Dermatologist offers tips for healthy hair when using hair treatments

University of CaliforniaNov 13 2013

While coloring your hair is a common beauty treatment, the process can leave your hair dry and brittle. Fortunately, dermatologists, who are experts in the care of the skin, hair and nails, offer tips for coloring and perming your hair while keeping it healthy.

"When dyeing your hair, consider choosing a dye that is darker rather than lighter than your natural color to minimize hair damage," said board-certified dermatologist Paradi Mirmirani, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. "If you choose to go lighter, select a dye within three shades of your natural color as lightening more than three shades requires higher volumes of peroxide, which is harmful to the hair."

Dr. Mirmirani shares more tips for healthy hair when using hair treatments:

1.Test store-bought hair color before using. Follow manufacturer's instructions. If you develop a rash or redness, swelling, burning or itching, you are having an allergic reaction to the die. Do not dye your hair and consult your dermatologist for further allergy testing.
2.Protect your hair from the sun. The sun can make your hair weak, dry, rough, faded and brittle. This is especially true if you dye, bleach or perm your hair. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you go outside.
3.Use caution when perming hair to prevent long-lasting damage. Set a timer to know when you should rinse the perm solution. Always follow package instructions. If you experience excessive stinging and burning while the perm solution is on your scalp, wash it off immediately and consult your dermatologist.

"A board-certified dermatologist can answer any questions people have about hair damage or unexplained hair loss," said Dr. Mirmirani.

These tips are demonstrated in "Coloring and Perming Tips for Healthier-Looking Hair," a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy's YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the Academy's website and YouTube channel each month.