Whether you’ve been coloring your hair since you were 12 or have just taken the leap and gotten the unicorn hair you’ve been dreaming of, you probably know that color-treated hair requires some extra TLC. You don’t have to choose between healthy, vibrant hair and the colors you love. Here are six tips to care for color-treated hair.
Prep Your Hair
Let’s be honest. Hair dye isn’t easy on your tresses. But there are ways you can minimize the toll coloring takes on your hair. Prepping appropriately is one of them.
You’ll want to spend some time making sure your hair is as healthy as possible before you get it colored. Don’t slack on your hair care routine in the weeks before your appointment. Condition your hair well every time you wash it, and consider using a hair mask a week ahead of time.
Leave Coloring to the Pros
It can be fun to experiment with colors, and paying a professional to do your hair is undoubtedly more expensive than tossing a box of color in the cart with your groceries. But this is one area you shouldn’t skimp on.
A professional knows how to protect your hair and minimize the damage done by coloring. It’s especially important to see a professional if you need to bleach your hair. Otherwise, you could end up with hair so badly damaged that you have no choice but to stop coloring it for a long time.
Be Patient
You’ve just gotten your hair done, and it looks amazing! Now what? Patience, my dear. You’ll need to wait a few days before washing your hair.
If you shampoo sooner, you risk losing some of your color. That’s because your hair cuticles are opened to allow the dye to enter, and they need time to close again. Your hair is more susceptible to damage during this time, so just be gentle and remember, good things come to those who wait.
Go Sulfate-Free
Dye and sulfates are both harsh on the hair. Combining the two is a recipe for disaster. The sulfates strip your hair and lead to fading. Plus, many people find sulfates irritating.
Instead, use products that are free from sulfates. Wash your hair sparingly, and condition well after every wash. Viori bars are always sulfate-free. Looking to eliminate fragrance, too? Try Native Essence to clean and condition your hair.
Cool Down
Heat and color don’t mix. Use lukewarm water to wash your hair and cool to rinse. Let your hair air dry as often as possible. Be sparing with heat styling and use a protective spray first.
Don’t forget that UV rays are damaging to both your hair and your color. Your hair will stay healthier, and your color will last longer if you protect it from the sun. Use a protective spray, wear a hat or scarf, or avoid the sun’s rays all together during the hottest part of the day.
Nourish Your Hair
Don’t forget to eat a healthy diet so your body has all the nutrition it needs to keep your hair looking incredible. And if you find that your colored locks are getting too dry, consider adding in a weekly hair mask made from natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
Caring for your color-treated hair with Viori? Add a pic to our Reviews page. We’d love to see your results!