Hair pigment works through the deposition of colorants, which temporarily settle on and within the outer layer (cuticle) of the hair without permanently altering the hair's natural color (melanin). These colorants become situated around the inner layer (cortex) but are not chemically bound to the hair protein, leading to gradual fading with washing.
Here's a breakdown:
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Temporary Color Deposition: Instead of chemically altering the existing hair color, these pigments act as a temporary coating.
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Cuticle Interaction: The color molecules penetrate the cuticle, the outermost layer consisting of overlapping scales.
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Cortex Surround: The pigments establish themselves around the cortex, the main body of the hair strand.
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No Chemical Bond: Crucially, the color molecules do not form a chemical bond with the hair's keratin proteins. This is why the color is temporary.
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Fading Process: Because they are not permanently attached, the colorants are gradually washed away with shampooing and exposure to water.
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Wash Longevity: Typically, this type of hair pigment lasts for approximately 6-8 washes.
In essence, hair pigment of this type functions like a stain or temporary dye, adhering to the hair's surface and outer layers rather than permanently altering its chemical composition.
