We permanently dye our hair for many reasons–we may want to cover up grays, change up our look constantly and maybe we just do not like the hue Mother Nature has given us. If we spend all that time in the salon getting color processed, plus our hard earned money on our color, of course we want it to last until it is time to get redone! Here are some tips to help make our hair color last:
1. Don’t Shampoo Too Often
Frequent shampooing will cause your hair color to fade faster. Wash no more than 3 times a week and on the days between use a dry shampoo to help any oil at your roots.
2. Use a Shampoo & Conditioner with Color Protecting Ingredients
Using a shampoo and conditioner (or mask”> with ingredients to help prolong the life of your color is a great investment. You already spent all the money on your hair color, so you want it to last. Ingredients like UV protectors (more on that in a minute”>, plus butters and oils to moisturize and hydrate your hair is ideal, plus protein to restore the damage from coloring.
My favorite line to use for color protection is the Kerastase Reflection Chroma Captive range. Another great option is the Superfruit Renewal system by Shea Moisture.
3. Go Easy on the Heat Styling Tools
Keep blow drying, flat ironing and curling to a minimum. Color treated hair is more prone to breakage and damage from high heat tools. If you must use them (I get it, no one wants to go outside with wet hair mid winter”> it is best to keep it on a colder setting. It may take a bit longer to dry, but having less damage is worth it.
4. Deep Condition Frequently
This is always my #1 tip for hair health and with color, it is no exception. Deep conditioning will help the damage that hits your hair from the coloring process by restoring moisture and protein. Frequent deep conditioning leaves hair, softer, smoother and more manageable and helps preserve the color.
5. Add a Glaze To Your Routine
Using a glaze every other week will give your hair increased shine and boost your color vibrancy. It will help fight any dullness or fading that may start and keep your color looking fresh until next salon appointment. A great option is the Rita Hazan Gloss for your hair color (I use the Ultimate Shine Breaking Brass one”>
6. Use a Color Depositing Conditioner
These are great to boost the vibrancy of your color treated hair or help balance and tone. I personally love using the Clairol Shimmer Lights purple conditioner to counteract brassiness in my blonde. But be careful not to use them every single wash- as some color depositing conditioners can cause build up.
7. Invest In a Filtered Shower Head
Water is said to be the biggest culprit for fading hair color, but we NEED water to shower- there is no way around it! Investing in a filter for your showerhead will cut down on minerals like iron and lime, which can alter the hair, even being a culprit for blondes turning brassy! Aside from keeping your hair color truer, longer, using a flitered shower head will also help with shine, frizz and manageability. I personally have been using the T3 Source Showerhead Filter since October and can’t believe the difference.
8. Don’t Shower with Scorching Hot Water
Hot showers feel wonderful to our souls, but they zap our skin and hair of vital moisture. Showering with lukewarm water and even (gulp”> finishing with cool water will help your hair color stay shiny.
9. Use Products with UV Filters
“Ultraviolet rays can penetrate the cuticle of the hair and oxidize or bleach the color,” according to allure.com Not only will your hair color fade but it will also dry your hair out. Using a product with UV protectors in it, such as Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray will help keep your strands safe from the sun. When you go to the beach, or will be out in the sun for long hours at a time, wearing a hat is most ideal to protect your hair from sun damage.
10. Beware Of Chlorine
Especially blondes. If you go swimming unprepared, your curls can turn green! Coat the hair with conditioner and/or an oil beforehand so your hair does not absorb the chemicals. If you do wind up with a green tint to your locks, a good old remedy is using tomato juice on it- the red can help counteract the green.
This article was originally published December 2014 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
