Far from just ash blonde or fiery red, today’s hair colorists can employ any number of the rainbow on our crowning glory and more of us are choosing to express ourselves in this way. However, that’s not to say that it is an option for everyone. We’re not exactly sure that the world is ready for a circuit judge with pink hair, but that doesn’t mean that there is not a fabulous selection of sleek and gorgeous-looking colors that add some personality and spice to your look.
With that being said, color doesn’t have a great reputation when it comes to maintaining the condition of your flowing locks, so we’re looking at a few ways that you can enjoy all of the fun that and individuality that comes with unique color treatments, without the baggage of the damage. A decent treatment and care routine will not only repair your hair but will also help prevent hair loss later on.
As a general rule of thumb, over-washing your hair is never a great idea as it removes all of the natural oil from your hair and sebum from your scalp, which in the right quantities goes a long way to maintaining your hairs condition. This is even more true when you have color-treated or dyed hair, as over washing will cause your color to fade sooner, and that just looks terrible.
However, if you’re the active type or you’re now ahem, conditioned to washing your hair every day, put yourself on a low poo diet – that’s a low shampoo diet and apply conditioner directly, but do remember to wash it out.
Use the right products on your hair. We can’t stress this enough and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg either. There are plenty of fabulous products around that will fit your budget and your needs, all you need to do is pick the right one. So speak to your stylist, do some online research and get some advice from friends too.
Don’t overuse flat-irons and other styling devices.
Just like overuse of these items will cause damage to your hair anyway, with color-treated hair this damage accelerates and can become more pronounced, so limit the amount of time you spend using these items, and regulate their heat settings correctly. If you have fine or thin hair, you don’t have to have these devices set to their highest possible setting, for most of us the mid-range will do just fine.
Get into the habit of using hair masques – but remember, these are used over and above your regular routine, not instead of your routine. Once a week is more than enough and believe us, you’ll thank us later. Masques are specially formulated with an intense range of ingredients that are specifically designed for nourishment and enrichment of the hair strand.
Air dry, not blow-dry. (at least some of the time).
Even amongst those of you that swear you have to blowdry your hair every day – you really don’t. Everyone from L’oreal to Mitchell agrees that the blow-dry backlash that’s currently taking place within the ranks of the style set, is well-founded. Blowdrying your hair excessively removes all of the natural oils from your hair, leaving strands exposed and prone to damage.
Your hair strand is not a ‘singular’ thing, it’s actually an organic bit of material that has layers and what looks like ‘scales’ under a microscope. When these are damaged and ‘opened’, the impact on your hair is disastrous, and collectively will look awful besides. Excessive heat, blowdrying, sunshine, wind, seawater, pool water, etc. are generally not the best friends your hair can get, and when your hair is dyed and color-treated, even less so.
Know your hair. Different color treatments require different types of care. For example, highlighted hair needs regular conditioning while maintaining balayage hair color, requires its own regimen and treatment plan.
Frankly speaking, if you have challenging hair, at times having it color-treated can actually be a blessing because a new color will help to hide some damage or dull-looking hair, but that doesn’t get you off the hook. You still need to practice a good hair care routine if you want to keep your locks looking luscious all season long.
Manage your active lifestyle (for your hair’s sake). If you’re a sporty, outdoorsy girl then you have a unique hair care routine and regimen outside of the care you’ll need for color-treated hair. Ensure that you use a leave-in conditioner or serum that offers protection from the sun, and if you’re a beach baby, then use a product with specific sun protection ingredients in it. If you’re a swimmer, it can help to keep a little leave-in conditioner to hand for when you’re out of the water and if always rinse your hair with fresh water after you’ve been in the sea or the pool.
Maintaining a good diet. Eating and living well isn’t just good for you, as a rule, it’s also good for you holistically and when you have a diet that’s rich in Omega-3 and antioxidants it will show in your nails, skin – and hair.
Keep your products as natural as possible – but use what works for you.
Everyone is different, so what works for your best friend may be a terrible solution for you. Remember that if you have color-treated hair, chances are that a chemical process was used in order to achieve the color and result you wanted. This is damaging in and of itself, so if you can find a natural product to treat and protect your hair, this is going to be much better for you than a heavy, chemical-based one, but – for some of us, not all of the natural products seem to work, so trust your instinct.
Our hair is a distinct and highly visible part of our personalities. Our styles, color, and length all say a little something about us (or for some of us, a lotta something about us), so treat your hair well and you’ll get months of enjoyment out of it.
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