There is one thing hair dye does to your precious tresses, it’s subject them to highly concentrated chemicals. Let’s face it, whenever we dye our hair, we are doing quite a bit of damage to the cuticles. The key to maintaining hair health and vibrancy post-colouring is to reverse the damage already done, as well as protect the strands by using conditioning products and serums. There are many ways we can care for bleached and dyed hair, from using colour-prolonging products to practicing sensible hair care techniques.
1. Avoid using a blow dryer
It is best to let dyed hair dry naturally to prevent further damage to your hair cuticles. As heat can open the cuticles and prevent the hair from sealing properly after it is washed, it will be harder for your hair to keep moisture in, making it more susceptible to becoming frizzy and weak. The same goes for other styling tools that use heat, such as curling rods and flat irons. Invest in heat serums and heat protective products if you really have to use a heat styling tool.
2. Use a colour protecting conditioner
By investing in a good, salon quality conditioner specifically tailored for coloured hair, you’ll know that the formula used will benefit your dyed tresses and provide the essential nourishment it needs to regain natural shine and strength. Using a conditioner will also help to keep your hair cuticles hydrated and prevent frizz.
3. Homemade hair masks work
For a cheap and effective way of maintaining the health of your dyed hair, making a homemade hair mask out natural ingredients such as honey, bananas and eggs will help. By using protein-rich ingredients, you will be strengthening your hair cuticles and preventing breakages and poor elasticity in the strands. Try using a hair mask once a week for optimum restoration.
4. Wear a hat outside
Prevent UV damage - which can severely cause your dyed hair to fade and become less vibrant - by wearing hats when you venture outside. Also, invest in sun protection sprays and serums if you can. If you’ve opted for blonde tones, sun damage can cause your dyed locks to turn greenish and brassy, and that’s not something you want!
5. Try not to wash your hair too often, or for too long
It is not wise to wash your hair too often after your hair colour appointment. Your hair is incredibly porous after being dyed, so the colour requires some time to set. By constantly subjecting your hair to long periods of rinsing, you will be slowly striping the dye out from the cuticles, making your colour appear less vibrant. If you’ve just had your hair done, try washing your hair every other day to preserve the colour.
6. Don’t go swimming, especially in a chlorinated pool
Chlorine can penetrate the hair shaft and make coloured hair fade faster. When taking a dip, try to wear a swimming cap or tie your hair up and prevent it from entering the water. If you’ve dyed your hair red, you might want to avoid the pool altogether as the colour may run in the water.
7. Avoid brushing your hair when wet
Dyed hair has been subjected to chemicals and is therefore much weaker and prone to breakage. When your hair is wet, brushing it may raise the chance of your strands stretching and snapping. Always pat your hair dry with a towel in gentle pressing motions instead of rough wringing motions. Once your hair is completely dry, you can gently drive a brush through the strands. Avoid pulling at knots.
8. Try some supplements
Vitamins can aid in keeping colour-treated hair shiny. Adding vitamin C to your diet can help keep your hair follicles healthy, and biotin - an essential B vitamin found in salmon, carrots and egg yolks - can improve hair texture and strengthen weak and limp hair.
9. Avoid washing your hair with hot water
Hot water can leech the colour from your hair faster than cool water because the heat can open up the pores in your strands. Stick to room temperature water if possible to prevent the dye from escaping.
10. Don’t colour your hair to often
Of course, it goes without saying that colouring your hair too often will cause unnecessary damage - try not to dye it more than once a month. Your hair needs time to recover from its previous chemical treatment. If you need to conceal regrowth at the roots during this time, there are a variety of at-home kits to help with touching up.
Source: Marie France Asia
