Colored hair is a canvas of self-expression, a vibrant reflection of personal style. Whether you’ve embraced bold hues or opted for subtle highlights, maintaining the vibrancy and health of your colored locks requires special care. In this blog post, we’ll unveil a comprehensive guide on how to pamper and preserve the brilliance of your colored hair.
1. Choose the Right Products: Color-Safe Formulas
The foundation of colored hair care starts with choosing the right products. Invest in salon grade shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. I love Amikas Vault Color Lock Shampoo and Conditioner! Look for sulfate-free options, as sulfates can strip away color and natural oils, leading to premature fading.
2. Deep Conditioning: Nourish and Hydrate
Colored hair tends to be more porous, making it prone to dryness. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment like Amikas Soulfood Nourishing Mask into your routine at least once a week. Choose a product rich in moisture and nutrients to nourish and hydrate your locks, keeping them silky and vibrant.
3. Limit Washing: Preserve Color, Reduce Fading
Frequent washing can contribute to color fading. Try to limit washing your hair to two to three times a week, or as needed. On non-wash days, use a dry shampoo like Amika Perk Up Talc Free Dry Shampoo to refresh your hair and absorb excess oil without compromising your color.
4. Cool Water Rinses: Seal the Cuticle
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to escape. Opt for cool or lukewarm water when rinsing your colored hair. This helps seal the cuticle, preventing color from leaching out and contributing to a smoother, shinier appearance.
5. Protect Your Hair from UV Rays: Sunscreen for Strands
Just as you protect your skin from the sun, your colored hair needs UV protection too. Wear hats or use products containing UV filters to shield your locks from the sun’s harmful rays, which can contribute to color fading. Davines carries a great sun protection product called Su Hair Milk.
6. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling: Gentle Styling Practices
Excessive heat styling can lead to color damage and loss of vibrancy. When using styling tools, set them to a lower heat setting, and always use a heat protectant spray to shield your colored strands from potential damage. My favorite heat protectant spray is the Kenra Platinum Hot Spray.
7. Regular Trims: Bid Farewell to Fading Ends
Regular trims help maintain the health of your colored hair by preventing split ends and breakage. This ensures that your color remains vibrant from root to tip. Schedule trims with me every 6-8 weeks to keep your locks looking fresh and lively. Just click the book now link on the top of the page.
8. Color-Refreshing Treatments: Revive the Radiance
Consider occasional color-refreshing treatments to revive the vibrancy of your hue. These treatments deposit a small amount of color to refresh and enhance your existing shade, extending the life of your color between salon visits. Davines make a great line called Alchemic. They have a variety of shades to choose from such as silver for blonds that want to be platinum, copper for those coppery reds, red for the vibrant red head that fade and chocolate for the rich browns. The tinted shampoos are meant to prepare the hair to receive the intense pigment of the conditioner. Towel dry the hair after the shampoo and the apply the corresponding conditioner, silver, copper, red, or chocolate. I recommend leaving the conditioner on for 30 minutes to get most intense results.
9. Gentle Towel Drying: Pat, Don’t Rub
Colored hair is more delicate, and rough towel drying can contribute to breakage and frizz. Pat your hair gently with a soft microfiber towel instead of rubbing vigorously. This minimizes friction and helps preserve the integrity of your color.
10. Professional Maintenance: Salon Visits Matter
Regular visits to the salon for touch-ups and color maintenance are essential for keeping your colored hair looking its best. As a professional stylists I can assess your hair’s condition, address any issues, and recommend personalized care to ensure the longevity of your color.
Colored hair is a beautiful investment, and with proper care, it can maintain its brilliance and vitality. By adopting a tailored care routine, choosing the right products, and incorporating protective practices, you can enjoy the radiant hues of your colored locks for an extended period. Embrace the joy of vibrant, healthy, and well-maintained colored hair that reflects your unique style and personality. You deserve for every day to be a great hair day!
Allyson Hankley-Master Stylist