It sure is a great feeling to walk out of the salon and think to yourself, “I am looking great!”. Your hair color is eye-catching, your hair is glossy, and you are totally up for keeping it that way for a long time. But then comes reality—the shower, the sun, and the blow dryer are all there to fade your work of art. Knowing how to take care of colored hair doesn’t have to consume your whole time and energy. Most of it is about small, smart habits.
The main point is: keep your hands off your hair. After the hair coloring, the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) is chemically lifted. It takes up to three days for the cuticle to completely close and to be able to firmly hold the color. So if you wash your hair the next day? You are literally getting rid of your money by the drain. Wait the full 72 hours. By the third day, your hair may feel a little greasy but your color will be grateful to you.
Not being sure what’s helping and what’s hurting? Here is an easy clarification:
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The "Dos" |
The "Don'ts" |
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Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo |
Wash with piping hot water |
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Rinse with cool water |
Use clarifying shampoo weekly |
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Use a Heat Protectant |
Swim in chlorine without a cap |
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Deep Condition once a week |
Scrub your hair dry with a towel |
In conclusion, the issue of how to take care of colored hair is about being gentle.
Give your hair the care that a delicate silk blouse would require, not a pair of old jeans. Reduce your washing frequency, use cool water, and don't be stingy with the moisturizing. If you do that, you won’t be able to go to the salon as often, but the visits you do make will be way longer.
Q: Can I use dry shampoo on colored hair?
Yes, sure. Dry shampoo is, in fact, your best friend. It allows you to go without a "wet" wash, which is the #1 reason of color fading. Just be sure you absorb it well so you don’t get a "dusty" kind of appearance.
Q: Does sun exposure really fade hair?
Unfortunately, it does. Sunlight UV rays are bleach agents of low power. If you will spend the whole day out in the sun, protect yourself with a hat or a hair mist containing UV protector.