Ever wondered why so many favourite hair colour brands always include ammonia in their permanent colour? Well, let’s dive into why this little compound is such a big deal when it comes to colouring your locks.
Alright, picture this: you’re sitting in the salon chair, ready for a hair transformation. You’ve picked out the perfect shade, and now it’s time for the magic to happen. That’s where ammonia steps in. It’s like the superhero of the hair colour world, kicking off the whole colour-changing process.
In very recent years ammonia has assumed a bit of a bad rep, but here’s the deal: it’s got this amazing ability to open up the hair cuticle, which is the protective outer layer of your hair strands. By doing this, it makes way for the colour molecules to dive deep into your hair shaft. Think of it as giving your hair a big welcome sign, saying, “Come on in, colour molecules, we’ve got room for you!”
Once inside, these colour molecules get cozy with your hair’s natural melanin, the stuff that gives your hair its current hue. With a little chemical dance, they start to mix things up, creating a whole new colour vibe. And thanks to ammonia’s helping hand, this colour change is permanent, sticking around, generally until your hair grows out. This is unless the hair is not in great condition or had previous bleach services which allow the cuticle to remain slightly open, where some molecules can then escape, creating some fade.
But wait, there’s more! Ammonia isn’t just about getting the colour in there; it’s also a pro at making sure it stays put. See, it helps to lock in those colour molecules, so they don’t go running off at the first sign of shampoo. That means your new hair colour sticks around longer, keeping you looking fresh and fabulous.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: isn’t ammonia kinda harsh on your hair? Well, yeah, it can be a bit tough love, but don’t worry! Hair colour wizards have been working their magic for more than 100 years to make sure your tresses stay happy and healthy. They’ve packed those colours with all sorts of goodies like conditioning agents and nourishing ingredients to give your hair some extra love & shine.
But hey, if you’re not feeling the whole ammonia vibe, there are alternatives out there. Some hair colour brands offer ammonia-free options that may still get the job done, depending on just how resistant your hair type may be. They might not be as hardcore as the ammonia crew, but hey, they’ve got their own tricks up their sleeves.
So, there you have it—ammonia may be a bit of a controversial character, but when it comes to permanent hair colour, it’s definitely pulling its weight. Whether you’re rocking a bold new shade or just touching up those roots, give a little shout-out to ammonia for making it all possible.