Once you’ve made the decision to embrace your gray, it’s important to understand a little more about the chemistry of the hair before getting into the process of removing any artificial hair color you already have previously applied.
Three Layers of Hair
Hair is composed of three layers: the medulla, cortex and cuticle. The medulla is the soft, innermost core. The cortex is the thickest part of the hair, giving each strand its texture and strength. The cuticle is the outermost layer where the cells overlap like fish scales to protect the cortex and medulla. It’s hard to believe that one thin strand of hair is truly that deep and that anything you put in your hair is kept there – from hydrating oils and product to the color pigments of your hair dye.
Dye Types
Hair dye can be temporary, permanent or semi-permanent. Temporary color washes out when hair is shampooed because it creates a weak bond to the cuticle. Permanent color actually penetrates the outer cuticle, locking its home deep into the cortex. Semi-permanent color grazes the cortex but closer to the surface, allowing it to fade more quickly and easily.
Strip it Down
The process of breaking apart the bonds between artificial hair dye and your hair is called stripping (https://www.healthline.com/health/stripping-hair#stripping-hair-color-at-home). This method doesn’t lighten the natural hair color, although once the dye pigments are removed the result revealed is often a lighter natural color caused by the oxidation during the initial hair dye process. The goal with stripping hair color versus applying a harsh chemical like bleach is to reverse the artificial color process as much as possible without damaging the hair.
Remove and Revitalize
Exploring the early stages of gray regrowth requires a lot of patience. The darker your artificial hair color, the more noticeable that line of demarcation is. Go Gray Revitalizing Treatment is the first step of a four-step multiproduct system that initially helps to lighten tough dyes without sacrificing hair health, appearance and feel. The gentle and effective pro-grade formula helps remove color while at the same time works to revitalize and rejuvenate hair. It doesn’t contain ammonia or bleach, which can cause breakage to naturally silver and gray hair. The unique formulation helps fade demarcation lines by removing pigment deposits. Aloe Vera works to moisturize and provide intense hydration while Soy Protein helps protect the integrity of the hair.
Rinse and Repeat
If one application isn’t sufficient, the treatment can be repeated every 7-10 days up to three additional times.
