Meaning ❉ Metallic dyes are hair coloring preparations distinguished by their reliance on metallic salts, such as lead acetate or bismuth citrate, which gently deposit upon the hair’s outer cuticle. For those nurturing textured strands, understanding these agents is a quiet yet crucial step in systematizing care; unlike oxidative dyes that penetrate, metallic variants merely coat, reacting subtly with the hair’s natural sulfur bonds to impart color. This distinction is vital for Black and mixed-race hair, as the delicate structure of coils and curls can be particularly vulnerable to the rigid metallic film, leading to dryness or unexpected brittleness. Practical application of this knowledge means recognizing that subsequent chemical services, like relaxers or permanent waves, could lead to adverse reactions, making thoughtful hair history and precise product selection paramount for preserving hair integrity and fostering consistent growth.
