Coloring your hair is an investment. It takes time and frequently requires a lot of money, particularly at high-end salons. So naturally, you want your color to stay vibrant and last as long as possible. Thankfully, there are ways to help keep your hair healthy and your color looking amazing. Here are six tips for preserving your color-treated hair.
Shampoo Sparsely
You don’t need to shampoo every day, and when you have color-treated hair, it’s even more important to space out your wash days. We know that coloring hair can be damaging, so it’s important not to strip the healthy oils from your hair. And since you lose a little color every time you wash, shampooing less frequently will help your color last longer, too.
Ditch the Sulfates
Sulfates are used to create lather in shampoos. While they may give you lots of suds, they also strip your hair of protective oils and your color. Plus, many people find them super irritating. Instead, choose a sulfate-free shampoo. Your color won’t be as likely to fade, and your hair will be healthier. Viori’s shampoo bars are always free of sulfates and gentle on color-treated hair.
Remember to Condition
Conditioning your hair is always important, but it’s especially crucial for color-treated hair. When you shampoo, your hair cuticles are lifted, and oils are washed away. If you don’t seal your cuticles with conditioner afterward, you’ll leave your hair dry and prone to breakage. Choose a conditioner that includes natural oils like shea, cocoa butter, and rice bran oil.
Skip the Heat
Heat styling saps your hair of moisture, which can make your color fade. Coloring is already hard on your hair, so adding heat isn’t the best idea. Your hair will be healthier, and your color will last longer if you allow your hair to air dry instead of blow-drying and style without heat. If you must heat style, always use a protectant spray first.
Use a Mask
The more moisture you can keep in your hair, the healthier it will be, and the longer your color will last. A mask will nourish your hair, make it more resilient, and help it retain moisture, which helps your color adhere better. Remember to choose a mask that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients or make a nourishing DIY hair mask yourself. We have some great DIY hair mask recipes here.
Don’t Forget the SPF
The sun’s rays are brutal, and being in the sun too long damages your hair as well as your skin. It also wreaks havoc on your color. UV rays dry out your hair, leaving it fragile and easily broken. The sun can also fade or change your hair color, undoing all your hard work. Protect your hair with an SPF spray, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cover your hair with a scarf, and try to avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day.