Whether your hair is platinum blonde, brunette, black, red or even pink, coloured tresses require a little extra care and attention. Anyone with highlights, whether half or full-head, will know it comes at a cost – not just to the condition of your hair but bank account too. Nothing is more soul-destroying than forking out over $200 at your hair appointment only for it fade after a few weeks. Trust us; it’s worth investing in a colour care regime to extend the life of your colour.
After colour care: the best products to keep your colour fresh
When it comes to maintaining your colour,
most of the heavy lifting happens in the shower. Just like you use oil-free
skincare on oily, breakout-prone skin, your shampoo and conditioner should also
be catered to your hair type. Dyed hair needs targeted haircare to prevent
stripping the pigment and further damage to the follicle. Shampoos specifically
formulated for coloured hair will help restore vibrancy and hydrate brittle and
unmanageable ends.
The best shampoos for colour-treated hair are those without sulphates because they
only exacerbate dryness and fade hair colour further. A sulphate-free formula
doesn’t mean it’s only benefits are not drying out your mane though, there are
plenty of options that take into consideration the specific needs of your hair
too. For instance, if your hair is super damaged or susceptible to breakage,
look for a strengthening formula. Or, if dryness is your main concern look for
a hydrating sulphate-free formula featuring humectants like shea butter or argan
oil.
The
best sulphate-free shampoo for shine: R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo features juniper berry extract, glycerine
and babassu seed oil for silky-smooth and shiny hair.
The best sulphate-free shampoo for breakage: Not Your Mother’s Way To Grow Shampoo supports healthy hair growth and strengthens hair bonds.
Image: Not Your Mother's Way To Grow Shampoo
The
best sulphate-free shampoo for hydration: 12reasons Argan Oil Shampoo gently moisturises hair without weighing it down thanks
to Argan oil, hydrating coconut and avocado oil.
The best sulphate-free shampoo for frizzy, unruly hair: Theorie Marula Oil Shampoo is rich in nutrients that seal the cuticle, transforming locks into frizz-free, smooth hair.
The best tips for maintaining your colour
In addition to the above, below are some further
tried-and-tested tips for getting the most out of your colour.
1. Wait to wash initially
It’s one of the most common mistakes, but
you should avoid shampooing your hair immediately after having hair coloured.
Instead, wait at least a couple of days, if not more. That’s to allow the
cuticle layer to close and seal your new colour in.
2. Make friends with dry shampoo
Don’t be afraid to stretch out the time
between washes, it’s been found to make your hair colour last longer. To drill in the above again, showers open up
the hair cuticle to penetration from water increasing the risk of colour fade.
Over-washing also strips away natural hair oils essential for keeping your
locks hydrated. Avoid washing your hair daily and aim for 2-3 washes a week
instead to help maintain colour. Add a dry shampoo to your haircare regime on
off days to combat grease – now you can even get tinted dry shampoo formulas to refresh your colour while banishing the appearance
of oil.
Try: TIGI Custom Complete Revitalising Dry Shampoo; Design.Me Quickie Me Brunette Dry Shampoo; Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo
Image: Design.ME Quickie Me Brunette Dry Shampoo
3. Use leave-in treatments
One of the most effective ways to maintain your colour is a deep conditioning leave-in treatment. Chemically treated hair
needs all the hydration and protection it can get and the best way to achieve
that is through a restorative leave-in mask.
Try: Fanola After Colour Care Mask; Malibu C Colour Lock Masque; R+CO Television Perfect Hair Masque
4. Go for gloss
Shiny hair catches and reflects the light and looks luminous and healthy. You can help your colour look more radiant by using a serum that focuses on adding shine, seals split ends and keeps strands well hydrated. Apply once every couple of weeks or when hair needs a pick me up.
Try: Theorie Pure Glossing Serum; TIGI Custom Create Colour Lustre Oil
5. Touch up your roots
If hair is in good condition, one of the first places that’s a dead giveaway it's been a while between salon visits, is your regrowth. Thankfully there are plenty of easy to use temporary touch-up products that quickly minimise visible roots, so your hair looks great until you're ready to see your colourist again.
Try: R+CO Bright Shadows Root Touch Up Spray
Image: R+Co Bright Shadows Root Touch Up Spray
6. Avoid chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical bleaching agent
literally formulated to clean pools and kill bacteria so you can only imagine
the damage it can do to coloured hair. Blondes will be familiar with the
dreaded green tinge after a dip while brunettes are prone to dullness after
exposure to chlorine. You have two options: wear a swimming cap, avoid swimming
all together or use a conditioner that neutralises the effects of chlorine like
Malibu C Swimmers Conditioner.
7. Purple shampoo
Another one for the blondies, purple toning
shampoos are essential for maintaining the integrity of your blonde and
banishing brassiness. Just be careful to apply as per the instructions and not
leave on for too long or your hair may go an unwanted shade of silvery purple.
Try: Best in Beauty award-winning Fanola No Yellow Shampoo; Keratin Colour Defend My Blonde Shampoo
8. Minimise your time in the sun
Just like skin, hair isn't immune to sun damage and though the way the rays really make your highlights pop can be appealing, UV light can damage your hair’s proteins and degrade its pigment, leading to dryness, dullness and discolouration. When you have to be out for a long period of time, twist locks into a bun and cover up with a hat.
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