Whether you have red, platinum, or any shade of hair in between, your color treated hair needs a little extra attention if you’re wanting that hot new color to last long. Luckily, we’ve rounded up a few of our top tips to keep your color looking vibrant and your hair looking healthy, especially during this winter season.
Wash less often. When you color your hair, the outer layer of the cuticle is opened which is necessary for the color to penetrate the hair shaft. If you wash your hair too soon after you color, the cuticle layer might still be opened which will lead to the color being washed straight down the shower drain. It can take up to three days for the cuticle layer to fully close, so wait at least that long to shampoo for the first time after your treatment. In addition to this initial waiting period, extending the time between regular washes will also help you avoid stripping the natural oils from your hair and maintain that vibrant color.
Use high quality products. Your stylist is an expert in hair care and should be your first source of information regarding quality products specific to your needs. We recommend sulfate-free shampoo for color maintenance, and we have various options in our salons to help meet all your hair care needs.
Turn down the heat. Though hot showers might feel amazing, especially when it’s cold out, it is not good for your hair color. To prevent stripping your color, try shampooing with warm water and rinsing your conditioner out with cold. The warm water will allow the shampoo to penetrate the hair shaft just enough to cleanse it, and the cool rinse afterward will help seal in the moisture from your conditioner. We also recommend you reduce your use of heat styling tools as much as possible, and when you do use heat to style begin with a heat protectant.
Keep up with your regular trims. Dead ends won’t hold color and fade faster than healthy hair, so be sure to keep up with regular trims (we recommend every 6-8 weeks) to keep your color looking fresh from root to tips.
Is your hair in need of a little extra TLC? Come see us at Charles Ifergan, where we have the tools and expertise to help you address all your hair care concerns. We are committed to being on the forefront of the ever-changing art of hairstyle, and with three locations to serve you-Oak Street, Deerfield, and Oakbrook- we’re always nearby. Schedule an appointment today at the location that most convenient for you. If you prefer, you can also use our mobile app to schedule the time and place that suits your needs. Download it for free on iTunes and Google Play.
