Color-treated hair can add a pop of personality to your look, whether experimenting with a bold new shade or subtly enhancing your natural hue. However, maintaining that vibrant color requires a bit of extra care and attention. Without proper TLC, your dyed coils can quickly become dull, dry and prone to breakage. However, with the right approach, you can keep your color-treated hair looking fresh and fabulous for longer.
“Whenever you dye your hair, it is extremely important to follow the aftercare instructions your stylist provides,” said Keayoni Whittaker, a hairstylist. “A lot of times people don’t follow those instructions or miss touch-up, and ultimately, it leads to breakage.”
Coloring your hair involves chemical processes that can weaken the hair structure. It doesn’t matter if it’s a full-on transformation or a few highlights. This leaves your hair more susceptible to damage from everyday styling, environmental factors and harsh hair products.
“I always advise my clients not to skip their leave-in or moisturizing treatments,” she said. “The dye can strip moisture from your strands, leaving them parched and prone to breakage.”
She advised adopting a specialized hair care routine, geared toward replenishing moisture, protecting against damage and preserving your color’s vibrancy. Whittaker also shared four tips on caring for your color-treated hair.
Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
The right products is key to caring for your hair. Start your color care routine in the shower by using products formulated for color-treated hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on your strands and won’t strip away your color. These products help preserve your dye’s vibrancy, while nourishing your hair with essential moisture and nutrients.
Minimize Heat Styling
She also recommended minimizing the use of heat on your hair. Excessive heat styling can further damage color-treated hair, leading to dryness, breakage and fading. Opt for air-drying your hair or using heat-free styling methods, such as braiding or twisting. When you do use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant beforehand to shield your strands from any more damage.
Hydrate Regularly with Hair Masks
Treat your color-treated locks to a weekly deep conditioning or hair mask to replenish moisture. Look for masks formulated for color-treated hair and enriched with nourishing ingredients, like coconut, argan or shea butter. Apply the mask generously to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
“Remember, dye can dry your hair out,” Whittaker said. “Your strands only dry out when you’re not moisturizing them regularly.”
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Whittaker revealed that like your skin, your hair can suffer from sun damage. This can cause your color to fade and your strands to become dry and brittle. Consider using a UV-protectant hair spray when spending extended periods outdoors to protect your color-treated hair from the sun’s harmful rays. You also can use leave-in conditioners or styling products with built-in UV filters for added protection.