Sure coloring your hair sounds fun, alluring and sexy. Must be as so many of us embrace this as a quick way to modify our style. But it’s not really all fun and games. Because after the coloring you are left with the chore of maintaining your new found hue.
Now the colors you go with can affect how much after care you have to do. In that the further you go away from the natural color you were born with the more maintenance your hair will require.
Any such maintenance begins with the final step of the coloring process. I’m talking about the conditioning. You won’t want to skip that step. Since some of the conditioning products supplied will not only bake in the color but this is also your first opportunity to apply hair care first aid that will keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle.
Another concern is fading. And the truth is your stunning new brunette shade will fade and in some cases all too fast. That is unless you do all you can to keep that from happening.
For one you want to wait at least 24 hours after coloring before using any shampoo on your hair. It’s best to give the dye time to take you see. And then limit washing your hair to at most every other day.
Here’s a second bit of advice picked up from the salon which can help slow fading. That is you want to use only shampoo designed specifically for hair that has been color treated. These help seal the hair shaft and keep the color locked in.
You can also extend the life of your new color by using color depositing conditioner. Depositing a hint of tint to your hair a couple times a weeks can prolong the life of any color treatment.
Then too you can help your hair hold the new shade by sealing the cuticles. Doing so prevents the pigment from leaching out of your strands.
Avoid products that add volume as some can strip the color.
Also shielding your hair from the sun helps too. Accomplish this by wearing a hat or using a color protecting styling product.
You may also be worried about the roots. And you absolutely want to contain any touch up you do to the roots. If not your newly minted blonde hair can turn straw-like in no time.
The trick is to apply color to just the part of the roots closest to your scalp. Then lightly blend the formula outward to keep the color from bleeding into your previously colored hair as that can be damaged by repeated exposure to the chemicals.
You’ll find that some touch up kits are even formulated to mimic color fade. Making it easy to match the color of your locks while camouflaging those bothersome roots in less than 15 minutes.
Is there a way to conceal those roots if you lack time to deal with them? You bet. Gray or not, if you go with a curlier or somewhat messier style you can hide them somewhat.
To believe you can prevent color fading totally is ridiculous. All shades will do so as the weeks pass. Even those from permanent dyes. Yet by following tips like these, you can minimize fade and prolong your new look as long as possible.