In moderate amounts, oxidizers can cause loss or fading of hair color. Great amounts of oxidizers can break down and damage hair, eventually causing it to deteriorate.
Chlorine: Chlorine is an element used to kill bacteria in drinking water and pools, and as an active bleach to remove pigment in color. Chlorine can discolor hair, damage the cuticle and protein, and create an oxidizing effect on elements in the hair. Active chlorine can leave hair feeling gummy when wet, and straw-like when dry. Chlorine can alter the electrical charge on minerals in the hair, causing them to bond stronger to the hair, and may even change the color of certain minerals. The highly charged mineral may, in turn, damage and/or discolor the hair.
Water/Sun/Air: Oxygen in the air and water coupled with heat and light from the sun cause accelerated oxidation of the hair. The more exposure to the outdoors, the greater the amount of oxidation. For example, color treated hair fades faster on persons with greater exposure to the outdoors, and especially during the summer.
Peroxide: A compound (H2O2) that is used as an oxidizing and bleaching agent to remove color pigment from the hair, which leaves a blond/white appearance. The more concentrated the peroxide, the greater the oxidizing effect.
Neutralizer: An oxidizer used in the second stage of the perming and relaxing process to lock in the bonds of the hair protein. If not completely removed with an anti-oxidant, such as Malibu Wellness normalizers, a neutralizer can cause burning to the scalp and breakage to the hair following a service.
Bromine: Used like chlorine, especially in hot pools, such as whirlpools and spas.