How to Take Care of Colored Hair

You just got a fresh dye job at the salon – now what? Whether your hair is platinum blonde or inky black (or somewhere in between), color-treated hair requires some extra TLC to prevent fading and breakage. The good news? You can protect your color investment and the health of your hair by following these simple hair care habits. Keep reading for our guide on how to take care of colored hair!

How to Keep Dyed Hair Healthy

1. Strengthen Brittle Hair After Coloring

The developer in hair color opens up your hair’s protective cuticle layer, allowing the dye to deposit pigment in your hair. However, opening the cuticle layer can also allow moisture to escape. As a result, your hair may feel more dry and brittle after coloring. 

To strengthen brittle hair after coloring, use a moisturizing hair mask formulated for colored hair. You can also make your own at home by combining a ripe avocado with a tablespoon of almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your hair and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as usual. 

Tip: make sure to perform a spot test before applying the hair mask to your hair and scalp. 

2. Do Not Wash Hair Immediately After Coloring

Remember how we said that the developer opens the cuticle layer of the hair? That cuticle layer stays open for up to 72 hours after coloring your hair. So, if you wash your hair before those 72 hours are up, you could be washing your new color right down the drain. To maintain your hair color after your hair appointment, wait at least three days before shampooing your hair. 

3. Adjust Your Washing Routine

Colored hair is more prone to fading, and nothing fades colored hair faster than daily shampooing. 

To protect your color investment, we recommend washing your hair no more than two or three times per week. If your hair feels oily in between washes, try dry shampoo!

4. Turn Down the Temp

Scalding hot showers are also out – at least when you’re washing your hair. Hot showers feel great, but those high temperatures also open up the cuticle of your hair, allowing moisture and color molecules to escape. Translation? If you wash your hair with hot water, your hair color will fade more quickly and your hair will feel more dry and brittle. 

But don’t panic! You don’t have to take cold showers. Just try rinsing your hair with lukewarm water. 

5. Use the Best Products for Color Treated Hair

Colored hair requires more gentle products to prevent breakage or fading. One of the biggest culprits of fading? The shampoo you use. Too-harsh shampoos strip the hair, taking pigment with it.

Our rec? Switch to a gentle shampoo with a gentle formula that cleanses hair without stripping it. For best results, be sure to follow up with a strength-building conditioner. 

6. Protect Against UV Rays

Sunshine can also cause your hair color to fade more quickly. To protect your hair, wear a hat if you plan on being out in the sun. Or use a leave-in conditioner that offers UV protection. 

7. Avoid Heat

The heat from styling tools like hairdryers, curling irons, and straighteners will also fade your hair color more quickly. Whenever possible, opt for air-drying your hair and using heat-free methods of styling. When you do use styling tools, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray first. 

Do you have any tips for taking care of colored hair? Share your experiences with other readers in the comment section!