Håravfall

How dyeing and bleaching affect your hair

Kvinnlig DHI hårtransplantation

Frida Halvardsson

February 20, 2025

a woman with blond hair

Changing your hair color can be an amazing transformation. A deeper shade of brown, an icy blonde tone or a creative pastel color can give a whole new expression and lift confidence. But what really happens to the hair when it is subjected to chemical treatments? And how to keep it strong and healthy despite frequent staining and bleaching?

What happens to the hair when dyeing and bleaching?

Hair consists of keratin and is protected by an outer layer called the scaly layer. When dyeing or bleaching hair, the scaly layer is opened to let in coloring pigments or remove natural pigments. This means that the hairs become more exposed and more sensitive to external influences, which can result in dryness, weakened elasticity and increased susceptibility to damage.

Bleaching is the most intensive treatment because it not only removes coloring pigments, but also breaks down proteins in the hair, especially keratin. This causes the structure of the hairs to be weakened, which can lead to the hair becoming brittle, brittle and prone to breakage. Without adequate care, repeated treatments can result in hair losing its natural elasticity and shine, while leaving it feeling dry and lifeless. In addition, the scaly layer, when weakened, can find it difficult to close itself again completely, as a result of which the hair loses its ability to retain moisture and nutrition. In turn, this can lead to weakening of the hair follicles and in some cases result in hair loss and thin hair, especially if the hair is subjected to repeated chemical treatment without sufficient recovery.

Signs that the hair has been damaged

If your hair starts to feel different after dyeing or bleaching, it may be a sign that it needs extra care. Some common signals are:

  • Strenuous and dry feeling
  • Decreased elasticity
  • Hair feels brittle and breaks off easily
  • Split tops
  • Frizziness
  • Lost shine and luster
  • Increased hair loss

Ignoring these signs and continuing to subject hair to chemical treatments without strengthening it up can result in it losing its natural fullness.

How to maintain strong and healthy hair despite color treatments

1. Moisturize and strengthen hair

After a chemical treatment, the hair needs moisture and nutrition! Deep-acting wraps with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and argan oil help moisturize and protect hair. Protein cures with keratin and collagen can also strengthen the hairs and reduce the risk of them breaking off.

2. Gentle hair care and preventive measures

Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid further dehydration of the hair. Wash your hair as rarely as possible and always use heat protection when styling. Regular mowing will also help keep the tops healthy and reduce the chance of damage spreading.

2. PRP treatment for recovery and stimulation of hair growth

If you experience thin hair or weaker after frequent color treatments, you may PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) be an effective solution. PRP treatment stimulates hair follicles by using the body's own growth factors to strengthen and revive hair growth. By injecting concentrated blood plasma directly into the scalp, PRP can contribute to increased circulation, improved nutrient supply, and stronger hairs over time. Our customer Josefin has lost a lot of hair in the last year. The main reason for this is that she bleached her hair a lot at home.