Table of Contents
How to Take Care of Color-Treated Hair
Color-treated hair requires special attention to maintain its vibrancy, health, and overall appearance. Whether you’ve opted for a bold new hue or a subtle enhancement, implementing a thorough hair care routine is essential to protect and restore color-treated hair.
What can damage color-treated hair?
Color-treated hair is more susceptible to damage due to the chemical processes involved in dyeing. Understanding what can harm your colored locks is essential for maintaining their health and vibrancy. Here are some common factors that can damage color-treated hair:
Heat Styling Tools
Excessive use of heat-styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straightening irons can weaken the hair shaft, causing it to become brittle and more prone to breakage. High temperatures can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and further damage.
Harsh Shampoos
Shampoos containing sulfates and other harsh chemicals can strip the dye from hair and cause it to fade prematurely. These ingredients can also dry out the fine hair, making it more susceptible to damage. It’s essential to use sulfate-free shampoos designed for after-color treatment.
Frequent Washing
Washing your hair too often can lead to moisture loss and fading of hair color. Water, especially hot water, can open up the hair cuticles, allowing color molecules to escape and causing the color to fade more quickly. You may notice dry hair upon washing. So it’s best to keep your hair dry most of the time.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can break down hair color, leading to fading and dryness. The sun can also damage the hair cuticles, making hair more susceptible to breakage and split ends. If sun exposure can’t be helped, apply a hair mask.
Chlorine and Salt Water
Swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water can cause significant damage to color-treated hair. Chlorine can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause color to fade and hair to dry. Saltwater can dehydrate the hair, leading to dryness and brittleness.
Chemical Treatments
Additional chemical and hair color treatments, such as perming or relaxing, can further weaken already fragile color-treated hair. Combining these processes can cause severe damage, making hair more prone to breakage and split ends.
Rough Handling
Brushing or combing color-treated hair too aggressively can lead to breakage and split ends. Wet hair is particularly vulnerable, so it’s essential to handle it gently and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle.
Poor Diet
A diet lacking essential nutrients can affect hair health, weakening it and more prone to damage. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins helps maintain strong and healthy hair. Consume lean meat, egg whites, and spinach to keep your hair healthy.
How do I maintain my newly dyed hair?
Here are some essential tips to ensure your colored hair stays beautiful and healthy.
Choose the Right Products
Using the right products is crucial for maintaining colored hair. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo and a color-protecting conditioner to prevent stripping color from your hair.
Purple shampoo can help neutralize brassy tones, especially in blonde and silver hair. You can also apply leave-in treatments and use a moisturizing spray.
Gentle Washing Practices
Washing dyed locks too frequently can fade hair color and lead to dryness. Aim to wash hair no more than two to three times a week, and always use lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can open up the cuticles, causing color to fade faster. A clarifying shampoo can be used occasionally to remove product buildup but should not be overused as it can strip color.
Deep Conditioning Treatment
Regular conditioning treatments and hair masks are essential for maintaining the health of color-treated hair. These treatments help restore moisture and repair damage.
A leave-in conditioning treatment or a protective leave-in conditioner strengthens weak hair, can add an extra layer of protective barrier, keeps hair hydrated, and adds shine.
Protect from Heat
Minimize the use of hot tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straightening irons. Always apply a heat protectant spray when styling is necessary to shield your hair from damage.
Letting hair air dry whenever possible can also help maintain colored hair and its natural texture. Towel-dried hair may be a better option than using a blow dryer.
When showering, use cold water. It protects the hair’s cuticle and prevents color from fading. It’s also great for keeping your scalp healthy.
Avoid Over-Styling
Excessive styling can weaken hair and cause breakage. If you need to style your hair, consider using hair mascara or spray-on root concealers for a temporary fix without subjecting your hair to harsh chemicals.
Protect from the Elements
UV protection is vital for color-treated hair, as the sun can cause color to fade and hair to dry out. Use hair products with UV filters, or wear a hat outdoors. Additionally, chlorinated water can turn blonde hair into an unattractive green hue, so always wear a shower cap when swimming.
Incorporate Natural Oils
Argan, coconut, and jojoba oil can nourish and shine color-treated hair. These oils help seal in moisture and protect hair from damage. A hot oil treatment can give you shinier hair. When using oils, apply them to damp hair and cover it with a hot towel. A damp or dry hair will allow the hair to absorb the nutrients and protect colored hair.
Use Dry Shampoo
To extend the time between washes, a good dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil and add volume to your colored hair. This helps in maintaining the vibrancy of your color while keeping your hair looking fresh.
When your hair is dyed, you must know that the cuticle layer can take up to three days to fully close. When you wash your colored hair, it can also wash away the hair dye from the cuticle layer, causing your hair color to fade faster.
Healthy Hair from the Inside Out
Maintaining a balanced diet can significantly impact your hair health. A diet rich in vitamins and proteins, such as lean meat, fuels hair growth and keeps hair follicles healthy. Consider taking a vitamin C supplement to support collagen production, which is essential for strong and healthy hair.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Minimize the use of products that contain harsh chemicals that can strip color and damage hair. Look for gentle, nourishing formulas that are specifically designed for colored hair.
Handle Hair Gently
After washing, avoid rubbing your hair with a towel. Instead, use a soft towel or a t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water. Allow hair to air dry, or use a blow dryer in a cool setting.
Regular Trims
Getting regular trims helps to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. This can also prevent breakage and maintain the overall integrity of your color-treated hair.
By following these tips and using the right products, you can keep your color-treated hair looking vibrant, healthy, and beautiful. Taking a proactive approach to hair care will ensure that your dyed hair stays in top condition, allowing you to enjoy your new look for longer.
What to do after hair color treatment
After coloring your hair, it’s crucial to follow specific steps to ensure the longevity of your new color and the health of your hair. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after a hair color treatment:
Wait Before Washing
One of the most important steps is to wait before washing your hair. Waiting at least 48 to 72 hours after your hair color treatment is recommended. This waiting period allows the cuticles to close and helps lock in the hair color, ensuring it lasts longer.
Use a Shower Cap to Protect Hair Dye
When you need to shower but don’t want to wash your hair, wear a shower cap to protect it from getting wet. This helps maintain your color and prevents it from fading too quickly.
Follow Hair Care Tips for Colored Hair
Maintaining color-treated hair requires commitment and the right techniques, but the results are well worth the effort. By adopting a consistent hair care routine and protecting your hair from common sources of damage, you can preserve the vibrancy and health of your colored hair.
Embrace these tips and enjoy your stunning, long-lasting color while keeping your hair in optimal condition.
FAQs
How do you keep color-treated hair from fading?
To keep color-treated hair from fading, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for colored hair to avoid stripping the color.
Wash your hair less frequently and always with cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can open the cuticles and cause color to fade. Incorporate deep conditioning treatments and hair masks weekly to maintain moisture and strength.
Minimize the use of styling tools and, when necessary, always apply a heat protectant spray. Protect color-treated hair from UV rays and chlorine by using UV protection products and wearing a swim cap in pools.
Lastly, handle your hair gently, especially when wet, and avoid over-brushing to prevent breakage.
How often should you wash colored-treated hair?
You should wash color-treated hair no more than two to three times a week. Washing less frequently helps to preserve the color and maintain the hair’s natural oils, preventing dryness and fading. When you do wash, use lukewarm or cool water and sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for colored hair to protect and prolong the vibrancy of your color.
How long does color-treated hair last?
Color-treated hair can last anywhere from four to six weeks, depending on several factors, such as the type of dye used, hair care routine, and environmental exposure. Permanent dyes tend to last longer, while semi-permanent and temporary dyes may fade more quickly.
Proper care, including using sulfate-free shampoos, minimizing styling, and protecting hair from UV rays and chlorine, can help extend the vibrancy and longevity of the hair dye. Regular touch-ups and deep conditioning treatments also play a crucial role in maintaining color-treated hair.
