Temporary hair color works by coating the hair shaft with color pigments that don't penetrate the hair's cortex. This means the color sits on the surface, making it easily washable and lasting only until the next shampoo.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- Surface Coating: Unlike permanent or semi-permanent dyes, temporary hair color doesn't contain ammonia or peroxide. These chemicals open the hair cuticle, allowing the dye to penetrate. Temporary colors simply deposit pigment on the outer layer of the hair.
- Large Pigment Molecules: The pigment molecules in temporary hair color are larger than those in permanent dyes. These larger molecules are too big to enter the hair shaft.
- Easy Washability: Because the color sits on the surface, it rinses out easily with shampoo and water. One wash is typically enough to remove the color entirely.
Essentially, temporary hair color acts like a cosmetic layer on your hair. It's a quick and easy way to experiment with different colors without making a long-term commitment. This is a great option for special events, costumes, or just trying out a new look.
