HOW TO PRESERVE YOU COLOR AT HOME
Miami, Florida
Keeping single-process color or balayage highlights pristine is an undertaking no matter what. Here are some simple tips to preserve your color as much as possible before your next appointment.
1. After coloring, wait a full 72 hrs before shampooing
When coloring hair, your cuticle layer is opened so that the color can penetrate the hair. When you wash your hair too soon after your appointment, the cuticle layer is still open which then leads to your color being washed down the drain. It takes up to three days for the cuticle layer to fully close, so the longer you wait to shampoo your hair after you color your hair, the more time the color pigment will have to soak into the hair cuticle, which will help your color last longer in between salon visits.
2. Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
A good rule of thumb is to look for products free of sulfates. This ingredient is used to help produce a foaming effect to your shampoos and conditioners. By using sulfates, you run the risk of stripping your hair of its natural oils and moisture, which can then lead to stripping your beautiful color-treated hair (which you just spent hours and dollars at the salon to achieve).
3. Don’t Overwash Hair
I usually recommend one to three times a week for color-treated hair. Obviously how often you wash depends on your lifestyle and hair type but it’s a good reference point. On your off days of not washing your hair, simply use dry shampoo.
4. Deep Condition Whenever Possible
Just like skincare, you need to do your part at home. Similar to face-masking at home, you also should hair mask at home. Why? Because dry and damaged hair doesn’t hold color as long as well-nourished hair. My go to hydrating mask is Oribe’s Signature mask (it’s available at House of Mane).
You can also try an at-home gloss, it can do wonders for dull color. If you are unsure about the color, play it safe and use a clear gloss such as Oribe Glaze. You can do a gloss as often as every four weeks post-appointment.
5. Cold water is better for your hair
Though hot showers feel amazing to some, it isn’t so great for your hair color. When washing hair with hot water, your hair’s cuticle is opened, allowing your color to wash out while shampooing and conditioning. To prevent seeing all of your color go down the drain, try shampooing with slightly warm water and then rinse with cold water after conditioning. The warm water will allow the shampoo and conditioner to cleanse, while the cold water will help seal in the moisture from your conditioner while preventing color from fading by sealing the hair’s cuticle. The same concept applies to blowdrying your hair, you always finish with a ‘cool shot’ to seal the hair cuticle. If you haven’t watched it head to my morning am routine.
6. Type of water matters
Salt water and chlorine are your hair color’s worst enemy. If your hair had a say, it would recommend to staying away from the ocean and pools altogether.
7. Shower head filters
It’s time to consider a shower water filter. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can dry out hair and skin. That’s where water filters come in, they remove these elements to relieve issues instead people who use them tend to have softer hair and color that lasts longer and is better able to maintain its gloss and shine. Here is an entire article dedicated to shower water filters.
