There’s nothing quite like the sensation of stepping out of the salon with fresh, vibrant hair colour. It makes you feel confident, stylish, and ready to take on the world. But anyone who’s ever coloured their hair knows that keeping it looking salon-fresh can be a challenge. Fading, dullness, and damage can quickly turn your vibrant locks into a lacklustre mess. Don’t worry though! Here are some relatable and practical tips to help you maintain that gorgeous hair colour and keep your hair looking fabulous for longer.
1. Choose The Right Products
The products you use on your hair play a crucial role in maintaining colour vibrancy. Regular shampoos and conditioners can strip your hair of its colour and moisture. Here’s what to do instead:
- Sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner: Sulphates are harsh detergents that can strip colour from your hair. Opt for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for colour-treated hair. They’re gentler and help preserve your colour.
- Colour-depositing shampoo: These shampoos add a little bit of colour every time you wash your hair, helping to keep it vibrant between salon visits. They’re especially useful for maintaining reds and other bold colours.
2. Wash Your Hair Less Frequently
Every time you wash your hair, some of that beautiful colour goes down the drain, quite literally. To extend the life of your hair colour, try to wash your hair less frequently.
- Dry shampoo: Invest in a good dry shampoo to keep your hair looking fresh and clean between washes. It absorbs oil and gives your hair a lift, making it look freshly washed.
- Conditioner-only washes: On days when you don’t use shampoo, you can still condition your hair. This helps keep it moisturised without stripping away colour.
3. Use Cool Water
Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, which can cause colour to fade faster. Cold water, on the other hand, helps to seal the cuticle and lock in colour.
- Rinse with cool water: Whenever you wash your hair, try to rinse with cool water. It might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but your hair will thank you!
- End with a cool rinse: Even if you prefer warm showers, try ending your hair wash with a cool rinse. This quick blast of cool water can help seal the cuticle and keep your colour vibrant.
4. Protect Your Hair From Heat
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can damage your hair and cause colour to fade faster. Here’s how to protect your hair:
- Heat protectant spray: Always use a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools. It creates a barrier that helps protect your hair from heat damage.
- Lower heat settings: Try to use the lowest heat setting that’s effective for your hair type. This minimises damage and helps maintain colour.
5. Avoid Overexposure To The Sun
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from too much sun exposure. UV rays can cause your hair colour to fade and your strands to become dry and brittle.
- Wear a hat: When you’re spending time outdoors, especially during peak sun hours, wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from direct sunlight.
- UV protection products: There are hair products available that contain UV filters. These products can help protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun.
6. Deep Condition Regularly
Colour-treated hair needs extra moisture to stay healthy and vibrant. Deep conditioning treatments can help replenish moisture and keep your hair looking its best.
- Weekly deep conditioning: Make it a habit to deep condition your hair at least once a week. Look for treatments that are specifically designed for colour-treated hair.
- Leave-in conditioners: Using a leave-in conditioner can provide ongoing moisture and protection throughout the day.
7. Be Gentle With Your Hair
Colour-treated hair can be more fragile than untreated hair. Being gentle with your hair can prevent breakage and keep it looking healthy.
- Gentle brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for detangling to gently work through any knots. Start from the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage.
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Tight ponytails, braids, and buns can cause breakage, especially around the hairline. Opt for looser styles to minimise stress on your hair.
8. Touch Up Roots And Refresh Colour
Even with the best care, your hair colour will eventually start to fade and your roots will grow out. Regular touch-ups can keep your colour looking fresh.
- Root touch-up kits: There are plenty of at-home root touch-up kits available that are easy to use and effective. They’re a great way to cover up roots between salon visits.
- Gloss treatments: Salon gloss treatments can help refresh your colour and add shine. They’re less intense than full colour treatments and can be a great way to maintain vibrancy.
9. Watch Your Diet
Your diet can impact the health of your hair. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamins and minerals can help keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
- Healthy foods: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, in your diet. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair.
10. Professional Advice
Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Your stylist will be able to recommend the best products and treatments for your specific hair type and colour.
- Regular appointments: Schedule regular appointments with your stylist to keep your hair colour looking its best. They can address any issues and provide treatments to maintain vibrancy.
- Customised care: Every head of hair is different. Your stylist can offer personalised tips and product recommendations tailored to your hair’s needs.
Conclusion
Maintaining vibrant hair colour doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right care and a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can keep your hair looking salon-fresh for longer. Remember to use the right products, wash your hair less frequently, and protect it from heat and sun damage. Regular deep conditioning, gentle handling, and a healthy diet also play crucial roles in keeping your hair colour vibrant. By following these tips and seeking professional advice when needed, you can enjoy beautiful, vibrant hair every day.