What is the primary ingredient in most hair color products?

The primary ingredient in most hair color products is ammonia. Ammonia plays a crucial role in the hair coloring process by opening up the hair cuticle, allowing the color to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. This ensures better adhesion of the dye molecules and helps to achieve a more vibrant and long-lasting color outcome.

While hydrogen peroxide is also an important component, as it acts as an oxidizing agent to develop the color, its primary function is in conjunction with ammonia to lighten the natural pigment. Ethanol and glycerin, on the other hand, are used for different purposes such as solvents and moisturizers, respectively, but they do not serve the primary function of facilitating the coloring process in the way ammonia does. Understanding the role of ammonia in hair coloring helps to clarify its importance in creating the desired results in hair color application.