We regularly spend a good chunk of money to get perfect hair
color—and then it fades before we get to enjoy it! The most
budget-friendly hair color is the kind we can make last the longest, and
there are lots of tricks to stretch the color and stop it from
changing so quickly.
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Avoid Hot Showers
Hot water doesn't only dry out your skin; it can decrease the life of
your hair color, says CHI stylist Shawnee Heltsley. The temperature
opens up your cuticle, releasing your precious color—and moisture. "I
always tell my clients to shampoo and rinse with room-temp water, towel
dry, condition, then rinse with the coldest water you can stand to seal
that cuticle shut," says Heltsley. "This will provide longer-lasting
color, keeping your locks nice and hydrated while also eliminating split
ends."
Swim Smarter
Protect your hair in the sun and chlorine. Use a hair protector with SPF
when in the sun, pool, and ocean to keep your color from fading, says
Pasquale Caselle, international creative director/master hair colorist
for IT&LY Hairfashion, N.A. A product with sunflower oil is great as
it also has antioxidants to protect the hair.
Don't Overuse Hot Tools
Staying away from your hot tools the first week after coloring your hair
will also help prevent the color from fading, says celebrity colorist
Michael Boychuck. Hot tools such as blow dryers and straighteners
actually speed up the process of color fading. While these tools are
sometimes necessary, it is best to stay away from them the first week or
so after you color your hair.
[post_ads_2]Wait to Wash Your Hair as Long as Possible
The new dry shampoo offerings on the market can be a boon to
newly-colored hair because when you wash less, color lasts longer. "I
always have my clients not wash their hair after color for as long as
they can go—at least 24 to 48 hours," says Los Angeles-based celebrity
hairstylist Mitch Stone. When you do have to wash, opt for a gentle
sulfate-free shampoo.
Try a Shower Filter
This will remove chemicals, chlorine, and minerals from your shower
water, says Caselle. Hard water strips your hair's color and natural
oils; these filters minimize color rinsing down the drain.
Prep Your Hair Before Coloring
One to two days before a color service, use a chelating shampoo to
remove styling product build-up, says Caselle. You might also want to
use a deep-conditioning mask once a week to put hydration back in the
hair; this will help keep color from fading after you switch up your
hue.
[post_ads_2]Use a Thermal Protectant
This will protect against heat damage from styling tools. Thermal
protectants will help reduce color fade by keeping the integrity of the
hair in good condition, says Caselle.
Deep Condition Less
While deep conditioning or at-home masks are a good idea before you
color, they can fade a rich brunette or vibrant red, says Meche Salon
colorist Kari Hill. The conditioner or mask is designed to get deep in
the hair follicle to moisturize. However, when it's rinsed out, it takes
the color molecule with it—resulting in the color fading. To avoid
this, a good daily conditioner will do the trick (just don't leave it on
for a long period of time).
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