As hydrogen peroxide is absorbed, Chloe's hair gradually lightens. What happens to the melanin in her hair?

When hydrogen peroxide is used on hair, it acts to lighten the color of the hair by breaking down the natural pigment known as melanin. The process by which this happens involves a chemical reaction. Here are the logical steps:

1. Hydrogen peroxide works as an oxidizing agent. 2. When applied to hair, it penetrates the hair shaft. 3. Inside the hair, it reacts with melanin, which gives hair its color. 4. The oxidation process breaks the chemical bonds in melanin, leading to its degradation. 5. As a result, the pigment becomes less dense and the hair appears lighter. 6. The longer the hydrogen peroxide is left in the hair, the more melanin gets oxidized, and the lighter the hair becomes.

So, in Chloe's case, as the hydrogen peroxide is absorbed into her hair, it oxidizes the melanin, causing the hair to gradually lighten.

Extra: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a commonly used bleaching agent, not just in hair coloring but also in other industries like textile and paper, for its ability to decolorize and bleach various substances. Melanin is a natural pigment responsible for the color of our hair, skin, and eyes. In hair, there are two types of melanin: eumelanin (which contributes to dark colors) and pheomelanin (which contributes to red and yellow colors). The shades of an individual's hair depend upon the ratio and concentration of these melanins.

Once oxidized, melanin loses its original structure and ability to absorb light, which is seen as a change in color. Hair dyes and bleaches work not only by lightening natural melanin but also by combining with artificial pigments that change the hair's color to achieve a wide range of shades.

It is noteworthy to consider that hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to the hair's protein structure—keratin—especially when used frequently or in high concentrations. This can lead to hair that feels dry, brittle, and damaged. That's why it's important to use conditioning treatments and minimize the use of harsh chemicals on hair for its overall health.