Resorting to dyes and bleaching is a very common practice to show off beautiful hair. However, the misuse of this type of chemical can end up affecting our hair health. One of the most frequently asked questions in this regard is whether bleaching causes hair loss as such or whether, on the contrary, it does not influence hair loss. Therefore, in the blog de Hospital Capilar, an expert clinic in hair grafting in Madrid, Murcia and Pontevedra, we tell you how bleaching affects hair.

Is it true that bleaching causes hair loss? How do these chemicals influence hair? All the information below!

What do we understand as discoloration?

We understand bleaching as the bleaching process of the hair through the use of chemicals. Specifically, it is the hydrogen peroxide the main ingredient with which it is possible to lighten the hair.

We should not confuse bleaching with dyes, since they are not the same. Dyes are used to color hair, while bleaching has the opposite effect. It is very common that in dark hair and to achieve a certain tone, hairdressing experts bleach the hair before applying the dye to obtain the desired color, thus combining both products.

How does bleaching affect hair?

On many occasions we have been able to hear that if we undergo this process, the hair is very damaged. Bleaching is even thought to cause hair loss. The truth is that the chemicals contained in bleaching can weaken the hair, making it more porous. The hair fiber is affected to such an extent that this chemical process can alter the pH of the skin, producing, according to our doctors, allergic reactions or dermatitis among others.

To avoid this, it is important that a professional apply the discoloration, in addition to trying not to resort to it too often since the hair could be really damaged and end up breaking.

Can hair fall out due to bleaching?

One of the most frequent questions is whether bleaching causes hair loss. The answer is no, at least a fall as such is not experienced where the strand detaches from the hair follicle. The discoloration does not intervene in the normal functioning of the hair follicles, so in the event of hair loss, it would not be, a priori, the cause of it. Of course, what can happen is that in the face of bad practice or abuse of bleaching, the hair becomes more brittle and break more easily.

In short, when asked if bleaching causes hair loss, the answer is no. The alopecia or telogen effluvium are not linked to this hairdressing technique. 

Factors that cause hair loss

As we have mentioned, it is not true that bleaching causes hair loss. However, there are other types of factors that influence or cause unusual hair loss.

high levels of stress

El stress makes our hair fall out, but in most cases it is a reversible fall. That is, when this stage that causes a lot of stress is overcome, the hair will stop falling excessively and will grow as usual.

However, in case of lack of considerable density we can resort to anti-hair loss products to reduce the effects, and even opt for medical hair treatments in a specialized hair clinic.

Hormonal and genetic factor

A hormonal alteration, as well as genetic predisposition, are the most common factors in the development of alopecia. In these cases it is the androgenic alopecia which usually causes hair loss.

Hair loss due to androgenic alopecia is not reversible, that is, hair that falls out will not grow back. This is why it is important to put yourself in the hands of specialist doctors at the first signs of baldness.

Seasonal fall

La seasonal fall It is due, as its name indicates, to the change of season. Generally, hair loss is more pronounced in the fall. In the same way that occurs with stress or with hair loss due to covid 19, the hair will grow again since the hair follicles do not shed, only the strands that go into their telogen phase, or fall.

alteration in the immune system

There are some types of alopecia whose origin is the person's own immune system. This occurs in cases of alopecia areata, for instance. The immune system attacks the cells of the hair follicles causing their destruction, so the hair does not grow back, generating bald spots.