Hydrogen Peroxide

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound used in hair dye and blonde products as an oxidizing agent and color developer. This substance reacts with the natural pigments (melanin) in your hair, brightening the original hair color and allowing new color pigments to bind. Without this oxidation, permanent hair dye cannot effectively change the natural color or bind new color.

In hair color products, hydrogen peroxide is often indicated by a percentage or volume (for example, 3%, 6%, 9% or 12%). The higher this percentage, the stronger the developing effect is and the more color change is possible.

How does hydrogen peroxide work in hair dye?

When hydrogen peroxide is mixed with hair coloring, it opens the hair cuticle (the outer layer of the hair), allowing the oxidation process to take place in the hair cortex. In that process, the natural pigments are oxidized and broken down, allowing your hair to lose its original color and make way for the new color pigments.

This combination ensures that the color remains permanent until your hair grows back, because the chemical structure of the pigment has changed and does not easily return.

Hydrogen peroxide in hair coloring and hair dyeing

In professional hair dyes, hydrogen peroxide often comes as a cream or liquid that you have to mix with the coloring cream. This mixing starts the oxidation process necessary for the hair color to develop.

An example is KIS OxyCream hydrogen peroxide, available in various strengths such as 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%. These are typically used with KIS hair dye systems (such as KIS KeraCream Color), where the peroxide cream provides both the color development and the desired light brightening of the hair.

Strength of hydrogen peroxide and what it does

The percentage of hydrogen peroxide you use directly affects the color result:

• 3% (10 volume) - mild developer; used for color play or refreshing existing color.

• 6% (20 volume) - standard strength for permanent hair color and full gray coverage.

• 9% (30 volume) - stronger developer that can lighten hair several shades.

• 12% (40 volume) - high strength for maximum lightening, often used in blonding techniques.

The higher the volume, the more the natural pigments are removed, creating a lighter base on which color pigments settle.

How do you work with hydrogen peroxide and hair dye?

1. Mix ratio: Mix the color cream with hydrogen peroxide in the appropriate ratio according to the manufacturer's instructions (often 1:1 or 1:1.5).

2. Application: Apply the mixture evenly to dry hair, making sure each strand is well covered.

3. Incorporation Time: Allow the dye to be absorbed for the specified time, too short may result in incomplete color development, too long may cause damage.

4. Aftertreatment: Rinse thoroughly and use conditioner or conditioning products to support the hair structure.

Professional oxidizers often contain additional ingredients to soften the hair and scalp during the process.

Safety and hair health

Hydrogen peroxide is effective, but because it works deep into the hair structure, it can cause damage such as dryness or breakage of the hair cuticle and irritation of the scalp if used improperly. Therefore, it is important to always work according to the instructions on the product and use protective equipment such as gloves.

In summary, what hydrogen peroxide does in hair coloring

• It opens the hair structure so new color can penetrate.

• It oxidizes pigments, allowing color change.

• The strength determines how much your hair can lighten or how deep the color can be developed.

• When combined with hair coloring and developer, it gives an even, long-lasting color.