Anytime you're coloring your hair, you're compromising the hair cuticle. Colored hair can be prone to damage so it's important to take care of it. Below are some tips that can help with that!
1. Wait at least 3 days before washing.
The longer you wait, the better! I suggest waiting at least 3 days to wash your hair. This allows time for the cuticle of your hair to close, locking in those color molecules. In some cases, the cuticle of the hair may take up to 2 weeks to close. My suggestion to those that are going through the process of getting their hair lighter, wait two weeks for your next session.
2. Choose your shampoo wisely
Always go professional brands. They are better quality ingredients that your hair needs. You already invested in your hair, protect your investment. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates in the shampoo will strip the hair color and will also strip the hair of its natural oils. When this happens your hair may fade, dry, and create frizz.
3. Blue or Purple shampoo
If you have lightened hair, toning shampoos can help prolong the need for a toner. They're not as strong as toners so they can't replace a professional toner but it can help with brassiness. Purple shampoo is for blondes. It helps neutralize the yellow tones. Blue shampoo is for brunette tones. It will help neutralize orange penny tones in the hair. I suggest using purple or blue shampoo when you're close to your next maintenance appointment.
When using a blue or purple toning shampoo, leave it for 2-5 minutes before rinsing.
I also feel like it's important to point out, that using these shampoos will not make your hair lighter.
4. Wash with cool water
Washing with cool water will prevent the color from fading. The heat opens your hair cuticle allowing the color to exit.
5. Stop washing your hair every day!
Wash your hair less often. Find a dry shampoo that works best for you.
6. Do not wash and go
Use a leave-in conditioner every time you wash your hair. They provide extra moisture and nutrients to your hair. My favorites are the Enjoy leave-in conditioner, the Davines milk-in-one, and Olaplex no.6. Give you and your hair a treat and try weekly at-home conditioning treatments.
7. Always use protection
Let's face it, sometimes there's no other option when you want your hair bouncy with curls or slick straight. If you're going to use hot tools, use a heat protector. ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THOSE BLOWDRY BRUSHES. more on that on another blog post. My favorite is Davines hair shield and Olaplex no. 7
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