Dyson Corrale™ hair straightener: Colour fading and heat control

What makes hair colour fade?

Conventional hair straightener technology relies on extreme levels of heat and pressure to conform hair. Even occasional use of high-heat stylers reduces the appearance and feel of hair.

To solve this problem, Dyson’s hair scientists have undertaken lengthy research into how heat affects hair. Veronica Alanis, Dyson’s Engineering Lead reveals that “the more heat used on hair, the more significant the colour fade. This is because excessive heat can damage the outer layer of hair, which allows dye to escape from hair and dulls the vibrancy of the colour."

Ahead are other contributing factors, and what you can do to stop hair colour fading.

UV radiation

Exposure to bright sunlight can erode the vibrancy of natural and treated hair colour by destroying both melanin pigments and dye molecules.

Contact with UV radiation is unavoidable, but just with skin, there are proactive measures you can take to protect the vitality of hair. UV degrades the colour molecules that are formed during the dyeing process, causing colour to fade and reducing shine.

The risk of damage to hair strands and colour is heightened in Australia, where the levels of UV radiation are some of the highest in the world. To stop hair colour fading, limit direct exposure when outdoors. Wearing a hat and minimising sunlight by staying in the shade reduces UV contact and allows the keratin in hair to remain, which supports the strength and look of hair.

Chlorine

The chlorine used in swimming pools can cause strand friction, damaging the hair cuticles and encouraging hair breakage. Hair colour (both natural and dyed) is also affected through this chemical disinfectant.

The bonding behaviour of chlorine attaches itself both to the natural melanin of hair and dyeing chemicals, stripping colour and increasing dullness. To combat this, soak hair with water before swimming to reduce the amount of chlorinated water absorbed by strands. Follow by rinsing hair directly after swimming to limit the effects of the chemical.

Salt and seawater

The process of dyeing hair strips strands of water. The layer of salt in sea water adds to this, by further pulling moisture from already damaged locks. This increases the friction placed on strands, leaving hair vulnerable to breakage and reducing the reflective shine of hair.

To combat this, always rinse hair right after swimming in seawater, and consider wearing a cap if regularly swimming.

Styling without heat protection

The pressure applied to hair strands through styling tools causes stress both to the dye molecules and the outer layer of hair. If you style your hair regularly, support the long-term appearance and feel of locks through the use of a heat protectant.

Products like heat protectant sprays coat the cuticle of the hair with silicone before styling, to prevent heat damage and lock moisture into the strand.

Rate of colour fading

Beyond the external factors that strip hair of dye, the methods of colouring and your hair care routine affect the rate at which colour fades. Semi-permanent and temporary dye fade quicker than permanent treatments. Other considerations include:

Colour chosen: colours like red have larger molecules which aren’t able to penetrate the cortex of hair as deeply. These tones will fade quicker than black or brown dyes.

Washing methods: over-washing hair will gradually pull out hair dye molecules, causing colour to fade.

Cuticle damage: When hair is damaged, the cuticles are weakened, which causes dye molecules to escape more easily.

Flexing plates

Conventional straighteners use solid plates to apply pressure on hair strands, weakening them in the process. Dyson engineered the Corrale™ straightener with pioneering flexing copper plates that shape to gather hair – ensuring the best temperature for straightening hair is applied evenly. The end result is enhanced style with half the damage caused¹.

Plate materials

A mixture of copper, manganese, aluminium, iron, tin and nickel was combined to form the patented flexing plates. This selection of materials provides the Corrale™ straightener with optimum flexibility, strength and thermal conduction – for perfect shaping of hair without the use of extreme heat.

"I love the Dyson Corrale because it’s the only straightener that has flexing plates that shape and gather around your hair which helps to protect your hair from damage"

Intelligent heat control

Heat control is at the heart of Dyson hair straightener technology. The Corrale™ straightener has an in-built heater system that uses an integrated sensor to maintain the best temperature for straightening hair. By measuring the temperature 100 times per second, the Dyson Corrale™ temperature never strays from the optimal heat. Three heat settings – 165°, 185° and 210° allow users to tailor their straightener to their hair type.

Pioneering battery technology

The cord-free technology in the Dyson Corrale™ straightener allows ease of styling anywhere. To deliver the same thermal performance of a corded product, the straightener is powered by a four-cell, lithium-ion battery. Straight locks, curly waves and volumised bounce are all achievable without the restraints of staying near a wall-plug. To see how to style your hair type, see our hair styling guides