About a month into quarantine and the shutdown, most people started having the same thought… “when can I get a haircut?!”.
Whether your hair was getting too long, or you were worried about your color fading, the Google frenzy started on how to maintain your cut and color. When you have little experience in the salon, the idea of having to cut and color your hair yourself can be terrifying. We have a few tips and tricks to help you maintain your hair color until you feel like you’re comfortable enough to go to your favorite salon.
The easiest changes to make that can help you every day are in your daily routine. Something that many stylists will recommend as a start is washing your hair less. When you wash your hair, you strip it of its natural oils that keep your hair moisturized and your color vibrant. Also, if you have a temporary or semi-permanent color, each wash strips a little bit more color.
Along the same lines, the temperature of your shower (and the water pressure) can affect how your hair behaves and grows. The hotter the water the more the pores in your hair open up and release your color to be washed out. Washing your hair with slightly warm and rinsing with cooler water is the most protective of your hair and color.
It is also better for your hair to let it air-dry after a shower, even if you love your blowdryer. Heat can be very damaging to your hair, especially after it’s colored.
Something that is important for hair care, in general, is choosing the right shampoo. This is especially important for people with colored hair as chemicals in shampoos and conditioners can often strip your hair of all the good stuff. The main chemical to stay away from that is in a lot of shampoos and conditioners is Sulfate.
According to theeverygirl.com, “Sodium laureth sulfate, also known as sodium laureth ether sulfate, is a type of anionic detergent that is found in many personal care products. 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 hair salon to achieve)”.
Another important set of products to consider are ones that protect against heat, sun, and other things that can harm your hair and color. “Colored and chemically treated hair needs extra hydration and protection from the sun to prevent damage and loss of nutrients to the hair. Leave-in treatments will help keep your hair smooth and hydrated, and it’s important to find one with UV protection so that the sun won’t fade your hair color”.
Another type of protective product to consider if you are frequently using any sort of heat on your hair is a protective spray. Typically used before any type of heat treatment is given, protecting it from possible damage. Theeverygirl.com also says that “Heat protectant sprays will help reduce moisture loss from inside the hair, smooth the outside of the hair, and protect your hair from humidity after heat styling which, in all, will help maintain your color.”
If you want to go the extra mile to protect your colored hair and have it last as long as possible- you can watch your diet and take supplements.
According to Matrix.com “ Vitamins are another key to keeping color-treated hair healthy and shiny. Vitamin C keeps blood vessels in the scalp healthy by supporting hair follicles. Vitamin C also helps you absorb iron from plant proteins. Biotin, an essential B vitamin, strengthens weak hair and improves its texture. Biotin is found in salmon, carrots, egg yolks, and sardines. When diet is lacking, taking vitamin supplements can help keep hair – and your body – healthy and strong.”
