What role does hydrogen peroxide play in the hair coloring process?

Hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in the hair coloring process as an oxidizing agent that develops hair color. When applied to the hair, hydrogen peroxide causes a chemical reaction that helps lift or lighten the natural pigment in the hair while simultaneously allowing the new color to penetrate the hair shaft. This oxidation process is essential for both permanent hair colors, which require a change in the natural pigmentation, and for achieving the desired shade when bleaching hair.

The effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent ensures that the color molecules in the dye can form and adhere properly within the hair structure. This is why it is commonly used in various formulations of hair dye products, especially those intended for longer-lasting results.