Hair Colour Oxidant: Unveiling the Secret Ingredient and Guiding You to the Perfect Choice

When it comes to hair colouring, the process isn't as simple as merely applying a colourant to your hair. There is a key player in the game that is often overlooked - the oxidant. This is a crucial component of the hair dye process, and understanding what it is and how to choose the right one can help you achieve the desired results while preserving the health of your hair.

What is Hair Colour Oxidant?

Hair colour oxidant, also known as hair developer or activator, is a hydrogen peroxide-based solution used in hair colouring and lightening processes. Its main role is to open up the hair cuticle so the hair dye can penetrate and colour the hair shaft. The oxidant also aids in triggering the reaction between the dye and the hair, causing the dye to oxidize and reveal its colour.

The potency of the oxidant is generally defined by its volume, with the most common being 10, 20, 30, and 40 volume. The higher the volume, the greater the lifting power of the oxidant. However, a higher volume also means increased potential for hair damage, as it opens up the hair cuticle more aggressively.

How to Choose the Right Oxidant

Choosing the right oxidant depends on several factors, including your natural hair colour, the desired colour, the health of your hair, and whether you've dyed your hair before. Here are a few guidelines to assist you in making the right choice:

• 10 Volume Oxidant: This is the gentlest oxidant and is typically used for depositing colour without lift. It is perfect for covering grey hair or going darker.
• 20 Volume Oxidant: This is the most commonly used oxidant. It is capable of lifting the hair colour by one to two levels, making it suitable for lightening the hair or achieving a colour that is slightly lighter than the natural shade.
• 30 Volume Oxidant: This oxidant lifts the hair colour by two to three levels. It is used when you want to achieve a significantly lighter colour than your natural hair. However, because of its strength, it can cause more damage to the hair, so it's important to condition your hair properly after use.
• 40 Volume Oxidant: The most potent oxidant, 40 volume is used for high lift colouring and bleaching. It can lift the hair colour by three to four levels. However, it can be very damaging to the hair and should be used sparingly and with caution.

It's crucial to remember that the volume of the oxidant doesn't affect the colour of the dye, but rather how much the hair cuticle is opened to allow the dye to penetrate. Furthermore, while a higher volume oxidant will provide more lift, it also carries a greater risk of hair damage.

Understanding hair colour oxidant is crucial to successful hair colouring. It's not just about choosing the right colour, but also about selecting the right oxidant to achieve that colour safely and effectively. Always consider your hair's health, natural colour, and desired outcome when deciding on the volume of oxidant to use. And remember, when in doubt, consulting with a professional hair stylist is always the safest bet.