Using box color can be extremely damaging you hair because it was made to be "one size fits all" but everyone has different hair and needs to use a customize color formula for their hair type. Keep reading to get the low down on amazing box dye alternatives!
Firstly, when using box hair color, you don't really know what level developer is in there. Developer is mixed in with hair color or bleach to open up the hair cuticle and lift the color out of your hair to ensure that the colored pigments you put onto it can get into the cuticles and stay in you hair follicles. Developer is composed of hydrogen peroxide and comes in 20 volume, 30 volume, and 40 volume. Using 20 volume doesn't really lift hair and is best if you already have very lightened hair. 30 volume is the go to for most people because is is able to lift the hair without too much damage. 40 volume is the strongest developer and should be used cautiously because is can cause the most damage and weakness to hair. Especially is you have pre-treated hair, using 40 volume developed could cause you hair to snap off.
Hair color itself comes in three types: semi-permanent, demi-permanent, or permanent hair dye. Lets start with semi permanent, my personal favorite.
Semi-permanent color does not require a developer because it doesn't penetrate the hair follicle at all, it just sits on top of it, coating each hair strand. Usually semi-permanent hair color is just a conditioner mixed with a colored pigment. Because of its formula, semi-permanent hair causes no damage to the hair and in fact leaves hair feeling soft and hydrated due to its conditioning aspect. This type of color usually washed out in 4-6 washes but it can vary a bit depending on how often you wash your hair and how much sun exposure your hair gets.
The next type of hair dye is demi-permanent. And this type of hair color does require a developer but it only slightly slightly opens the hair cuticle to deposit color. Because the cuticle isn't fully opened, it makes demi-permanent hair color less long lasting than permanent hair color. However, this also make demi-permeant hair color less damaging to you hair because fully opening you hair cuticles can be very damaging to your hair. Demi-permanent hair dye can last up to 24 hair washes but again this can vary due to your hair care routine and life style.
The most long lasting but also damaging hair color is permanent hair dye. It does require developer to be activated and fully open the hair follicle and deposits color into it. This is why it last so long. It can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks.
There are many things to think about when deciding what hair dye route you want to go but using this guide can help you make that decision!
