Oxidation

An oxidation is a chemical process in which a part (atom, ion or molecule) gives off an electron. So far so good, but what does that have to do with hair? An oxidation process is necessary to stain the hair permanently. During oxidation, two substances react with each other in order to be able to introduce the color pigments into the hair at all.

Our hair mainly consists of the protein keratin. Dyes can bind to this keratin, but they can also penetrate and become permanently anchored. Tints, for example, work using direct-acting color pigments. These attach to the outer cuticle of the hair and do not penetrate into the hair structure. Therefore, there is no oxidation in a direct tint. Tints can be rinsed out easily after a few washes and do not damage the hair.

Permanent color changes such as permanent hair colors or bleaching always contain an oxidant, usually hydrogen peroxide. This penetrates deep into the hair structure and deprives the hair of existing pigments. When dyeing hair then new pigments are introduced, in bleaching pigments are removed from the hair. Without the process of oxidation, a light coloration or bleaching would not be possible. In order not to strain the hair too much, you should pay attention to the lowest possible concentration of the oxidant. The choice of the correct oxidant always depends on the initial hair color and the desired hair color. Oxidation is a highly sensitive and complex chemical process, so in case of doubt we always recommend going to the professional.