Does colouring your hair lead to greying?

“New hair, new me” – they say it for a reason! Colouring your hair is one of the best ways to embrace a makeover. Like your overall style, your hair colour is also an expression of your personality. While some go bold with vibrant shades (think pink, green, or blue), others prefer the timeless elegance of natural browns or the glamorous allure of mahogany. The colour options are endless, and so is the variety of products available to choose from.
However, despite the excitement of choosing a new shade, there’s often a lingering concern associated with hair colouring – premature greying. A common perception, especially among Indian households, suggests that altering one’s natural hair colour with dyes or chemical products inevitably leads to greying.
This belief has been around for years, leading many to be resolute in their avoidance of hair colour. Doesn’t it remind you of that time your parents sternly warned you not to “ruin” your tresses by colouring them in your 20s?

Your hair colour is an extension of your personality, but can it cause greying? (Photo: Getty)

But how true is this perception? Does colouring your hair actually lead to greying, or is it just a myth stopping you from achieving that hair makeover of your dreams? Ironically, the answer isn’t black or white—it lies somewhere in the grey.
Hair colouring or not, younger generations (millennials and Gen Z) are experiencing premature greying at an alarming rate anyway. Experts blame it on genetics, nutritional deficiencies, stress, poor lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption and smoking, several medical conditions, and environmental factors like pollution, UV rays, and oxidative stress.
“Hair greying is predominantly influenced by three factors: genetic predisposition, sun exposure, and stress. The process of greying occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in hair follicles, reduce their activity or die off. This is a natural biological process and is not triggered by hair colouring,” says Dr Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist, and founder of Influennz Skin and Hair Clinic, Delhi.
Experts state that hair colouring is not directly linked to greying, and there is currently no meta-analysis or sufficient scientific evidence to support such a connection.
“Hair dyes only affect the outer layer of your hair, but not the follicles that determine the colour. Though frequent use of harsh chemical dyes damages your hair by making it dull and brittle, they are not the cause of your hair turning grey overnight,” says Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, consultant, dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
However, the involvement of bleaching – a process used to lighten natural hair colour to deposit artificial colour – cannot be ignored.
“When you start colouring your hair, it may contribute to an increase in greying, primarily due to the bleach used in the process. Global colouring and highlight techniques, in particular, can damage hair roots and overall hair quality because of the harsh chemicals involved,” says Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj.
“Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes typically rely on chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to deposit or lighten colour. These chemicals oxidise the natural melanin in your hair, leading to a permanent colour change. Over time, repeated exposure can make hair appear lighter even in its uncoloured state,” adds Dr Srivastava.
According to a study published in PubMed Central, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles contributes to greying.
This, however, can be managed by choosing darker hair colours or temporary hair dyes that do not require bleaching.

Choose darker hair colours (like brown or walnut) or temporary hair dyes that do not require bleaching. (Photo: Getty)

Many modern hair colour products have evolved to be gentler. They are often enriched with antioxidants to help combat oxidative damage, feature ammonia-free formulas, and contain nourishing ingredients that protect and condition the hair.
To enjoy hair colouring without compromising hair health, choose high-quality products, practise moderation, and follow a rigorous hair care routine.
Hair colouring, in general, can also have significant effects on hair health:
“Certain allergies and autoimmune conditions, such as ashy dermatosis, can be triggered by chemicals in hair dyes. This condition gives a grey hue to the skin, starting from the face and spreading across the body. These rare but serious side effects highlight the need for caution,” says Dr Bhardwaj.
Here are some expert-approved tips to minimise damage caused by hair colour:
Experts also recommend home remedies like using a curd mask every week, and steaming the scalp twice a month to keep the hair and scalp healthy.