As your kids get older, it’s only natural that they’ll want to experiment with their look and style. Changing their clothing and painting their nails is one thing – but what do you do if they ask to dye their hair?
It’s difficult to know when is too early to allow your child to dye their hair. In this blog we cover the basics, giving you insight into some of the dye options, maintenance requirements and what to consider before you use a hair dye product.
Should I let my child dye their hair?
There is no legal minimum age restriction on when a child can start using hair dye, although manufacturers and industry experts do recommend it should be no younger than 16-years-old
The Hairdressing Federation says that hair colour products should never be applied to anyone younger than this age. However, you may not see this information on the product packaging, as it is not a legal requirement for manufacturers.
We would recommend leaving it as long as possible, as the earlier someone starts dyeing their hair, the more they will probably use over their lifetime, which places extra stress onto the hair and scalp.
Why should children wait to dye their hair?
The main reason children are recommended to wait until they are sixteen is because they will be of an age where they can fully understand the impact on their hair and the long-term maintenance requirements.
It also allows time for their scalp and hair to fully form, as it tends to be more fragile before puberty begins.
What is the best hair dye for kids?
There are a few different types of hair dye your kids could try:
Temporary Dyes
Temporary dyes can usually be applied as a powder or spray and can be washed out with a single wash. There are no long-term consequences to using this type of dye, which leaves a little more room for experimentation.
Semi-Permanent Dyes
This is not as long-lasting as permanent dye, as colour is deposited onto the surface of the hair to change the tone and add a little bit of shine. Semi-permanent dye will come out of hair after a few washes.
Permanent Dyes
Committing to permanent dye is a bigger step, as it needs to change the structure of the hair to colour it. The hair cuticle is penetrated by tiny colourless molecules, combining with the hydrogen peroxide to eventually oxidise the hair and change the colour.
What maintenance is needed for colour treated hair?
As we mentioned above, hair that has been dyed requires a little more care and attention. You can use the tips below as a guideline:
- Use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, as they are more likely to strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, which can cause colour fade.
- Avoid over washing dyed hair, as this can also strip colour and moisture.
- Air-dry hair when possible or use a heat protectant to minimise heat exposure to blow dryers and flat irons.
- The sun can also fade colour hair, so it’s a good idea to use a hair product with UV protection.
- Colour treated hair is usually drier, which makes it more prone to damage. Hydrating conditioners and/or hair masks can help to replenish moisture.
Things to consider before you child dyes their hair
- Ask your son or daughter to do some reading about using hair dye so they are informed about how it will change their hair.
- Avoid hair dyes that contain phenols or PPDs (para-phenylenediamine) and look for ones that are more focused on natural ingredients.
- Always conduct a skin patch test before dyeing hair. This will reveal if there are any allergic reactions to the chemicals. Place a small amount on the neck close to the hairline and leave for 48-72 hours. If there is an allergic reaction, wash the area immediately with warm, soapy water.
- Less is more when it comes to dyeing hair for the first time. Perhaps your child could frame the face with money-piece highlights, rather than the full head of hair. Dyeing the hair ends is another option, which will help to protect the scalp.
We’d love to hear from you!
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
You can also find regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
We’d be more than happy to speak with your son or daughter about dyeing their hair and can give them all the information they need to make an informed decision.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation.
