Reduce Colour Fade - Our Top 5 Tips
We’ve already seen from your in salon pics that when it comes to coloured hair, right now it’s the brighter the better - maybe it’s our reaction to all that’s really not right and happy with the world? Lizzo, our go to girl for positive vibes, rocked emerald green locks on her Instagram this week – we love her style! If you’re thinking of trying a brighter colour, next time you’re in the salon or if you’re going for a more traditional blonde or brunette look, here’s our tips on managing coloured hair for the long term.
TIP ONE: Wait before shampooing (ideally 72 hours)
When we colour your hair, the cuticle is opened, making it easier for colour to penetrate the hair shaft. If you wash your hair too quickly after colouring you’re washing all of the hard work and your cash down the drain - the longer you wait to wash your hair the better the pigment will have soaked into the hair, the longer it will all last – simple!
TIP TWO: Use sulphate free shampoo and conditioner
If your colour is fading fast, we recommend you go and check your shampoo bottle right now. Sodium Laureth Sulphate (or Sulfate), also known as Sodium Laureth or Sodium Sulphate is a detergent found in lots of personal care products, it’s what makes our shampoos and conditioners produce a foaming effect. Sulphates also help strip your hair of its natural oils moisture and colour. Using professional sulphate free products stops this happening, ask your stylist for a recommendation personalised to your hair type, colour and condition, for the best results.
TIP THREE: Keep cool
Hot showers feel great, but it can be tough on your hair colour. Heat opens up your hair cuticle, allowing shampoo and conditioner to wash from your hair. Shampoo with warm water and if you can bear it, condition and rinse with cold. The warm water will allow the shampoo in to clean the hair and the cold will seal in the conditioner’s moisturising properties without fading your colour.
TIP FOUR: Ditch the dryer
Hot water isn’t the only enemy! All hot styling tools and even the sun, increase colour fade, using a heat protection product will help massively, but particularly in the first week after a colour. Until your colour is fully settled avoid the beloved straighteners and dryers as much as possible.
TIP FIVE: Less is best
Washing your hair every day is definitely something to avoid if you want your colour to stay put – with every wash your washing away a tiny bit of colour. To keep things fresh try using a colour safe dry shampoo – this will keep colours vibrant and help you achieve that blow dry look without any further damage.
Our team at your local salon are always happy to talk all things hair care, just let them know what you need when you’re next in salon or drop us a question on social media or the contact us form any time - we're happy to help!