What is the primary action of hair color or lightening products on natural pigment?

The primary action of hair color or lightening products on natural pigment is to lift. Lifting refers to the process of removing or lightening the existing pigment in the hair strands. This action is crucial because it allows for the alteration of the hair's natural color, making it possible to achieve lighter shades or to prepare the hair for the application of artificial colors.

When lightening products are applied, they raise the cuticle layer of the hair and penetrate the hair shaft, breaking down the natural melanin pigments. This process typically involves the use of oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, which work to lift the color molecules and create a lighter base.

In contrast, terms like change, transform, and enhance do not accurately capture the fundamental action performed by hair color or lightening products. While those words may describe aspects of coloring techniques or outcomes, lifting is the specific chemical process that directly impacts the natural pigments in the hair, thereby serving as the foundation for any subsequent color application.