Whatever it is, a professional hair color done by the hairdresser or a DIY one to be applied comfortably at home, every woman's dream is that it will last as long as possible. Unfortunately, there are several factors that can cause the dye color to fade, including improper use of shampoo or poor hydration of the hair. Environmental factors, such as heat, sunlight, and sea or pool water, can also remove color from your hair. Fortunately, by making small changes to your daily beauty routine, you will be able to make the color last longer and, even if it starts to fade, you can take action with practical do-it-yourself treatments that allow you to quickly touch up the color of the roots or lengths to make it shiny again.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Wash Dyed Hair
Step 1. Wait to shampoo
If you want the dye to last as long as possible, you need to give it time to set on your hair. Shampooing too early means risking washing away some of the color, which will fade more quickly as a result. The ideal is to avoid washing them for at least 24 hours after dyeing them.
If you really feel the need to wash them, use only cold water, no shampoo, and gently scrub your scalp with your fingertips
Step 2. Wash your hair less frequently
Using the shampoo every day will wash away both their natural protective oils and the tint. If you want them to keep an intense and bright color, it is best to wash them every other day or every two days.
If looking in the mirror you feel like your hair is dirty or limp, you can use a dry shampoo, better if specially formulated for colored hair. In addition to absorbing excess sebum at the roots, it will add volume
Step 3. Use a specific shampoo for dyed hair
When you wash your hair, it is important to use the right product. Choose one that's specially formulated for dyed hair to keep the color from losing intensity. It is best to opt for a product that contains silicones but is free of sulfates, to help safeguard the color by sealing it in the cuticles.
You can also use a tinted shampoo designed specifically for dyed hair. In addition to preventing the dye from fading, it will release colored pigments on the hair, reviving it while waiting for the next color
Step 4. Use the shampoo mainly on the roots
When you wash your hair, don't apply shampoo to the lengths and ends. The best thing to do is to use it almost exclusively on the roots, where most of the oils are concentrated, forming a soft foam.
Once the foam has formed around the roots, you can distribute a part of it over the lengths, and then rinse the hair completely immediately afterwards
Step 5. Rinse your hair with cold water
Hot hair helps you relax, but it can severely damage dyed hair. The reason is that the heat causes the cuticles to open, letting the color escape. Try to use cold (or at least lukewarm) water when rinsing your hair to keep your cuticles tight.
Step 6. Use a shower filter
Running the last rinse with cold water helps extend the life of the dye, but you need to be careful of substances that can wash away the color. Consider purchasing a filter that blocks minerals like calcium and iron so they don't damage the tint.
Shower filters can also remove chlorine, heavy metals, and soap buildup that cause hair color loss
Part 2 of 4: Moisturize Dyed Hair
Step 1. Use a conditioner for colored hair
In addition to using a shampoo designed to protect dyed hair, it is also important to choose a conditioner formulated to preserve its color. Chemical treatments, such as dyes, can dry out your hair making it more porous and prone to discoloring. Conditioners for colored hair help keep hair hydrated and seal the cuticles.
Remember to use conditioner every time you wash your hair to keep it hydrated
Step 2. Once a week, apply a mask to nourish them deeply
In many cases, the conditioner is not enough to moisturize colored hair. Making a nourishing mask once a week, immediately after shampooing, helps to hydrate them so that they remain soft and shiny. Also, the dye will last longer.
- It is best to use a specific mask for dyed hair. Its formula prevents the loss of color and the appearance of unwanted reflections (for example orange).
- If you have thick hair, you can apply the mask from the roots to the ends, while if it is normal or fine it is best to use it only on the lengths (from the ears down).
- To enjoy all the benefits offered by the mask, it is advisable to leave it on the hair for at least 10 minutes.
- After spreading the mask over your hair, put on a shower cap or wrap it in plastic wrap. Thanks to the heat generated by the body, the nutrients will be able to penetrate deeper.
Step 3. Take care of hair dyed with jojoba oil
Even if you regularly use a conditioner and mask formulated for colored hair, it may appear dry and dull from time to time. Natural oils help you hydrate them and can be applied to both wet and dry hair; in both cases they will help to preserve the color for a long time. Jojoba oil is an ideal choice because it is very similar to those produced naturally by the scalp.
- If you prefer to apply the oil to wet hair, pour a small amount into the crook of your hand, then rub it between the two palms before massaging it gently along the lengths (from the ears down). Distribute it evenly using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
- If you prefer to apply the oil to dry hair, pour a few drops on your fingers, then massage it only on the ends.
- As an alternative to jojoba oil, you can use coconut, argan, marula or avocado oil.
Part 3 of 4: Protect Dyed Hair
Step 1. Protect them from the heat of the hair dryer and other styling tools
Maybe you prefer them straight, curly or with a frisé, but when you use the straightener, the hairdryer or the curling iron you risk damaging them with the heat, making them even drier. If you have dyed hair, try to limit the use of these tools to preserve the shine and intensity of the color. Use them no more than once or twice a week.
- Before using the straightener, the hair dryer or the curling iron, remember to apply a serum that protects them from the heat. It will work by forming a coating around your hair to prevent the heat from drying it out too much.
- Spray heat protection serums are ideal for fine hair, while for thick, curly or frizzy hair it is better to use a cream product.
- Try to use the lowest possible temperature when using these styling tools.
Step 2. Protect them from sunlight
Just as it can damage the skin, the sun can also be harmful to dyed hair. Ultraviolet rays can fade the color, so when you spend a lot of time outdoors it is best to protect them with a spray with SPF (sun protection factor). Apply it especially on the upper part of the head, which is normally more exposed to the sun's rays.
If you plan to be outdoors for a long time, it is also best to further protect them by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
Step 3. Apply a leave-in conditioner if you intend to go swimming
Both the chlorine contained in swimming pool water and the salt of seawater can dry hair considerably, consequently fading its color if it is dyed. To protect them, you can apply a leave-in conditioner before going to the bath. In addition to moisturizing the hair, its formula prevents it from absorbing a lot of water.
If you don't have a leave-in conditioner available, wet your hair with water from the shower before going swimming. Once wet, they will absorb less water from the pool or the sea
Part 4 of 4: Extending the Color Brilliance
Step 1. Use a DIY hair gloss
Between one color and another you can use a "hair gloss", that is a treatment capable of reviving reflections and strengthening brittle or dry hair, restoring shine to the entire hair. The gloss coats the hair making it shiny and silky and is available in different colors to match the color. Generally, the brightening effect of the gloss lasts for about a couple of weeks, so you can apply it once or twice between colors.
- You can buy the gloss in perfumery, at the supermarket or in shops that sell professional hair products.
- Applying the gloss is very easy, just use it as a common beauty mask. After using the shampoo and conditioner, distribute it evenly over your hair, then leave it on for the time indicated by the instructions before rinsing.
Step 2. Touch up the color at the roots
If the regrowth becomes too evident between one color and another, you can mask it with a special product. There are different types, some sprays and others that must be used exactly like the classic DIY dyes. In some cases, a brush is included in the package that allows you to get a more precise result.
If you have any doubts about which product is best to choose to retouch the roots, you can ask for advice at a perfumery or in a shop that sells professional hair products
Step 3. Mask the regrowth with a hair mascara
If you don't want to permanently dye your roots, using a hair mascara might be the ideal solution. Just like a classic mascara, even the one for hair is a colored cream product, which must be applied with a brush directly on the roots. In addition to being easy to use, hair mascara is also easy to remove with a normal shampoo.
Hair mascaras are best suited for those who want to darken their hair
Advice
- If you do not have time to touch up the roots every 4-6 weeks, it is best to choose a color that is lighter than your natural color by no more than three tones. Opting for a tint similar to your natural color will help make regrowth less noticeable.
- If you are going to dye your hair red, remember that any shade of this color has the defect of fading faster than the others.
