Hair color makes you look younger, brighter, and sexier, but it can also be costly and time-consuming.
By Jennifer Goldstein, Prevention
"Silver strands are porous, so they require more frequent touch-ups than naturally pigmented hair does," says Jason Backe, Clairol's color director and CEO of the Ted Gibson Salon in New York City. Then there's the issue of roots: Even if you're not fully gray, within a few weeks an obvious line of demarcation can spoil the whole look.
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"Silver strands are porous, so they require more frequent touch-ups than naturally pigmented hair does," says Jason Backe, Clairol's color director and CEO of the Ted Gibson Salon in New York City. Then there's the issue of roots: Even if you're not fully gray, within a few weeks an obvious line of demarcation can spoil the whole look.
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Whether you're a do-it-yourself dyer or have your colorist on speed dial, use our expert hair color tips to save cash and spread out time between coloring sessions.
Before You Color
Wash with a clarifying shampoo a day prior to dyeing. "Stronger detergents remove excess product buildup, so color penetrates deeper and lasts longer," explains Eva Scrivo, the owner of Eva Scrivo Salon in New York City. Choose fade-resistant shades such as blonde or brunette. "Reds wash away a week or two faster because they contain smaller color molecules, which escape from hair more easily," says Karla Siereveld, PhD, a scientist at Procter & Gamble. Bonus: These tones flatter over-40 faces. [sidebar]
Did you know your hair type can affect how your hair takes color? Find out What's My Hair Type here!
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Pick the right formula
Demipermanents (like Clairol Natural Instincts, $9; drugstores) stay up to 28 shampoos, and permanent colors (like Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Color $($9.50; drugstores) don't rinse out but fade over time. Highlights—from a pro or an at-home kit such as L'Oreal Touch-On Highlights ($13; drugstores)—buy you the most time: "There's a less obvious line, so roots aren't as noticeable," says Lorri Goddard-Clark, author of The Hair Color Mix Book. And if you're dying at home, don't forget to check out these at-home hair color tips for flawless coverage![pagebreak]
After You Color
Wait 48 hours to shampoo. "Dye molecules need time to set into strands," explains Scrivo. Vleanse with a shampoo for color-treated hair, which contains gentler detergents, and rinse with tepid water. "Hot water expands the cuticle, contributing to fading," says Scrivo.
Install a showerhead water purifier. "Tap water contains chlorine, which is a bleaching agent," explains Goddard-Clark. "Even well water has minerals like copper that coat the hair and alter its hue." Try the Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System ($95; dermstore.com).
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Use a conditioner or styling aid with built-in sunscreens to prevent the sun from stripping your shade. Try Redken Color Extend Conditioner ($15.50; ulta.com); UV filters bind to safeguard strands.
Spritz on a thermal protection spray such as Pantent Pro-V Normal-Thick Hair Style Heat Protector ($6; drugstores) before styling. Polymers prevent heat from penetrating hair and breaking down the dye molecules.
Switch to an ionic blow-dryer, which has tourmaline, a type of stone that generates negative ions that reduce frizz and cut dulling drying time in half.
On a Regular Basis
Apply a conditioning mask once weekly. The added hydration strengthens strands, making them less prone to environmental damage that causes fading. Also, creating a smooth surface helps hair better reflect light, making color look more vibrant.
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Three weeks postcoloring, switch to a color-enhancing shampoo every other time you wash. Available in shades ranging from light blonde to dark brunette, these formulas contain ingredients like cocoa beans and sunflower seed extract that brighten your hue and subtly disguise grays.
Monthly, use an at-home glaze or gloss (available in clear and tinted formulas) to add high-wattage shine and intensify a fading shade. "It's akin to putting a topcoat of polish on your hair," says Backe. Seeing roots? Here are 7 fast ways to hide 'em.[pagebreak]
5 Products to Keep Your Hue Vibrant
To prevent fading: Semipermanent dyes in Ken Paves Healthy Hair Boost Up Color Drops ($14; shopkenpaves.com) renew your shade when added to conditioner or styling products; choose from six colors.
To beat brassiness: Antioxidants and sunscreens in Bumble and Bumble Color Minded UV Protective Polish ($28; sephora.com) prevent dulling UV damage.
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To boost shine: The silicones in Diamon Shine Rinse-Out Glaze ($8; sallybeauty.com) rejuvenate radiance.
To perk up highlights: Brightening honey, caramel, and wheat germ in John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo with Light Enhancers ($6.50; drugstores) bring out lighter streaks; also available for brunettes.
To disguise stray grays: With a messproof mascara wand and a peroxide-free formula, Avon Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up ($8; avon.com) hides silver strands until you shampoo.
See more at: Prevention
Before You Color
Wash with a clarifying shampoo a day prior to dyeing. "Stronger detergents remove excess product buildup, so color penetrates deeper and lasts longer," explains Eva Scrivo, the owner of Eva Scrivo Salon in New York City. Choose fade-resistant shades such as blonde or brunette. "Reds wash away a week or two faster because they contain smaller color molecules, which escape from hair more easily," says Karla Siereveld, PhD, a scientist at Procter & Gamble. Bonus: These tones flatter over-40 faces. [sidebar]
Did you know your hair type can affect how your hair takes color? Find out What's My Hair Type here!
[post_ads]
Pick the right formula
Demipermanents (like Clairol Natural Instincts, $9; drugstores) stay up to 28 shampoos, and permanent colors (like Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Color $($9.50; drugstores) don't rinse out but fade over time. Highlights—from a pro or an at-home kit such as L'Oreal Touch-On Highlights ($13; drugstores)—buy you the most time: "There's a less obvious line, so roots aren't as noticeable," says Lorri Goddard-Clark, author of The Hair Color Mix Book. And if you're dying at home, don't forget to check out these at-home hair color tips for flawless coverage![pagebreak]
After You Color
Wait 48 hours to shampoo. "Dye molecules need time to set into strands," explains Scrivo. Vleanse with a shampoo for color-treated hair, which contains gentler detergents, and rinse with tepid water. "Hot water expands the cuticle, contributing to fading," says Scrivo.
Install a showerhead water purifier. "Tap water contains chlorine, which is a bleaching agent," explains Goddard-Clark. "Even well water has minerals like copper that coat the hair and alter its hue." Try the Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System ($95; dermstore.com).
[post_ads]
Use a conditioner or styling aid with built-in sunscreens to prevent the sun from stripping your shade. Try Redken Color Extend Conditioner ($15.50; ulta.com); UV filters bind to safeguard strands.
Spritz on a thermal protection spray such as Pantent Pro-V Normal-Thick Hair Style Heat Protector ($6; drugstores) before styling. Polymers prevent heat from penetrating hair and breaking down the dye molecules.
Switch to an ionic blow-dryer, which has tourmaline, a type of stone that generates negative ions that reduce frizz and cut dulling drying time in half.
On a Regular Basis
Apply a conditioning mask once weekly. The added hydration strengthens strands, making them less prone to environmental damage that causes fading. Also, creating a smooth surface helps hair better reflect light, making color look more vibrant.
[post_ads_2]
Three weeks postcoloring, switch to a color-enhancing shampoo every other time you wash. Available in shades ranging from light blonde to dark brunette, these formulas contain ingredients like cocoa beans and sunflower seed extract that brighten your hue and subtly disguise grays.
Monthly, use an at-home glaze or gloss (available in clear and tinted formulas) to add high-wattage shine and intensify a fading shade. "It's akin to putting a topcoat of polish on your hair," says Backe. Seeing roots? Here are 7 fast ways to hide 'em.[pagebreak]
5 Products to Keep Your Hue Vibrant
To prevent fading: Semipermanent dyes in Ken Paves Healthy Hair Boost Up Color Drops ($14; shopkenpaves.com) renew your shade when added to conditioner or styling products; choose from six colors.
To beat brassiness: Antioxidants and sunscreens in Bumble and Bumble Color Minded UV Protective Polish ($28; sephora.com) prevent dulling UV damage.
[post_ads_2]
To boost shine: The silicones in Diamon Shine Rinse-Out Glaze ($8; sallybeauty.com) rejuvenate radiance.
To perk up highlights: Brightening honey, caramel, and wheat germ in John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo with Light Enhancers ($6.50; drugstores) bring out lighter streaks; also available for brunettes.
To disguise stray grays: With a messproof mascara wand and a peroxide-free formula, Avon Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up ($8; avon.com) hides silver strands until you shampoo.
See more at: Prevention
