Hair needs maintenance and if they have been colored then such needs are elevated even further. Salons are expensive and quite a sum of money is spent to achieve the hair color goals, it would be a waste if the color doesn’t last long. Well, there are many ways to preserve color-treated hair. A few of them will be discussed below.
9 steps to take care of colored hair?
Keep it hydrated
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, it is. Usually, after coloring, hair tends to lose moisture and become dry and brittle. Deep conditioning is one way of keeping the moisture intact and making it soft and shiny.
Another way of retaining moisture is to get hot oil treatment for your hair at least 3 days before getting color treatment. It does not just keep you from drying but also nourishes your hair owing to all the chemicals in the dye.
Delay shampooing
It takes about 72 hours for the dye to settle in. The dye consists of ammonia which opens hair cuticles for the color to penetrate the hair shaft. This process takes time hence it is worth waiting for at least 3 days.
Shampooing your hair right after coming from the parlor can cause the hair color to fade and become dull instantly. For a long-lasting result, it is best to wait. Additionally, you can switch to chemical-free natural formulations to give safe nourishment to your hair.
Frequent touch-ups
A common problem when dying hair is the visible roots that show over time. Those whose hair grows faster can face such a problem. To eliminate such problems frequent visits to the salon for touch up can keep the hair color restored. Although this might be a little costly.
Highlights and streaking don’t come across this matter at all. As only a portion of the hair is colored not much maintenance is needed. Moreover, when the color starts to fade it doesn’t seem to be noticeable.
Get a sulfate-free shampoo
One of the most common ingredients in every shampoo is Sodium Laureth Sulphate. Using this on colored hair would cause a huge blunder as it robs hair of its moisture and dye.
To prevent this from happening go for a sulfate-free shampoo that works for both normal hair and also colored hair. Organic shampoos which do not consist of Sodium Laureth Sulphate would be a good option. Organic shampoos are mostly made from natural ingredients and are very gentle on the hair.
Water temperature matters
Taking a shower in warm water can be very refreshing although it can be very harmful to the hair especially when it is dyed. Warm water tends to wash away moisture from hair and dye as well. It makes the hair color fade away. Lukewarm or cold water should be used when washing hair.
Not washing every day
Not washing your hair every day is one of the effective ways of having long-lasting colored hair. Daily washing can make the hair look dull and dry as it strips the color from it. Two to three times a week can prove to be fruitful in terms of maintaining hair color. If it is not easy to let go of shampooing habits then go straight for conditioning. In this way, the moisture and the dye will stay protected.
Heat protection needed
Colored hair is more prone to be damaged by heat exposure. The heat from hairdryers, straighteners, and curlers can greatly affect the dye on the hair negatively. It is best to minimize the use of these items but if it is very necessary to use them then there is a solution for that as well. Investing in heat protectant sprays can be of good use as it minimizes the damage caused by heat.
Use hair masks
Whether the hair is dyed or not, a hair mask can be beneficial to all. These hair masks act as a high-powered conditioner and are very nourishing. The health of the hair can greatly increase. Hair masks give gentle nourishment to the hair.
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Guard your hair when swimming
Chlorine in water keeps bacteria at bay but will harm your dyed hair. Some of the few ways to protect your hair are to apply pre-swimming conditioners, hair oil, and wear swimming caps. Once the swimming is done make sure to rinse hair with clean water and for added nourishments apply leave-in treatment after rinsing.
Conclusion
Everyone enjoys changing their hair color once in a while. However, the right product should be used. Avoid using cheap ones as they may damage the hair entirely. So, try not to cheat on hair dyes. It is best to talk to a hairstylist as they may guide you in a better way. These 9 steps can help preserve the look of the hair for a longer time.
