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There is nothing better than the fresh out of the salon feeling, when your hair is its most vibrant and is luxuriously soft to the touch. At the same time, there’s nothing more disappointing than noticing that your hair is beginning to fade far too soon before your next appointment. Luckily, we’ve compiled our best tips and tricks for hair colouring upkeep to maintain bright locks.
Book a consultation with a professional hair stylist to discuss your desired look. If you’re going for a drastic shade change, you may need to consider that it could be a lengthy process, requiring multiple appointments and incurring extra costs. Your stylist can also provide recommendations on which shades will suit your skin tone and complexion, and whether you should opt for a warmer or cooler hue.
Your lifestyle may also factor into your hair colour decision. Some shades require more upkeep than others, particularly if your natural root regrowth contrasts with your new colour. Balayage as a colouring technique may require touching up every 12-14 weeks, whereas foil highlights may require maintenance every 4-6 weeks.
Colour Safe Hair Products
The hair products you use in your daily routine will also affect your hair colour. It is important to use shampoo and conditioners that are specially formulated for colour treated hair as these are more gentle than alternatives and won’t strip away the vibrancy of your hair. Dyed and bleached locks are more prone to damage, so it is important to regularly nourish your hair with hydrating masks and treatments. Investing is sulfate-free products is also a wise decision, as sulfates can strip away too much of the hair’s natural oils, leaving locks dry and your scalp prone to irritation.
For those of us with bleached hair, you may be advised to purchase violet toning products. This will remove brassiness from your hair that may occur over time. Excessive sun exposure and minerals in your water can cause brassiness, as well as improper lifting techniques used when bleaching.
Wash Routine
With hair that has been colour treated, it’s important to be mindful of how often you are washing your hair. Most experts recommend only washing your hair every 2-3 days, with once a week being optimal. This does depend on your hair type and lifestyle however, as some of us can get away with using a greasy hair day as the perfect excuse for a slick bun whilst others need to maintain a fresh and bouncy look. Dry shampoo can be used on non-wash days to absorb excess oil if you do opt for a a less frequent hair wash schedule, but be aware that this could dry out your scalp and cause product buildup instead.
Another element of your hair wash routine is the temperature of water you’re using on your locks. Hot water opens the hair cuticle, making it easier for colour molecules to escape. If you can brave a colder temperature, it’s definitely worth it to maintain brighter hair!
Styling Techniques
Excessive heat styling can not only damage your locks, but also lead to exaggerated colour fading. Minimize your use of straighteners, curling wands and blow dryers as much as possible, and lower their heat setting when you do. Heat protectant products are a must anyway, but especially if your hair is dyed or bleached. Our Luxury Gold Hair Oil is the perfect versatile hair care product for this reason, providing heat and UV protection for your lengths with a lightweight and non-greasy formula.
Some styling products, like hairsprays and mousses, can contain alcohol and other nasty chemicals that can strip your hair colour. Read product labels and opt for colour safe styling products where possible.
What to Avoid
Chlorine and saltwater are perhaps your worst enemies when it comes to dyed or bleached hair. We’ve all heard the horror stories of blonde hair going green after taking a dip in the pool, that’s because of a reaction occurring with the hard water metals. In fact, this absorption and discolouration happens on all shades, it’s just most noticeable on lighter hues. To avoid this, saturate your locks in a hair mask or even just fresh water prior to having a swim. You can also keep your head above water or, whilst it may not be the most stylish option, use a swimming cap.
If you are concerned about the type of water you’re using on your hair, you can purchase filter shower heads to lessen the effects of hard water metals on your locks.
Maintaining long-lasting hair color doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can enjoy your vibrant hair color for weeks, if not months, after your salon visit. Remember to choose the right products, adjust your hair care routine, and protect your hair from environmental factors. With a little TLC, you can keep your hair looking gorgeous and colorful for as long as possible.