Can Albino People Dye Their Hair?

Albinism is a rare genetic condition that results in little to no melanin pigment in the hair, skin, and eyes. This lack of melanin is what gives albino hair its distinctive white or pale blonde color.

Many people wonder if it’s possible for someone with albinism to dye their hair and what considerations need to be made when coloring albino hair. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dyeing albino hair.

What is Albinism?

Albinism is caused by inherited genetic mutations that affect the production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair, skin, and eyes their color. There are two main types of albinism:

• Oculocutaneous albinism – Most common type. Affects hair, skin, and eyes. Results in very pale skin, white/blonde hair, and light colored eyes.

• Ocular albinism – Rarer type that affects only the eyes, causing extremely light eye color. Hair and skin tones are often normal.

Both forms of albinism are associated with vision problems due to lack of pigment in the eyes. Exposure to UV light can also be a concern for people with albinism due to increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

While quite rare, albinism affects people of all ethnic backgrounds. It’s estimated that 1 in 18,000 to 20,000 people have some form of albinism.

Can You Dye Albino Hair?

The short answer is yes, people with albinism can absolutely dye their hair if they want to!

In fact, albino hair can take color very well and usually requires less upkeep than dyeing normal pigmented hair.

There are a few myths and misconceptions about dyeing albino hair. Let’s clear up some of the confusion:

Myth: Albino hair won’t hold color from hair dye.

Fact: This is false. Albino hair has no trouble holding onto hair color from dye. The lack of melanin actually allows the dyed color to show up vibrantly.

Myth: It’s too damaging to dye albino hair.

Fact: Dyeing albino hair is no more damaging than dyeing normal hair, as long as proper precautions are taken. Gentle, conditioning hair dyes should be used. Bleaching or lightening is not required.

Myth: The dye color won’t turn out right on albino hair.

Fact: This can sometimes be true, but not always. The ideal approach is to have a professional hair stylist assess your hair and do a strand test to determine how the color will take. Color results can vary from person to person.

How Does Albino Hair Take Color?

To understand why albino hair readily takes to dye, it helps to understand a bit about hair structure.

Each strand of hair contains a central core called the cortex. This cortex contains keratin proteins as well as melanin granules that provide color.

Albino hair contains very little to no melanin in the cortex. This leaves the hair shaft open and ready to soak up color molecules from dye.

When hair dye is applied to normal hair, it has to penetrate through the existing melanin to deposit color. This can make it harder to achieve vibrant or light colors.

With albino hair, there’s no melanin acting as a barrier. The dyed color can easily saturated the central cortex and show through brightly. This is why colors often turn out more intense on albino hair.

Best Practices for Dyeing Albino Hair

Dyeing albino hair opens up a fun range of color options. But there are a few best practices to follow for the healthiest results:

Use Gentle, Conditioning Formulas

When selecting hair dye for albino hair, it’s best to avoid formulas with harsh ammonia or peroxide developers. These can be irritating and drying to the scalp and hair.

Look for dyes labelled “conditioning”, “gentle”, or “natural”. Demi-permanent and semi-permanent dyes are safer bet than permanent types.

Also consider natural dye alternatives like henna-based dyes. These condition hair while adding color.

Do a Strand Test

Before applying dye all over, do a stand test on a small section of hair to see how the color develops. This will give you an idea of the shade you’ll really get.

Leave the strand test dye in for the minimum suggested processing time before rinsing. Evaluate the color when fully dried. Adjust your formula or technique if needed.

Add Conditioner to Dilute the Dye

The lack of melanin means albino hair absorbs dye quickly and easily. This can sometimes result in overly intense or dark color.

You can control the intensity by diluting the dye. Mix the prepared dye formula with an equal amount of paraben- and sulfate-free conditioner before applying to hair.

Protect Skin and Eyes

Take care to keep the dye only on hair and protect the scalp and skin around the hairline. Use petroleum jelly on ears and hairline if needed.

Wear gloves and eye protection during application. Have a damp towel ready to wipe drips or spills. Monitor for any irritation or sensitivity during and after coloring.

Expect Faster Fading

The biggest downside to dyeing albino hair is that the colors will fade more quickly. Plan for touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain vivid color. Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water washes to make the color last longer.

Best Colors for Dyeing Albino Hair

From vibrant fashion colors to soft natural hues, almost any shade can work beautifully on albino hair. Consider skin tone and personal style when selecting a color.

Here are some popular color choices to try:

• Platinum blonde
• Ashy browns or blacks
• Pastel pinks, blues, purples
• Vibrant reds and oranges
• Soft caramel blonde
• Dark chocolate browns
• Light “summery” copper

A professional stylist can also create custom color blends to perfectly suit your complexion and eyes.

For those with dark skin tones, rich chocolate browns, deep burgundies, and warm caramel highlights are gorgeous. Keep the paler colors to thin highlighting strands rather than full saturation.

Those with very fair or pinkish skin look beautiful with platinum and icy blondes or soft strawberry blonde hues. Avoid color choices that clash with the skin tone.

Dyeing Albino Eyebrows and Lashes

For a natural and polished look, make sure to tint eyebrows and lashes to complement your dyed hair color.

Having light brows and lashes can look washed out and uneven with darker dyed hair. Carefully apply eyebrow tints and lash tints in a matching or slightly lighter shade.

Lash tinting should only be done professionally due to risks of eye irritation. For brows, natural henna brow tints can safely be used at home.

Maintaining Dyed Albino Hair

As mentioned, the colors in dyed albino hair will fade faster than normal pigmented hair. Be prepared for more frequent touch-ups.

Here are some tips for keeping hair color vibrant between dye jobs:

• Use color-protecting shampoo and conditioner made for dyed or color-treated hair. Sulfate-free formulas help prevent fading.

• Wash with cool water instead of hot to help seal the cuticle and lock in color. Limit washing to 2-3 times per week.

• Avoid chlorine from pools, which can strip color. Wet hair before swimming and rinse after.

• Limit heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling wands. The heat opens the cuticle causing faster fading. Let hair air dry when possible.

• Use a UV-protecting styling products before going outside. Sun exposure can quickly cause dyed hair to fade.

• Get a glossing treatment every 4-6 weeks at the salon. This helps refresh color between full dye jobs.

How Long Does Dye Last on Albino Hair?

On average, the color from dyeing albino hair will start to noticeably fade after 4-6 weeks.

Touch-ups are needed about 1-2 times per month to keep the color looking vibrant. Proper hair care between appointments helps maximize the longevity.

Permanent dyes may retain a slight tint longer, but still fade out quickly compared to lasting 4-6 months on pigmented hair.

If you want to go back to the natural white albino hair color, the dye will grow out over a few months. Avoid color removal products which can damage the delicate hair.

Is Dyeing Harmful for Albino Hair Health?

When done correctly using gentle products and techniques, dyeing generally won’t cause harm to albino hair. However, a few precautions are recommended:

• Avoid bleaching or lightening to prep for dye. The melanin-less hair won’t need this harsh step.