Since kids' hair is not fully developed, it is susceptible to damage if dyed during the ages of 18 months to 12 years old.” In case you're wondering, an allergic reaction to hair dye can include symptoms ranging from an itchy scalp to broken skin, hair loss, hives, swelling, burning and difficulty breathing. Yikes!
We spoke to the experts to get the lowdown on when it's safe to dye your child's hair. "I really don't think it's safe to dye or bleach a child's hair until after puberty, and ideally not until their late teens — at least 16," advises Dr. Sejal Shah, M.D., a New York-based dermatological surgeon.
Salons Should Not Dye Your Child's Hair
According to the Natural Hair Federation's code of practice, hairdressers should not apply any hair colour products to anyone under the age of 16.
Many recommendations indicate that chemically changing a child's hair prior to puberty age is not ideal. Kid's hair before this time is typically thinner and more fragile and can be easily damaged by even the most gentle hair color formulations. The same holds true for your child's scalp.
"On the other hand, kids' hair dyes are often temporary, made with gentler, non-toxic ingredients. They wash out easily and are less likely to cause harm or allergic reactions. These dyes use natural or direct dyes, which are safer but less durable."
As they develop, children's hair (and skin) goes through a lot of changes; so they are more likely to experience reactions and are more susceptible to hair damage. Because of this, it is important to avoid using permanent dye on children's hair.
After the age of 12, adult hair is present, which can grow five times thicker and seven times longer than baby hair, making it more resilient to breakage and chemical processing. Since kids' hair is not fully developed, it is susceptible to damage if dyed during the ages of 18 months to 12 years old.”
THE BEST WAY TO HAVE FUN WITH HAIR COLOR FOR KIDS
Wondering what type of hair color is good for kids? Look no further than temporary hair color products. This type of hair dye washes out in just one shampoo, and there's no need for bleach, so you won't have to worry about damaging their strands.
Is temporary dye bad for your hair? Absolutely not! In fact, the less-damaging dye is the only dye you should be using on your hair outside of the salon. "Temporary hair color is a whole different ballgame," says Diaz.
Are highlights and coloring safe? If done professionally, highlights and coloring can be safe for a 12-year-old. Off the scalp color and highlights with Aveda color is a super safe option. Also, be sure to schedule a patch test prior to your child's appointment to test for any allergic reactions.
Temporary hair color does not penetrate the cortex or the hair. Instead, it coats the outside of the hair shaft with color that washes out in one or two shampoos.
Natural hair dyes contain plant-based ingredients rather than harsher chemicals. The dyes included in this article feature ingredients such as henna, rhubarb root, and indigo powder as alternatives to chemicals. Coloring the hair is more common than some people may realize.
Between the ages of 3-4 years an average child will:
Tracing lines – Trace on top of a thick horizontal line without going off of the line much. Coloring Shapes – By this age, children should be able to color grossly within the lines of simple shapes and forms.
Dr. Ganjian says it's really best to wait until after a child is done with puberty. Sure, plenty of children have used hair dye and been just fine, and if you've dyed your child's hair in the past, you shouldn't panic over it.
At what point do you advise people to start coloring? When you have 20 to 30 percent grays, but it's really subjective. [20 to 30 percent] has been the general rule of thumb because that's when you actually notice it—especially if there's a lot on top or in the front by your face.
“Hair color doesn't [really] expire so long as the ammonia and peroxide haven't been mixed,” he explains. “However, the shelf life of hair color is typically three years from production if unopened and kept away from heat and humidity in perfect conditions.”
Color on clothes: Water wears off a temporary color. When you step out with colored hair in the rain, chances are the color begins to bleed and spread to your clothes. Messy application: While applying color on the strands, the color might plop on the floor and leave stains on clothes.
What is hair chalk? Fresh Monster Hair Chalk is a temporary hair color that's free of parabens, sulfates, and triclosan — it's also vegan and hypoallergenic, making it a safe choice for kids of all ages.
During an interview with Good Housekeeping, New York-based dermatological surgeon Sejal Shah, MD, explained that a child's hair is still developing until they hit puberty, which is why she advises against bleaching until “at least 16”.
"More specifically, it's safe if you're using semi/demi-permanent color at home because they fade away much more softly than permanent color and are also way less damaging as they usually deposit only and don't alter the natural hair shaft,” she explains.
Generally speaking, there are two primary categories: Temporary hair color, which comes in many forms, from gels to conditioning masks, and semi-permanent hair dyes. "Temporary colors are your quick wash-in, wash-out colors that fade after a couple of shampoos," explains Brownsell.
Unlike permanent color, semi-permanent hair color doesn't penetrate the hair shaft—so it isn't as damaging to strands. However, because it fades more quickly, you may need to apply it more frequently to maintain your color, which can be damaging to the hair over time.