Let’s face it, most of us either colour our hair on a regular basis or have tried a new shade just for fun. No matter where you colour your hair- at the salon or at home, you want to make that new shade lasts as long as possible. When it comes to making your hair colour last, there are things that can help, but it’s likely not what you’ve been told or what you’ve read in beauty magazines. With proper care and a little creativity, you can keep your color-treated hair looking shiny and vibrant- here are few tips:
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE HEAT
Instead of busting out the blow dryer, curling iron and straightener daily, consider taking a day or two off. Try an air dried look, or an awesome updo like the timeless topknot or a loose braid. Pro tip: no blow dryer necessary- the messier these updos look, the better!
MOISTURIZE
Some of the best treatments on the market now use oils. Using argon, Moroccan, or macadamia oil can help extend the life of the colour of your hair and also keep your hair strong and shiny. Also ask your stylist about the in-salon treatments available from Kerastase for an extra boost of love after your colour treatment.
AVOID RED
Red hair colours tend to fade faster because they have the largest molecules. The molecule size makes it more difficult for red dyes to penetrate deeply into the hair, thus they dissipate more rapidly. So when going for a red hue, be sure to have your stylist use hair colour that maximizes high-definition colour results with minimum stress to the hair’s cuticle.
AVOID CLARIFYING SHAMPOOS
Clarifying shampoos can strip hair colour because contain a high level of detergent in order to deep cleanse and remove build-up of dirt and hairstyling products, so avoid using them unless it’s right before you are going to have your hair coloured. If you have grey hair you are covering, look for a clarifying shampoo that removes hairspray resins, silicones and waxes. Best Homemade Natural Shampoo Recipes for Healthy Hair
SAY YES TO LEAVE-IN TREATMENTS
Using a leave-in conditioning treatment can help detangle your hair and protect it from heat tools, the elements and other damaging forces. Look for leave-in conditioners that are specially formulated to protect colour-treated hair. This is particularly important if you frequently use blow dryers, curling or straightening irons or if you spend a lot of time near a heater or in the sun.
SHAMPOO LESS FREQUENTLY
The longer you wait before shampooing the better chance your new colour has to settle in. Makes perfect sense if you think about it, whenever we wash our hair in hot water, it starts to relax and the colour molecules from the hair dye can escape much more easily. That’s why we lose a little bit of our colour every time we wash our hair.
DEEP CONDITION YOUR HAIR
Deep condition your hair to boost proper strength and volume. Mix egg, banana, and yogurt in equal quantities. Apply this pack on your hair and keep it for an hour. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. This is an excellent home remedy for smooth and soft tresses and will condition them well. BEAUTY DIY: BANANA HAIR MASK FOR DRY DULL AND DAMAGED HAIR
EVEN APPLICATION WHILE AT-HOME COLOURING
You want an even looking hair colour. Always use a wide-toothed comb to apply colour in sections evenly. Never make the mistake of dabbing on colour lumps by spreading mixture here and there. Start from the roots and evenly go till the end. An even application is necessary to get a beautiful hair colour. You will surely would not want a dark patch here and a lighter one there.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- Try coating your hair in coconut oil or olive oil before jumping in the pool, It creates a slippery barrier between your strands and harmful chlorine.
- Look for hair products that contain UVA and UVB filters to protect it from the chlorine and the sun.
- Use 1 tbsp of vinegar and use it as a rinse, it helps keep your colour fresh and restores the hairs natural shine.
- If you know you’re going to colour your hair, start using masks and conditioning treatments a few weeks before so that way your hair is strong and ready to go before your get it coloured.