After dedicating hours at the salon to achieve that flawless hair color, the next step is to ensure its longevity. “Your hair care routine significantly impacts the durability of your color,” explains Laura Gibson, RUSK global artistic director. However, many of us unknowingly fall into common pitfalls that can jeopardize our vibrant hues. From washing your hair too soon to selecting the wrong products for cleansing, these missteps are surprisingly frequent. This guide will introduce the optimal timing for washing your hair post-coloring and tips to keep your fresh salon looking for as long as possible.
How Often Do You Wash Your Hair?
Practice Washing Less
When it comes to maintaining the vibrancy of your hair color, one of the best tips from celebrity colorist and dpHue cofounder Justin Anderson is to wash your hair less frequently. “My number-one rule is definitely shampoo less,” he advises. Overwashing can strip not only your color but also the natural oils your scalp produces, which are vital for healthy hair and scalp.
Think of it this way: if you wash your favorite T-shirt daily, its color will fade quickly, losing that fresh look you love. The same principle applies to your hair. By reducing the frequency of washing, you allow natural oils to nourish your strands, helping maintain both color and moisture.
Instead of traditional shampoo, Anderson recommends using dpHUE’s ACV Hair Rinse ($37) as a gentler alternative. This product offers a light cleanse without stripping away essential oils or that beautiful, vibrant color you just achieved at the salon. ACV (apple cider vinegar) is known for balancing pH levels and enhancing shine, making it an excellent option for color-treated hair.
In addition to washing less, consider incorporating dry shampoo into your routine. It can help absorb excess oil between washes, allowing you to extend the time between shampooing while keeping your hair looking fresh. A few spritzes can add volume and life to your locks without compromising color.
Steer Clear of Swimming to Protect Your Hair
To preserve your hair color, avoiding swimming is crucial. Emily Claire Sacco, a Rob Peetoom Williamsburg colorist, emphasizes that salt water and chlorine can significantly strip or alter your color. Tina Outen, founder of Tina Did It Salon, likens chlorine to Kryptonite for color-treated hair, highlighting its bleaching properties that can wreak havoc on your vibrant locks.
Blonde hair is particularly vulnerable, often turning green from chlorine exposure, while darker shades may lose their luster and shine. New York City colorist Jaclyn Seabrooke explains that chlorine targets the most porous hair areas, typically your fresh highlights. This means that once those highlights come into contact with chlorine, they can become compromised, resulting in unwanted tones.
Protecting your hair is essential to mitigate potential damage, especially during the summer months. Wearing a good hat can shield your strands from direct sun exposure while using hair products with UV protection can help safeguard against sun damage. Additionally, consider applying a leave-in conditioner or oil before swimming to create a barrier against chlorine and saltwater. By taking these preventive measures, you can maintain the integrity and vibrancy of your color-treated hair.
Rely on At-Home Treatments for Color Longevity
To maintain your vibrant hair color and maximize longevity, expert colorist Emily Claire Sacco recommends adopting professional-grade at-home treatments. These specialized treatments, like Olaplex or K18, are specifically designed to seal the hair cuticle, effectively locking in color molecules and preventing fading. “These patented treatments have been proven to enhance color retention,” Sacco explains.
Using these treatments regularly can help maintain your color and improve your hair’s overall health. They work by repairing and strengthening the hair structure, which is especially important after the chemical processes involved in coloring. When your hair is healthier, it retains color better and looks shinier, making your investment in salon services last longer.
It’s crucial to follow the product instructions for the best results. Most treatments recommend using them once a week or bi-weekly, depending on your hair’s needs. Additionally, consider incorporating color-safe shampoo and conditioner into your routine to further support your color treatment efforts.
Since each person’s hair type and needs vary, Sacco advises consulting with your stylist to determine which treatment best suits your hair. This personalized approach can help you achieve optimal results, ensuring your color remains fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Combining these treatments with good hair care practices allows you to enjoy your new color without worrying about premature fading or damage.
Hold Off on Washing Your Hair Initially
After spending time and money on your fresh color, you might be itching to wash your hair, but patience is vital. Celebrity colorist Aura Friedman recommends waiting at least three days before shampooing your newly colored locks. This crucial waiting period allows the hair cuticle to close fully and the color to set correctly, ensuring the vibrant hues last longer.
Colorist Izquierdo reinforces this advice, emphasizing that the cuticle needs time to seal in the color molecules, which can be easily washed away if you shampoo too soon. If you have plans for an intense workout shortly after your color appointment, it’s wise to consider rescheduling. Sweating can lift the color from your hair, negating the work you have just done.
In the meantime, you can use dry shampoo to absorb any excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh without compromising the color. Additionally, protecting your hair from heat-styling tools and environmental factors during these initial days can help preserve the vibrancy of your color. By allowing your color to set, you’re investing in the longevity of your stunning new look.
Opt for Gentle Cleansers
While clarifying shampoos can be tempting for their deep-cleaning abilities, they are a definite no-go for anyone with freshly colored hair. Celebrity hairstylist Ryan Trygstad warns that these shampoos can strip away the pigment and tone you just paid for, leading to lackluster results. Instead, prioritize using sulfate-free or color-safe shampoos, allowing effective cleansing without compromising your hair’s vibrancy.
Sulfates are particularly harsh on newly colored strands, as they can remove essential color molecules, leaving your hair looking dull and feeling dry. To maintain the richness of your hue, consider incorporating tinted shampoos or conditioners into your routine, as they can help preserve your color’s tonality between salon visits. These gentle products not only protect your investment but also keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant for longer. Always check with your colorist for recommendations tailored to your hair type and color.
Mix Up Your Shampoo
Incorporating a pigmented shampoo into your routine at least once a week is essential to maintaining vibrant, salon-fresh hair color. For those with blonde hues, using a purple shampoo, like Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo, can effectively combat unwanted yellow or brassy tones, instantly refreshing your look. This lavender-tinted solution is also beneficial for gray and ashy shades, helping to brighten and enhance their appearance.
Celebrity stylist Ryan Trygstad recommends using color-pigmented conditioners, such as Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask in Baby Blonde, to keep your color fresh and vibrant. These conditioners preserve the beautiful tones you achieve at the salon while adding moisture and shine, which can be particularly beneficial for color-treated hair that tends to dry.
For brunettes who notice their hair leaning to copper, integrating a blue-hued shampoo, like Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Sulfate-Free Shampoo, can cool down those warm undertones, ensuring your color remains rich and balanced. These specialized shampoos not only help maintain color but can also enhance the overall texture of your hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.
It’s also worth experimenting with different products to find what works best for your hair type and color. For instance, those with curly hair may want to pair a moisturizing pigmented shampoo with a hydrating conditioner to ensure that their curls remain defined and bouncy. Mixing up your shampoo routine can significantly improve your hair’s vibrancy, health, and overall appearance.
Avoid Hot Water
After a fresh color treatment, it’s crucial to rethink your shower habits. Celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland emphasizes the importance of steering clear of hot water. Both Cleveland and Leo Izquierdo, cofounder and colorist at IGK Salon, warn that hot water can lift the outer layer of hair color, leading to premature fading. Instead, opt for cold water or lukewarm temperatures when rinsing your hair. This practice helps seal the cuticle, locking in the vibrant color and extending its lifespan. Additionally, rinsing with cooler water can enhance shine and overall hair health, making your color look even more vibrant and salon-fresh. By adopting this simple adjustment to your hair care routine, you can significantly improve the longevity and vibrancy of your color.
Rethink Your Workout
When it comes to maintaining your hair color, your workout routine can play a significant role. Celebrity stylist Laura Gibson advises against daily shampooing, especially after a fresh color treatment, as this can strip your hair of its vibrancy. Moreover, she emphasizes the need to be cautious with heated workout classes, such as hot yoga or high-intensity interval training. The combination of sweat and heat can open the hair cuticle, making it more prone to color fading.
To preserve your newly colored locks, consider adjusting your exercise habits. If you enjoy heated workouts, consider opting for lower-temperature classes or activities that minimize sweat production. Additionally, wearing a moisture-wicking headband can help keep sweat away from your hair. If you do sweat heavily, try rinsing your hair with cool water afterward rather than shampooing, which will help refresh your scalp without compromising your color. By being mindful of your workouts, you can extend the life of your hair color and keep it looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
Avoid Clear of the Sun
While we often think of chemicals and chlorine as the main culprits behind fading hair color, celebrity hairstylist Eric Leonardos reminds us that the sun can also be a significant factor. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can break down the hair’s pigment, leading to dullness and color loss. To combat this, it’s crucial to use a specialized SPF spray designed for hair. Celebrity stylist Michelle Cleveland suggests a good UV protectant, like the Sebastian Trilliant Spray ($21.50), to shield your color from harmful rays.
Additionally, consider wearing a hat with UV protection when spending time outdoors. This not only helps preserve your hair color but also protects your skin from sun damage. Being proactive about sun exposure can keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy for longer.
Choose Dye Safe Formulas
To ensure your vibrant hair color lasts as long as possible, choosing the proper hair care products is crucial. Sulfate-filled shampoos are one of the biggest culprits that can strip your beautiful hue. “Sulfates are responsible for the foamy lather and that squeaky-clean feeling,” explains celebrity colorist Jaclyn Seabrooke. However, for those with freshly colored hair, it’s best to avoid them as much as possible.
Seabrooke recommends keeping a sulfate-free shampoo in your shower to alternate with your regular wash. This approach is especially beneficial if you tend to shower frequently. By using sulfate-free formulas, you reduce the risk of stripping color, allowing your vibrant locks to maintain their shine and richness for a more extended period. Look for shampoos specifically designed for color-treated hair to maximize longevity and maintain the health of your strands.
Skip Certain In-Shower Treatments and Masks
When maintaining freshly colored hair, it’s essential to be mindful of the products you use in the shower. Dandruff-fighting shampoos and clarifying treatments are particularly harmful, as they are designed to strip away unwanted tones during color correction, which can lead to premature fading of your vibrant hue. Celebrity stylist Tina Outen warns against using these types of products, as they can disrupt the balance of your color.
Additionally, while thick treatment masks may appear to be beneficial for nourishing dry hair, they can actually cause more harm than good. Outen notes that these masks penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, potentially dragging color pigments out. To protect your color, opt for lighter conditioning treatments specifically formulated for color-treated hair, ensuring your strands stay healthy without compromising your beautiful hue.
Stay Off the Chemicals
When it comes to preserving your freshly colored hair, celebrity colorist Sharon Dorram emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive exposure to harsh chemicals. “Styling products that contain alcohol, as well as frequent blow-drying, can significantly contribute to color fading,” she warns. The chemicals in many styling products open the hair cuticle, allowing the color molecules to escape.
To minimize damage, opt for alcohol-free styling products whenever possible. Look for options specifically formulated for color-treated hair, as they often contain nourishing ingredients that help maintain your hair’s vibrancy.
Additionally, Ryan Trygstad points out that the use of heat-styling tools and over-shampooing can lead to premature fading of your hair color. Excessive heat can dry out the hair, making it more porous and susceptible to color loss. Consider alternative styling methods instead of reaching for your curling iron every morning. For a beautiful, heat-free wave, try loosely braiding your damp hair before bed or using soft hair rollers. These techniques help maintain your vibrant color and keep your hair healthier in the long run.
Moreover, incorporating a weekly deep conditioning treatment can work wonders. Products like Olaplex or a hydrating hair mask can replenish moisture and create a protective barrier around your hair, shielding it from environmental stressors and styling damage. Remember, taking these extra steps can significantly enhance your hair color’s longevity and overall health.
Protect Your Hair Color
Celebrity stylist Jaclyn Seabrooke emphasizes the importance of using a heat protectant when it comes to maintaining vibrant hair color. “Never style your hair without one,” she advises. Many people make the mistake of blow-drying their hair and then immediately using hot tools like flat or curling irons without protection, which can visibly lift the color from the hair. Even the healthiest strands can succumb to damage, as heat strips away moisture and hydration, leading to faded color and significant damage.
A quality heat protectant is essential; it not only reduces moisture loss from within the hair but also smooths the cuticle, creating a barrier against humidity. This protective layer helps to maintain your color’s vibrancy for a longer period, as it prevents the harsh effects of heat styling from penetrating the hair shaft. Friedman recommends applying a product like KHairPep to hair about eighty percent dry before any heat styling for optimal results. This way, you’re ensuring that your strands are shielded from the intense heat while still allowing them to retain their natural shine.
In addition to using a heat protectant, consider adjusting your heat styling routine. Try lower heat options whenever possible instead of using the highest temperature settings. High heat can exacerbate color fading and damage, especially on already-processed hair. Opting for tools with adjustable heat settings gives you greater control over styling and helps preserve your color.
Moreover, when applying heat, Sharon Dorram cautions against using other styling products, such as volumizers, mousses, and hairsprays. These products can create additional stress on already vulnerable strands. Instead, keep your styling routine simple by relying primarily on a heat protectant. This allows you to focus on protecting your color while minimizing product buildup, which can damage your hair and dull its appearance.