So it’s time for a color change. You contemplate everything from highlights, to lowlights, to fashion colors, and, finally, you make your decision. Whether it’s a simple, sun-kissed look or a dramatic change, the question now is, how do you make it last? With proper care and a little creativity, your color treated hair can stay looking shiny and vibrant. Here are some tips for when you leave the salon.
Shampoo
You may be tempted to jump in the shower right when you get home. DON’T! You should wait at least 48 hours (or longer) before shampooing. When it is time to shampoo your hair, turn the temperature down! Super hot water leeches dye out of hair faster and strip your color. Keep it lukewarm or as cold as you can stand it. While you’re at it, shampoo your hair less frequently. This helps you retain natural oils that help conditioner your color-treated hair. Shampooing 2-3 times per week will help your color last longer and maintain health in your colored hair. Choose a color-protecting shampoo that is free of sulfates to help your color to last longer while also maintaining the health of your hair. Then, before you go in for your next appointment, switch for a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos help to remove the build-up of dirt and hairstyling products but avoid using them unless it’s right before you are going to have your hair colored. They contain a high level of detergent, which can strip your color.
Conditioner
Long lasting hair color depends on well-conditioned hair. Hair color makes hair porous, which means it absorbs and releases moisture easily. This causes a loss of the color molecules whenever you get your hair wet. The key is to keep as much moisture in your hair as possible. Whenever you shampoo, be sure to condition your hair. Conditioned hair not only helps protect from damage, but it also looks shinier and more even. Grab a conditioner that is specially formulated for color-treated hair. These conditioners are specifically formulated to prevent premature fading and tend to be more moisturizing. For extra shine, use a deep-conditioning treatment once a week. Apply it from roots to tips and pull your hair into a bun. Leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes and you’ll be left with softer, shinier hair when you rinse it out.
Products
Product usage matters for color-treated hair. Dyed hair requires special attention, so invest in salon-grade products. Leave-in treatments help detangle your hair and protect it from heat tools, the elements, and other damaging forces. Look for one that is formulated to protect color-treated hair. This is especially important if you use hot tools or spend a lot of time in the sun. On the topic of hot tools, use heatless whenever possible. Whenever you can, let your hair dry naturally. If using heat, apply a heat-protecting product and keep your blow dryer on the lowest heat setting or on a cool blast setting. When stepping into the sun, grab a product with UV protection. Many styling products, leave-in conditioners, and hairsprays have SPF in them, which helps protect your hair when exposed to the sun. Some UV-protecting products also have a mix of vitamins to help restore color-treated hair and prevent future damage. You can also wear a hat to provide extra protection.
Now you know how to properly care for color-treated hair, take the next step and book your appointment. Visit Leon Studio One and talk to one of our stylists about the best look for you!