How often should you colour your hair?

Experimenting with different hair colours is a great way to try out different looks. However, after a while the chemicals involved can start to take their toll on the health of your hair.

Whether you’re regularly changing your colour, maintaining a dye colour or covering grey, the regularity with which you dye your hair can have a significant effect on your hair’s long-term health.

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to how often you should colour your hair. You can consult different hair stylists across Melbourne, and each one will probably give you a different answer.

It generally depends on hair type, what products and hairdressing supplies you’re using and the results you’re after. Regardless, it’s important to be cautious when colouring your hair, especially if you’re using bleach, and to be aware of the risks that come with dyeing your hair.

If you are regularly colouring your hair, the damage can quickly become quite significant. Weak, brittle and breaking hair and split ends are some common side-effects of over-colouring.

Most hairdressers and hair stylists generally recommended that you wait at least four to six weeks between hair colouring sessions. However, different hair types can react differently to different chemicals, so it’s important to monitor your hair’s health. Spacing out your colouring sessions will give your hair time to heal, reduce the risk of damage, and ensure that you should get the strongest and most vibrant look to your colouring.

What kind of colour technique are you using?

It’s important that you know what kind of chemical treatments your hair colourist is using and that you understand the risks to your hair. Permanent dyes and bleaches require regular colouring to maintain an even look. Unfortunately, these chemicals are also quite strong and come with a higher risk of hair damage.

Semi-permanent hair colours generally contain less (or no) ammonia or alcohol and are therefore gentler on the hair. As a result, these products tend to be safer for more regular use.

As a general guide, here’s how often you should undergo different colouring techniques:

• Full dye – root touch-up every four to six weeks
• Highlights – new foils every six to eight weeks
• Balayage – eight to 12 weeks
• Semi-permanent dye – up to once a week (or as per box instructions)

What are the risks of excessive hair colouring?

If you choose to keep on colouring your hair, then you should take into account the impact that hair colouring can have.

These are some of the risks associated with regular hair colouring:

• Damage to hair follicles leaving your hair brittle and weak
• A loss of volume in your hair caused by chemical damage
• Hair becomes more sensitive heat including hair drying and straightening
• Hair becomes prone to bad split ends
• Chemicals in the dye can react with chemicals in some shampoos and conditioners
• Dyes can react with sunlight and chemicals in swimming pools

It’s important to be cautious and informed when it comes to hair colouring. Make sure you consult your hairdresser or hair stylist before committing to a new colouring routine.