Discover how to keep your colour fresh while protecting your hair’s health.
Colour-treated hair requires special care to keep it looking healthy. Whether you’ve gone for a subtle shade or a bold transformation, maintaining the colour and minimising damage is key to long-lasting results. Without the right care, hair colour can fade quickly, and damage from processing can leave your strands looking dull and brittle. Fortunately, with a few simple changes to your hair care routine, you can prevent fading and protect your locks from damage. Here’s how.
Sulphates are commonly found in many shampoos and act as cleansing agents that create lather. However, they can strip away the natural oils from your hair, which can lead to dryness and colour fading. Switching to sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners helps preserve the colour in your hair while providing gentle hydration. Look for shampoos and conditioners labelled specifically for colour-treated hair, which are formulated to protect and enhance your shade. These products often contain ingredients like antioxidants and UV filters to shield hair from environmental damage.
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your colour is to wash your hair less frequently. Every time you wash, some of the colour molecules are lifted from your hair, causing the vibrancy to fade. Limiting washes helps maintain your colour and reduces the risk of dryness caused by over washing. Frequent washing, especially with hot water, can accelerate colour fading and lead to a loss of moisture in your hair. Reducing the number of washes per week preserves both colour and hydration.
Hot water and heat-styling tools can strip away colour and moisture, leading to faded, dull hair. High temperatures open the hair’s cuticle, allowing colour molecules to escape more easily. This can be especially damaging for lighter, pastel shades or red hair colours, which tend to fade faster.
Deep condition regularly
Colour-treated hair often needs extra hydration to counteract the drying effects of the colouring process. Regular deep conditioning treatments help restore moisture, strengthen hair, and prevent damage from environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. Colour treatments can weaken the hair’s structure, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and breakage. Deep conditioning nourishes the hair, helping to repair and protect it while keeping the colour vibrant.
The sun’s UV rays can break down the molecules in colour-treated hair, causing it to fade over time. Just as you protect your skin from the sun, you should also shield your hair from sun damage to preserve your colour. When spending time outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf to protect your hair from direct sunlight. You can also use hair products that contain UV filters to provide an extra layer of defence against the sun’s rays.
Over time, even with the best care, your hair colour may lose its initial vibrancy. To maintain the intensity of your shade, consider using colour-enhancing shampoos, conditioners, or gloss treatments that are formulated to refresh your hue. For blonde or highlighted hair, use a purple shampoo or conditioner to neutralise any yellow or brassy tones.
Even with proper care, colour-treated hair can become prone to split ends and breakage. Regular trims help remove damaged ends and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. Schedule a trim every six to eight weeks to remove split ends and keep your hair looking fresh. Even a small trim can make a big difference in how healthy your hair feels and looks.
Maintaining colour-treated hair requires a thoughtful approach to your hair care routine. By following these tips you can prevent fading and keep your locks looking vibrant and healthy. With the right care, you’ll enjoy your gorgeous colour for weeks or even months to come.
