Hair Guide for Color Treated hair | Beauty Route

Freshly cut and colored hair is one of the best feelings

However, what some people forget to tell you is that colored hair, whether lighter or darker can be high maintenance. Adding dye to the hair causes damage such a breakage, split ends, dryness and brassiness if going towards lighter shades. But don't worry! If you're hair is color treated, then keep on reading to find out tips and tricks for making sure that your colored hair stays looking healthy and fabulous!

Color-treated specific products

Once you color your hair, it's important to update the products you use to care for your hair. Since colored hair is more fragile and now has different needs than natural hair, you'll have to tailor the products towards the new hair needs. Shampoos and conditioners that are alcohol-free as well as sulfate-free are best for colored hair. These ingredients can dry your hair even more, which is something you don't want since the hair dye and bleach already dries your hair.

You want to look for shampoos and conditioners that will add moisture and prevent color fade. For example  the Lakme color stay shampoo will help to  prevent color fade and add some brightness and shine to your hair. In terms of conditioner, you can get the matching one from the Lakme line, however another good option is the Rusk Deepshine Color Hydrate Conditioner. This conditioner is sulfate-free and assists in detangling the hair, sealing in moisture, protecting against UV damage and preventing color fade as well.

Purple Shampoo

If you've specifically colored your hair blonde, then you might face the issue of brassiness. To fix the color change without having to go to the salon to get it toned every couple weeks, use purple shampoo.  Purple shampoos are important in your hair because they brighten up the color and counteract the brassy tones. The Joico color balance purple shampoo will help to neutralize yellow undertones while still repairing, protecting and fighting frizz.

A tip for shampooing your hair is not to shampoo to often! If your hair feels dry after coloring it, try washing your hair a maximum of 3 times a week. You want to give your scalp enough time to produce the natural oils to nourish your hair. That being said, don't skip out on conditioning your hair! Using conditioner on the ends of your hair is important to keep the hydration.

Hair Masks

Incorporating hair masks into your routine once or twice a week will definitely help manage hair health. We have a whole post talking about different types of hair masks and which will suit your hair type best. However a good universal hair mask option is the Lakme K. Therapy Bioargan hydrating mask. It's extremely moisturizing and contains 100% organic argan oil to restore shine, elasticity and anti-breakage resistance.

For colored hair specifically, there are many options available. However one that we like is the Schwarzkopf Professional BC Color Freeze Treatment . It’s made with a color save technology to seal in the color while also nourishing your hair. It seals in the color, reduces frizz, makes the hair more manageable and protects against UV lights. This product shows the best results when  left in your hair as you cleanse with the shampoo for 5-10 minutes and then rinse well.

Less heat!

Since hair that's processed and colored is more delicate, heat from blow dryers, curling wands and flat irons can have even more damaging effects. The UV rays from the sun can also dry out the hair quicker. For these reasons, protecting your hair with heat sprays is so important!  If you're in the sun a lot, try wearing a hat or buying products that protect against UV rays.

Also if possible. try to reduce the heat you can control on your hair. Let your hair air dry about 80% before blow drying or try some heatless curling methods to protect the hair.  A good heat protecting product is the JOICO Ironclad Thermal Protectant. It claims to zapp static and frizz for a full 72 hours and protects from thermal tools up to 450 degrees.

Avoid chlorine

If you've bleached your hair then this is important. Chlorine, which is a harsh chemical and color treated hair do not mix well together. Chlorine naturally dries out the hair, however if you're a "fake" blonde, the chlorine can turn your hair green. So if you plan on swimming in a pool that has chlorine, make sure to tie your hair up and avoid hair contact with the water.

Although color treated hair is a bit more maintenance, if taken care of properly the hair can still be healthy. So don't be afraid to try a new color out, just be aware that it will need additional care to maintain!

xoxo,

Leah