New Color, New You, Better Hair!
Summer is coming to a close, and the fall season is slowly pushing through.
When seasons change, what is one thing a lot of us look forward to doing? We are ready to switch up our hair color! You may want to go from your natural hair color to a new, bold hue that will turn heads. You may even consider going from bright hair color to more of a subtle look.
No matter what color(s) you choose, it’s imperative that you take the proper steps to prep your hair for this change.
Why It’s Important to Prep Before Coloring Your Hair
Although hair color can be trendy and stunning, the application process can be a harsh due to chemical changes we put our hair through.
It’s not as simple as placing a shampoo-like substance, and your hair is automatically the color that you’re looking to achieve. The actual dye must transfer through several layers of the strands which can cause severe damage if you do not prep your hair correctly.
The dye must break through to the cuticle, which protects our hair, to get to the hair shaft. This area is lifted by ammonia by elevating the hair’s pH. Since this is an unnatural process and the cuticle is only meant to remain intact, damage occurs. Peroxide then enters to break the natural hair pigment down to dye the hair. In other words, there’s more of an opportunity for damage! Your hair becomes the predetermined color during this step.
It is important to remember that the cuticle remains lifted until the dye is rinsed out. The longer it is up, the weaker it becomes. This process can also cause your hair to become extremely dry if it already lacks moisture or if you do not take proper care of it after it is colored. Once again, there’s more damage!
Although this process sounds a bit scary when considering the effect it can have your hair, do not let this stop you from rocking a new color.
Your hair needs to be good shape before committing to the process, and I’m here to help you with that!
Tips for Prepping Your Hair for New Color
As described above, any chemical that you place in your hair can alter it and cause it to become unhealthy.
It is critical that you do what it takes to protect your precious tresses from losing their life. After all, our hair is our baby! I have a few tips that you should consider to help you prevent having severe damage after coloring your hair.
Tip #1
Choose a professional stylist who specializes in hair color for your type of hair (relaxed or natural).
I know we love our DIY projects, but when it comes to adding chemicals to your hair, I would suggest seeking help. (Of course, if you have experience in this area then do your thing!) You can set up a consultation with your stylist to discuss your hair type in detail, and they’ll be able to recommend a few color options that are healthier for you.
If you’re natural and need a little help with choosing the right stylist, check out these helpful tips.
Tip #2
Get it squeaky clean. During your wash days leading up to the big day, you should make sure that your hair is thoroughly cleansed with a clarifying shampoo to ensure that you are free from product build-up.Tip #3
Don’t be lazy! Make sure that you are using all the right products in your hair when washing it 1-2 weeks before your appointment.
I know we have those days when we throw anything in our hair to save time and energy, but hair color is not something you want to take lightly. Also, feel free to inquire about the products that your stylist is planning to use during your consultation or before they begin the process.
Tip #4
Hydrate your hair strands by doing a hot oil treatment at least two-three days before.
The last thing you want to do is place chemicals in dry, brittle hair. Even if you decide not to do a full treatment, apply your favorite type of oil to your hair regularly to restore and strengthen your strands before adding color.
Tip #5
Deep condition your hair a few days before. This type of treatment is also a great way to add moisture to your hair. When deep conditioning your hair, you should try adding vitamin E to your hair to nourish your strands, especially if the hair color requires your hair to be bleached.Tip #6
Treat your hair to some good ol’ protein! There is nothing like doing a “hard reset” on your hair with a protein treatment. If your hair is suffering from damage or dehydration, add this to your wash day routine regularly for a few weeks.Tip #7
Take a break from using heated tools. Heat is already damaging to our hair, so continually applying it will increase your chances of experiencing breakage and thinning. If you cannot avoid it altogether, be sure only to use tools on a low setting and apply a coat of heat protectant.Tip #8
Trim any hair that is damaged. If your ends are struggling, let them go! Removing this dead hair will improve the look and feel of your hair, even after it is colored. You do not want to cause more stress to the strands that are already on their last leg!
All Prepped and Ready to Pop with New Color!
Once you’re all done with the prepping stage, get ready for the significant change.
Having a new hair color is like becoming a different version of yourself – how exciting! As long you follow the tips above, you should be all set to get switch up your hair and experience a new color.
So, let’s chat about it. If you plan to dye your hair, let us know what color you decided on in the comments! Have you already dyed your hair recently? What color is it, and how do you like it?
