Hair Dyes

HAIR DYES

Introduction:

A variety of hair colours are observed between the people living in east and the people living in west. The agents that are responsible for variety of hair colours are only two which are Pheomelanins and eumelanins. Pheomelanins impart different shades of red and yellow whereas, eumelanins impart different shades of dark brown and black. A variety of hair colours are observed due to the following parameters.

·                                 The combination of Pheomelanins and eumelanins.

·                                 The quantity of the pigment present.

·                                 The size of the granules of the pigments.

·                                 The distribution of granules of the pigments.

Definition: Hair colourants are the cosmetic preparations which are used by men and women either to change the natural hair colour or to mask grey hair. The properties of typical hair colourants are

·                               The formulation of the hair colourant should be stable.

·                               They should colour the hair evenly.

·                               They should not lead to loss of the natural shine of hair.

·                               The shaft of the hair must not be damaged.

·                               The natural moisture of the hair must not be lost.

·                               Must possess properties like non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

·                               Must be non-toxic in nature. Must impart stable color to the hair.

·                               The colored hair must be unaffected by air, water, sunlight, sweat, friction, shampoos, lotions, gels, oils etc.