What exactly is color-treated hair?
Color-treated hair is naturally dyed using a process to alter its color. This process involves the opening of the cuticle, which is your outer layer of the hair shaft, to deposit the permanent color. Once the color is deposited, the cuticle closes again. However, this process can leave the hair more porous, leading to quick color fade and making the hair more susceptible to damage.
At our hair salon in Ballston Lake, NY, we know exactly how to make the most out of your newly colored hair.
Understanding the characteristics of color-treated hair is crucial as it operates under a different set of rules compared to untreated hair. Knowing that your hair has been chemically altered will inform you of the special care it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
One of the fundamental rules is to always consult with your hair colorist before making any changes to your hair care routine. They can guide you on the best practices to maintain your new color and keep your hair healthy, such as using cool water when washing and applying the right styling products. Regular trips to the hair salon help ensure your color-treated hair stays silky while maintaining your natural hair texture.
Remember, dry hair is a common challenge with color-treated hair, so it's important to keep it moisturized and nourished. With the right hair care, you can have beautiful, vibrant, and healthy color-treated hair.
Which ingredients should you avoid if you have color-treated hair?
When looking after color-treated hair, certain ingredients commonly found in hair products should be avoided to maintain the vibrancy of your color treatment and prevent damage.
Sulfates (SLS or SLES): These are harsh detergents used in shampoos for lathering purposes. However, sulfates can strip the color from your hair, leaving it dull and faded.
Parabens: Used as preservatives in many hair care products, parabens can cause irritation and dryness in color-treated hair, leading to color fade.
Sodium Chloride: Often found in shampoos and conditioners, sodium chloride can strip moisture from your hair, making color-treated hair dry and brittle.
Petrochemicals: These are derived from petroleum and can form a film over the hair shaft, leading to color fade and dullness.
Always read the labels of your hair products and look for those free of these ingredients. It's always wise to talk with your hairstylist about the best product choices for your specific hair type and color treatment.
Opt for sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for a healthier hair care routine.
Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner are critical elements in maintaining the integrity and luster of color-treated hair. Sulfates, often used in many hair strong natural texture hair color treatment products, including shampoos, are known to strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture. This not only leads to dry, brittle strands but also results in fading hair color over time, as the sulfates wash away the vibrant hues of your permanent hair dye.
L'oreal, a renowned brand in the hair care industry, offers a variety of hair colors and complementary sulfate-free options suitable for all hair types. Their products are specifically formulated to gently cleanse while keeping the cuticle layer intact, preserving the beautiful color and preventing future damage.
By using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, you're giving your color-treated hair a chance to retain its vibrancy and health. However, remember that maintaining your colored hair goes beyond avoiding harsh shampoos. It's also about giving it regular deep-conditioning treatment and seeking expert advice from your hairstylist to ensure your hair stays as vibrant as ever. We will provide custom-tailored recommendations based on your specific hair type, color treatment, and lifestyle, all aimed at keeping your hair looking its absolute best.
Wait Three Full Days To Shampoo Newly Colored Hair
After a fresh hair color application, you must wait three full days before shampooing your newly colored hair. This patience is not arbitrary; it plays a significant role in maintaining the vibrancy of your hair color. While it may seem like a simple act of delayed gratification, this period allows the color to settle into the hair cuticles properly. Washing your hair too soon after the color application can risk rinsing off the dye, leading to premature fading.
Additionally, remember that your hair is more porous and vulnerable after dyeing.
Subjecting it to shampooing too soon can cause unnecessary damage. This three-day waiting period is key in ensuring your hair color remains rich and your hair stays healthy. Your stylist will guide you through this process, and patiently waiting this time can make a significant difference in the longevity and brilliance of your color-treated hair.
Always Condition Your Colored Hair
Conditioning color-treated hair after shampooing is essential to maintain its health and vibrancy. The conditioner forms a protective barrier around each hair strand, protecting against external elements that may cause damage. It works by sealing the cuticles – the outermost layer of the hair shaft – reducing the hair's porosity and preventing moisture loss. This action not only enhances the shine, volume, and luster of your hair but also ensures that the color stays vibrant for a longer period of time.
Color-safe conditioners, in particular, offer a myriad of benefits when used regularly. They provide a hydrophobic layer to the hair, limiting water absorption, which can wash away hair dye and weaken the hair structure. By smoothing the hair's surface, color-safe conditioners boost the shine of each strand, giving your hair a healthy glow. Additionally, such conditioners prevent friction, reducing the risk of breakage and maintaining the strength of your hair strands.
Deep conditioning treatments or even a simple hair mask can also provide extra protection for color-treated hair. These treatments penetrate deeper into the hair cuticle layer, nourishing and strengthening it from within. A leave-in conditioning treatment applied a few times weekly, can provide additional moisture to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
Remember to always rinse with fresh water at a lukewarm temperature. Cold water is best to seal the cuticles, lock in moisture, and leave your hair shinier. It's worth mentioning that professional hair colors can often withstand more washing and styling due to their higher quality. However, they still benefit greatly from regular conditioning and the use of protective leave-in conditioners.
In all, the regular use of a conditioner, especially a color-safe one, is crucial for maintaining the health of your dyed hair. Consult with your hairstylist about the best conditioning treatment, as personalized advice can make all the difference in the longevity and beauty of your color-treated hair.
The Benefits of Dry Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
For those with color-treated hair, dry shampoo can be an excellent add to your hair routine. Dry shampoo helps maintain the freshness of your hair between washes, allowing you to extend the time between traditional shampooing. This is particularly beneficial for color-treated hair, as it minimizes the frequency of washing, which can strip away color over time.
The primary role of dry shampoo is to absorb excess oil at the roots of your hair, which can otherwise make your hair appear greasy. It's a hassle-free, quick fix that revives your hair, giving it a clean, fresh look without the need for water or traditional shampooing.
Additionally, most dry shampoos are color-safe, meaning they won't cause your vibrant hair color to fade or interfere with any leave-in treatments you are using.
Using dry shampoo is straightforward: shake the product well, then hold the can a few inches away from your roots. Shake your dry shampoo onto your roots, then massage it into your hair and scalp. Leave it for a couple of minutes to absorb and then gently brush your hair to distribute the product and remove any residue evenly. By including this step in your hair care routine, you can ensure your color-treated hair maintains its freshness and vibrancy for longer. As always, consult with your hairstylist about the best dry shampoo for your specific hair type and color treatment. They can provide tailored advice to protect your colored hair further, ensuring it stays healthy and vibrant.
Shampoo Your Color-Treated Hair Less Frequently
Reducing the frequency of shampooing is essential for maintaining the vibrancy and longevity of your color-treated hair. Each wash may potentially strip away color and cause moisture loss from your hair. Therefore, it's important to alter your hair-washing routine to preserve that perfect color. Here are some simple steps for shampooing your colored locks less frequently:
Reduce Daily Washing: Daily washing can progressively lead to color fading and moisture loss in the hair follicle. Try to extend the period between washes. For instance, if you currently wash your hair daily, shift to every other day. Your hair will gradually adjust to the new routine while retaining its vibrant color.
Use Color-Safe Shampoo: Invest in a color-safe shampoo explicitly designed for color-treated hair. These products contain gentle cleansing ingredients that clean your hair without stripping off the color. They also typically include ingredients to hydrate your hair, preventing the moisture loss commonly associated with frequent washing.
Consider Purple Shampoos: If you have blonde or silver-colored hair, purple shampoos can be a game-changer. They neutralize brassy tones, ensuring your color stays fresh and vibrant for longer. Use according to your stylist's recommendation.
Rinse with Cold Water: When you do shampoo, rinse with cold water. Warm water can open up the hair cuticle, allowing the color to wash out more quickly. Cold water, on the other hand, helps seal the cuticle, locking in the color and additional moisture.
Dry Shampoo is Your Friend: On those "no wash" days, dry shampoo can refresh your hair without the need for water or traditional shampoo.
Invest in Moisture-Boosting Products: Given the risk of moisture loss with washing, include moisture-boosting products in your routine. Deep conditioners, hair masks, or leave-in conditioners can provide the extra care your colored hair requires.
Shampooing less frequently and using a variety of products specifically designed for color-treated hair will help keep your hair's vibrant color intact longer. It's always a good idea to consult with your stylist for personalized advice tailored to your unique hair type and color treatment. They can provide the best recommendations to prolong the life of your hair color while ensuring the health of your hair.
Avoid High Temperatures: Protect Your Color-Treated Hair from Heat Damage
High temperatures can harm color-treated hair, leading to faded hair color and overall damage. The hot water used during showers, heat styling tools such as hair straighteners or flat irons, and excessive sun exposure all contribute significantly to this risk.
Firstly, hot water can cause the hair cuticle—the outer layer of the hair shaft—to open up, leading to a loss of color and moisture. It's advisable to use lukewarm water for your showers and to rinse your hair with cold water at the end to seal the cuticles and lock in the color.
Secondly, heat styling tools, while they can give the desired look, can cause heat damage to your hair. This damage can particularly harm color-treated hair, fading the color and leaving the hair shaft dry and brittle. To guard your hair from heat, consider using a hair straightener or flat iron less frequently and always apply a thermal protectant spray or serum before styling. Heat products work by creating a protective barrier over the hair shaft, reducing potential heat damage from hot tools.
Lastly, excessive sun exposure can also contribute to fading hair color. UV rays from the sun can tarnish the hair color and cause it to lose its vibrancy. Using products with UV protection can help shield your hair from this damage. Look for UV-protecting products specifically designed for color-treated hair. A hat can also provide extra attention and protection to your hair during sunny days.
Taking proper care to protect your color-treated hair from high temperatures ensures not only long-lasting color but also overall healthy hair. Remember, your hair needs extra attention after color treatments, and avoiding high temperatures is a vital part of this care. As always, regular salon visits can help maintain your hair's health and vibrancy. Your Clifton Park, NY hairstylist can provide tailored advice based on your exact hair type and color treatment, so don't hesitate to consult them about the best protective measures for your hair.