- The answer is NO. The dye itself doesn’t cause bald spots in some areas of the hair or, rather, alopecia.
- However, bad bleaching could cause alopecia.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 3 causes of alopecia associated with the inappropriate use of dyes and bleaches:
- Cause 1: You had previous hair disorders.
- Cause 2: You left the dye or bleach in longer than indicated./strong>
- Cause 3: You used peroxide inappropriately.
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Is your hair falling out after dyeing it? Is it the dye’s fault?
Have you dyed your hair and noticed that you have some bald spots?
Well, let me tell you that the dye isn’t the cause of those bald spots on your head.
Under normal conditions, healthy scalp and hair dye can’t cause alopecia.
“Alopecia” is the technical name for the disease that causes those bald spots (small bald areas without a defined shape) to appear.
On the other hand, a bad bleaching session could cause this problem. However, a suitable bleaching job in no way causes alopecia or baldness.
This year, the case of a quinceañera who was left practically bald due to an improperly performed bleaching process has been circulating on social media. Why?
Chemicals such as bleach or a dye, if applied incorrectly, can cause very severe disorders.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 3 reasons why a hair dye or bleach can cause alopecia and the solutions. The most frequent cause of alopecia is previous hair disorders. Therefore, if you apply hair dye to a sensitive or damaged scalp, the effect will be harmful. It may even cause injuries or complications leading to alopecia. CAUSE 1: You had previous hair disorders
The effects could also be devastating if you color your hair.
Therefore, consult a professional hairdresser before exposing your scalp to such aggressive chemical processes.
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CAUSE 2: You left the dye or bleach longer than indicated
Another possible cause of alopecia is overexposure to dyes or bleaching products.
Dyes need an exposure time that can range from 30 to 45 minutes. Once the time indicated by the manufacturer has elapsed, they lose their strength.
But if the hair or scalp is damaged the dye can cause damage. You’ll have worse luck if you bleach your hair and leave it longer. Why?
Unlike hair dye, bleach never stops working. Therefore, the longer exposure, the more aggressive and porous your hair will be.
If you overexpose your hair to bleach, it’ll undoubtedly be damaged even if it’s healthy.
And you know what?
In extreme cases, this mistake could cause alopecia or bald spots after bad bleaching.
CAUSE 3: You used peroxide inappropriately
Another very important cause of bald spots on the head (and perhaps the most dangerous) is the improper use of peroxides.
In beauty salons, peroxides of up to 40 volumes are allowed.
These peroxides should be used with extreme caution, as they are very aggressive products. Therefore, they must always be handled by experts.
Unfortunately, not all salons take health seriously.
Some hairdressers do use peroxides higher than 40 volumes and put their clients’ hair at risk.
Peroxides higher than 40 volumes aren’t only prohibited. They increase the risk that the job will fail. Alopecia will appear within hours and continue to appear over the next few days.
What to do if you notice bald spots in the hair? 4 tips for asking your dermatologist
If bald spots have appeared on your head, you should see a dermatologist immediately.
These are 4 tips that will help you:
- Try to remember the brand name of the dye or bleach powder, how many volumes of peroxide it was, and the exposure time on your hair.
- If you have the product packaging, bring it with you to your doctor’s appointment.
- Write down the products you used after dyeing or bleaching.
- Write down all the details you remember from the day you applied the dye or bleach.
This way, the dermatologist will have the tools to know which is the most appropriate treatment to recover your hair.
A small clarification on the type of alopecia you suffer from
It’s essential not to confuse bald spots caused by dyeing with alopecia areata.Both are visually similar conditions. What’s the difference?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease: it arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy hair follicles.
That is, it isn’t connected to the use of dyes or other hairdressing products.
In that case, you need to ask a dermatologist immediately, so that he/she can give you the right answer to your problem.
Is there a cure for bald spots (or alopecia)?
Yes, of course, those bald spots you’ve noticed on certain parts of your head after dyeing or bleaching your hair can be cured.
First, you should immediately stop using the dye or bleach that caused the problem until the dermatologist authorizes you to dye your hair again.
With some type of medication, usually amino acids, you’ll gradually recover your hair.
Conclusion: if you have bald spots on your head, evaluate the causes and see a doctor
I have never seen anyone who has had baldness or alopecia due to dyes, but I have seen someone who has had baldness or alopecia after misusing the bleach.
In general, baldness in certain parts of the head is always due to one of the 3 causes we reviewed in this article.
To avoid these problems, make an appointment at your salon. Your hairdresser will know how to diagnose if your hair is ready to be treated with a dye or bleach.
I hope I have been helpful with this article. You’ll soon have your beautiful hair back, go ahead!
