How To Take Care Of Colored Hair?

If you just colored your hair, you'd want it to last long, right? There are plenty of ways you can make this happen.

Whether you chose a subtle balayage or simple highlights, it is essential to know how to maintain and protect your color-treated hair. Moreover, salons are expensive, and you probably spent good money to achieve your hair color goals.

With a little extra care and attention, your colored hair stays healthy and looks vibrant for much longer. Let's find out how.

Ways To Take Care Of Coloured Hair

1. Keep Your Hair Hydrated

Yes, that’s the magic mantra! Keep your hair hydrated as much as possible because hair tends to become dry and brittle after coloring.

Deep conditioning helps the hair retain its moisture, making it soft and shiny. It is also a good idea to get a hot oil treatment at least three days before coloring. Hot oil treatments not only nourish your hair but also protect it from drying out, owing to all the chemicals in the dye.

2. Wait Before Shampooing

Once you color your hair, wait at least 72 hours before shampooing your hair. The ammonia present in the dye opens the hair cuticles so that the color can penetrate the hair shaft. It takes up to three days for the cuticle layer to fully close.

If you shampoo right after coloring your hair, there are chances of your hair color fading and looking dull instantly. If you want to keep your new tone looking vibrant, it's best to wait it out on the shampooing.

3. Get Touch-Ups Frequently

If your hair grows fast, chances are your non-colored roots are going to show up rather quickly. If this bothers you, visit your salon or colorist for regular touch-ups.

Touch-ups are useful if you want to color a specific portion of your hair where the color has faded away. If you think this is too high maintenance, opt for highlights or streaks. This way, it won't be very noticeable when the color starts to fade.

4. Go For A Sulfate-Free Shampoo

sulphate free shampoo

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is one of the most common ingredients present in shampoos. Using sulfates on color-treated hair is a terrible idea as this is likely to strip your hair of both its color and moisture.

If you want to ensure that your hair color stays for longer, choose a sulfate-free formula, specifically for color-treated hair. Organic shampoos made from natural ingredients are also a good alternative as they are gentle on the hair.

5. Add A Pinch Of Dye

Whenever you condition your hair, add a pinch of dye to the conditioner. This can help restore color that washes away because of shampooing.

This hack works well if you sport bright colors such as pink, blue or purple.

6. Check Water Temperature

A hot shower may feel wonderful, but it is best to avoid washing your hair with hot water. This strips your hair of its natural oils and fades color tremendously.

It is advisable to adjust your water temperature to lukewarm or cold while washing your hair.

7. Avoid Washing Your Hair Every Day

The most effective way to protect your colored hair is to avoid washing it every day. Daily shampooing strips the color from your hair, leaving it looking dry and dull.

Limit washing your hair to a maximum of two to three days a week. If you are finding it difficult to wean off your shampooing habit, then skip straight to the conditioning step.

8. Protect Your Hair From Heat

Colored hair is more damage-prone and vulnerable to heat. If you want your hair color to look fresh, it is crucial to reduce heat exposure from blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.

If you absolutely need to use your styling tools, invest in a good heat protectant spray to minimize the damaging effect of heat on your hair.

9. Make Hair Masks Your BFF

Woman holding her colored hair

Whether you've colored your hair or left it in its natural state, befriending a hair mask is always a good idea. A nourishing hair mask acts as a high-powered conditioner that can significantly improve the health of your hair.

You can either pick one up from the store or make your own mask at home using natural ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil.

10. Protect Your Hair While Swimming

The water in swimming pools has chlorine in them to keep it free from bacteria. It is important to protect your hair before you dive into the pool by applying a pre-swimming conditioner, oiling your hair, or wearing a swimming cap.

When you're done swimming, be sure to rinse your hair out completely with clean water. For some added nourishment, apply a leave-in treatment to your hair after the rinse.

Can I Oil My Hair After Coloring?

Woman applying hair oil

Yes! Coconut oil can benefit all hair types - especially dry, damaged, and color-treated hair.

The chemicals present in hair dye can make your tresses dry and rough, but coconut oil counteracts these effects. It nourishes and hydrates your hair, stimulates hair growth, repairs damage, and won't fade your color.

Simply apply a few drops of coconut oil to your hair, leave on overnight, and wash it off in the morning. Your color-treated hair will certainly thank you.

What Should I Avoid Using On Colored Hair?

1. Avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates. Sulfates can be too strong and will likely strip your hair of its color.

2. Avoid using too much heat. Styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners cause long-term damage to your hair.

3. Avoid using hot water to wash colored hair.

4. Avoid shampooing too often.

Wrapping Up

If you want to color your hair, don't cheat on the color to save money. It is important to choose a good brand of color if you wish to achieve a high color with long-lasting results. Talk to your stylist, so you're both on the same page.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and these tips come in handy for you to care for your color-treated hair.