Hair oxidizer: what is important to consider when working with the product?
Briefly about the main thing
Oxidizing agent - what is it? In what cases are different percentages of this product used and what is important to consider when working with it? We answer these questions in the material.
An oxidizer (or oxide) is a composition based on hydrogen peroxide necessary for hair coloring. Oxidizing agents can also be called activators, developers, or simply creams, emulsions with a certain concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
The task of the oxidizer is to ensure the stability of the pigment on the hair. This is achieved precisely due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the oxidizing agent. In addition to the main components, various caring ingredients can be included - plant extracts, vitamins, lipids, as well as surfactants, chelating agents, thickeners.
Thanks to this, the harm from the traumatic procedure is minimized and additional care is provided to the hair.
An oxidizing agent is needed so that the coloring pigment can manifest itself on the hair; without it, the dye will not work.
The active ingredient of the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. It is by this indicator that oxidizing agents are classified.
When to use what percentage?
The lowest percentage of hydrogen peroxide content is 1.8%. The use of such a product in coloring makes it gentle and does not disturb the hair structure. It is most often used when the tone of the dye matches the shade of the hair.
3% oxide is used for tone-on-tone coloring or one shade lighter/darker than the existing one.
If the hair needs to be lightened two shades warmer or lighter, use a 6% oxidizing agent. It is perfect for coloring red, red or not very pronounced gray hair.
Oxidizing agent 9% is used to work with coarse hair, with gray hair, this product is used when working with coarse hair, with pronounced gray hair, when the color changes by several tones.
The highest percentage - 12% - has a strong effect on the hair structure and is used to transition from dark to light.
In the compositions of professional oxidizing agents, the percentage composition is indicated differently. For example, "%" is the percentage of pure hydrogen peroxide, or Vol is the volume of oxygen released.
What is important to consider?
It is better not to mix hair dye from one brand with an oxidizing agent from another, because each brand produces its own oxidizing agents taking into account the dyes and Ph‑factor, so that when mixed they will ensure a good coloring process and result.
The paint must be mixed immediately before application, since the oxidation process begins immediately when the dye and oxidizing agent interact.
The composition must be stirred during the coloring process.
You need to be careful with the expiration date: the product will only be safe to use within the expiration date. Most likely, for some time after the expiration date, if stored correctly, oxidizers and activators will work normally, but processes of emulsion separation or some other side processes may begin that can affect coloring, irritating properties of the product and color fastness.