As with any of our beauty routines, hair color is an investment worth protecting. There are some things you shouldn’t do. We asked top hairstylists for their top-recommended tips on how to keep your color healthy and thriving long after you’re off your chair.
waiting to wash my hair
Celebrity hairstylist Glenn Ellis advises not to wash your hair immediately after coloring it. he instructs. Do you think you can stretch it? “Go as long as you can before your first shampoo at home,” says Lorena M. Valdes, a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. You will be given time.”
use the right shampoo
When washing, don’t just use the shampoo you have on hand. Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Collab says, “This is the number one thing I have to do after dyeing my hair.” It does a great job of preserving and making the color last longer.”
skip sulfates
In addition to color-safe formulas, “use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners,” says Ellis, as sulfates strip color and moisture from your hair. Collab also recommends choosing a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo. Shampoo is Pureology Hydrate ($36).
wash off with lukewarm water
A hot shower may help calm a tense mind, but when it comes to your color, it’s no big deal. Corab explains. “Washing your hair with hot water opens the hair cuticles and washes out the hair color. A lukewarm or cold temperature closes the hair cuticles, keeping them beautiful and shiny.”
Avoid clarifying your product
Along with sulfates, Ellis suggests avoiding clarifying shampoos. It looks brassy.” Choose a color-safe formula like Monday Hair Care Color Protect Shampoo ($8) to cleanse your strands without stripping color.
mask on a regular basis
You can occasionally incorporate a skincare mask into your self-care routine, but when it comes to color longevity, experts say do it regularly. “Healthy hair is more likely to last longer,” says Valdes, who recommends masking at least every other week. “The drier, damaged, or dehydrated your hair, the more likely you are to get unpredictable color results.” Hairstylist and founder of az Craft Luxury Haircare One Rodger Azadganian recommends masking at least twice a week “for extra confidence and glow.” His favorite is the az Craft Luxury Haircare Remedy Restorative Masque ($45).
always use a heat protectant
Further emphasizing the importance of healthy hair, Valdes says using a heat protectant is a top priority, even when it’s air-drying. Healthy hair helps color last longer and fade less.” If you are tackling damp hair, use BondiBoost Thermal and Heat Protectant Hair before heat styling. Try Spray ($20). To correct air-dried styles and curls, spray drybar’s Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist ($30) on dry for a quick, non-greasy refresh.
Combining Colors and Treatments
According to Valdez, opting for the treatment on the same day as your color service has the highest chances that your strands will absorb the most color. It happens, but you absorb a little more of the treatment at that stage.”
Book Gross
If a colorist recommends gloss to maintain color vibrancy, Valdes suggests pre-booking an appointment six weeks after your color appointment. This allows you to preserve color between appointments.
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