Describe the term 'oxidation' in hair coloring.

The term 'oxidation' in hair coloring refers to the chemical reaction that occurs during the coloring process, which is crucial for developing the hair color. When oxidative hair color products are applied, they typically contain an alkaline agent and a developer, usually hydrogen peroxide. This developer reacts with the color molecules in the dye, which facilitates the production of larger color molecules that can penetrate the hair shaft.

During this reaction, oxidation involves the transformation of the dye precursors into a more complex and stable form. The process works by the developer providing oxygen, which is essential for the dye to oxidize and develop into the final color result. This is significant because without oxidation, the desired color cannot form properly, leading to issues such as uneven or dull color.

While oxidation can light hair and contribute to color removal processes, it more specifically describes how hair color achieves its vibrancy and permanence through this enhanced molecular conversion.