle
Most traditional hair dyes will not cause severe damage to your client’s hair. However, if they use more dye than average, especially if it’s to lighten their hair, they are more likely to experience dry and brittle hair. That is because of the bleach in the formula that strips away the coating known as the cuticle. It can leave hair with split ends, frizzy, or feeling dry and unhealthy.
Gray Hair Returns in Less than Two Weeks
If your client can’t seem to keep their gray hair or roots covered for long, it may be time to discontinue using hair dye. Going to the salon every two weeks for treatment is too often, and along with all the damage it can do to their hair, it can also be expensive over time. While you may enjoy having them as your client, it’s always best to put their well-being first.
Their Scalp Becomes Irritated or Itchy
Many people are allergic to an ingredient found in hair dye known as p-Pheylenediamine or PPDA. It is what gives hair coloring its permanent color. Because the symptoms of this allergy can be mild, some people may use hair dye for years without realizing it is damaging their scalp. Suppose your client is complaining about itchiness, soreness or any oozing of the scalp. In that case, it may be time to discontinue hair coloring treatments or switch to a semi-permanent or wash-out hair coloring product.
They’ve Dyed Their Hair Until It’s Nearly White
If your client’s hair has gone from golden blonde to platinum over the years, it may be time to suggest they let their hair go natural. When hair is dyed lighter and lighter to cover up grays until it is nearly white, that’s a good sign that the dye is no longer as effective as it should be.
Find a Cosmetology School Near Me
Ogle School is dedicated to preparing students for long-lasting and rewarding careers in the cosmetology industry. We offer full-time and part-time programs that work with your busy schedule. Contact us today to learn more or visit one of our nine locations throughout Texas.
