Wondering about hydrogen peroxide

[AutisticAlien]

How does it bleach hair? My Chemistry professor at college told us about how chemical straightening works, but failed to explain how peroxide can change hair colour.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Borek]

Basically hydrogen peroxide destroys dye by oxidizing it. To check details you have to check what dye is present in hair. Melanin comes to mind as a good starting point in search.

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[quicknote]

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning it has the ability to break down chemical bonds in substances. When applied to hair, it reacts with the melanin pigment molecules, which give hair its color. This reaction breaks down the melanin molecules, resulting in lighter or bleached hair. The concentration and duration of exposure to hydrogen peroxide will determine the extent of bleaching. Additionally, the use of heat or alkaline substances can enhance the bleaching effect. It's important to note that hydrogen peroxide can also damage the hair by breaking down the protein bonds, so it is important to use it carefully and in moderation. I hope this explanation helps clarify the process of hair bleaching with hydrogen peroxide.