Hair Color Gone Bad
When I was 17, my mom finally decided to let me get my
hair colored. I was so excited because I'd never had color in my hair before, and I wanted to get the most radiant glow possible. During the following days, I spent time searching through Google for color ideas and finally stumbled upon a beautiful depiction of black hair with burgundy highlights. I wanted to have a
black bob with this hair color, and I was determined to get it. I went to my hairstylist who did a great job on my desired color, and the styling was even more magnificent. I was happy and didn't regret choosing such a bold look. A few weeks later, however, I frantically searched for a way to
get rid of my color due to the issue of fading. It looked awful! My beautiful burgundy color had gone from vibrant to dull, and then suddenly changed to an odd green color. While I was getting my hair done, I never thought to ask my hairstylist how to upkeep my hair color. Apparently, there are many necessary methods and tools needed to maintain hair color. Everything from how you wash your hair, what products you use, and how often you visit the salon matters when you get a head full of color, or even some simple highlights. Luckily for you, these mistakes can be avoided if you just follow these simple steps below.
Consult a Professional
If you’ve never gotten your hair colored before, and are looking to, make sure you consult with a professional before you do. Be sure to ask the right questions so that you’ll know how to care for your hair with the new color. Ask what are the best shampoo and conditioners for colored hair, if using heat will damage the color vibrancy, and how often it’s recommended you wash your hair. Confirm with your stylist a routine visit to ensure the best care for your colored hair. When it comes to products they may use to treat your hair, be aware of what the products contain. For color, make sure they only use quality,
conditioning hair color. This product will continue to condition and moisturize your hair as the weeks go on. The natural oils in the conditioning color will help retain moisture in your hair and keep it healthy, even with the new coloring. If you’re someone that can’t afford to make it to a professional, do all the research you possibly can before coloring your hair. Usually, there are plenty of hairstylists online that are willing to give consultations and resources such as YouTube and Pinterest is available for you as well.
Do the Proper Research
You should treat your hair the same way that you treat your face. Do the proper research before spending your hard-earned money. Don’t buy styling products, like hair gel, because they’ve been known to deplete hair color. Try to avoid hair products with alcohol listed in the top ingredients because it’ll just dry out your hair, and also fade your hair color. Buy shampoos, and conditioners with color-protecting agents, especially the kind that tailor to your specific shade. If you don’t know where to start, I suggest asking a professional. Depending on where you shop, there should be someone willing to help you find the right product for your
hair color.
Know What Color is Most Susceptible To Color Loss
Most color will last long, but some colors, especially vibrant ones will fade quicker than others. It is imperative that you know this information before coloring your hair so that you know how to take care of it properly. For example, red coloring, like the burgundy color I had gotten, fades faster than other colors. The intensity of the color makes it difficult for it to penetrate deeply into the hair. Because it’s difficult for red hues to penetrate the hair, they will be more difficult to maintain. Make sure that you ask your hairstylist to use hair color that maximizes vibrant color without stressing your hair too much.
Wait Before You Wash
Many people have wash-day regimens that aren’t ideal for colored hair. Something that most people forget to ask is how long they should wait before washing their hair for the first time. After getting your hair colored for the first time, wait at least 48 hours before rewashing your hair. It's even better if you can wait longer than that. Giving your hair this time will give your color time to settle into your hair.
Cold-Water Is Your Friend
When you do finally wash your hair, stick to warm to cold water temperatures. Hot temperatures drain out dye quicker and strip your hair of the color you worked hard to get. If you do decide to have warmer temperatures, avoid standing directly under the spray. Another great tip that will help you with your overall beauty, not just your hair, is to get a shower head that can filter out minerals like iron and lime. These natural water minerals are harsh on colored hair. Getting a shower head will help your skin and hair, and give you the dynamic duo look you've always wanted.
Shampoo Less, Condition More
When you get new hair color, don’t worry too much about shampooing often. Yes, that means you’ll need to wash your hair less often if you want to retain that vibrant hair color. Why? Well, manufacturers make shampoos with cleaning agents meant to remove everything from dirt to color. Even if you use the color-protecting kind of shampoo, overdoing it can ruin the color. The worst thing to do is wash out the hair color your spent money and time on. As a recommendation, shampoo less often to keep those natural oils in your hair. Natural oils will help condition your color-treated hair. If you’re someone that needs to clean your hair often, then try to stick to shampooing only three times a week. For those that can't avoid shampooing too much then stick to shampooing your hair twice a week. Shampooing less will help you keep your hair color for longer, and maintain healthy tresses along the way. Usually, when I decide to get color in my hair, I’ll do a conditioner wash, which means that I’ll cleanse my hair with minimal shampoo, and utilize the most conditioner. Also, a great option if you don’t want to go through the hassle of washing with water, is dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is quick and easy, and for the most part, simple.
Deep Conditioner Will Keep You Popping
Most of the time, the chemicals in dyes leave hair dry, and brittle, primarily if not adequately maintained. To keep your hair soft and healthy, use a deep conditioner at least once a week after shampooing. For it to be the most effective, apply deep conditioner at the roots until you gradually reach the ends. Give it time to soak, and penetrate your hair. If you want to make the most out of your experience with
deep conditioning, put on a shower cap while you wait. After your ten minutes are up, rinse your hair. Revel in your freshly conditioned hair because it will look fabulous after you finish the entire process. Keep in mind to not treat conditioning and deep conditioning equally as they aren’t the same thing. You should condition your hair every time you shampoo, but deep conditioning isn’t necessary every time, just once or twice a week.
Use Color Enhancing Products
Dyed hair requires particular attention because so much can go wrong if you don’t take care of it. What you use on your colored hair will ultimately determine how your hair will look while you have this style. As mentioned before, use color-protecting shampoos and conditioner to protect the color and shine of your hair. It is essential that you’re not opposed to spending a pretty penny on these products.
Salon-grade products are the way to go when it comes to colored hair. Another great product to use is a glaze. A glaze or gloss is a quick, temporary product used to add shine and pigment to hair. These products are used to complement the tone of hair color. A glaze is more suitable for those of you that are particular about chemicals. Glazes don’t have peroxide in them as glosses do. Both of these products sit on top of the hair and don’t penetrate deeply. Hot oil treatments are also a great way to add sheen to your hair. Hot oil treatments are simple, and you can do them at home. First, you’ll need to clean your hair. After you wash your hair, apply the treatment and apply heat to your hair by using a hot towel, a blow dryer or the lovely warm sun. I prefer to sundry over anything. After the hot oil treatment, allow your hair to cool, then rinse with cold water.
Heat Protectant Will Give You Time
If you’re someone that uses heat on their hair, then it’s necessary that you use heat-protecting products after getting a color treatment. If you use blow dryers and straighteners, make sure your hair is as dry as it can be before applying heat. You don’t want your hair to heat from the inside out, especially when it’s colored. Prepare your hair for the heat with a leave-in conditioner, and finish with a protective hairspray. Applying heat-protectant to your hair will not only lengthen the time between your hair appointments, but it will help your hair keep it’s nourishment even while you use heat on it. Using heat on colored hair has been shown to dry out hair, and drain follicles of vibrancy. Avoid this by being proactive about protecting your hair when you manipulate it with it. If possible, try to use the least amount of heat, and when you do use heat, put it on the lowest setting possible.
Sunscreen Isn’t Just For Skin
Sunscreen for hair does exist, and it helps tremendously with maintaining hair color. Too much sun has been proven to oxidize and bleach hair color. If you know that you’ll be in the sun a lot after a hair color treatment, then investing in a hair sunscreen is the best thing you can do for yourself. Use a hair sunscreen that has UV protectors. Some of these protectors have SPF in them, and a mix of vitamins used to help restore color-treated air, and prevent damage in the future. If you can’t seem to avoid the sun, wear a hat to provide extra protection. Also, use moisturizing spray with an SPF factor of 10-15 so that throughout the day your colored hair is protected.
Keep Your Colored Hair Thriving
Colored hair is a great way to enhance any look but it's important to provide the proper care to maintain its vibrancy. Learning certain methods that could limit damage and promotion of fading is always a major key. Following the tips I shared with you today can help ensure your color's life through tomorrow. Be open and willing to great hair care! Having issues with fading color? Share any questions or comments you may have below in the comment section! Let us know if this article helped in any way.
