Colored hair need special care. The chemicals present in hair color destroy the outer layer of hair or cuticle, which is the natural protector and conditioning system of hair. This alters the texture of hair, making it dull, coarse and lustreless. Such hair are less elastic, brittle, prone to damage and hair fall. Moreover, artificial hair color is prone to fading when exposed to sunlight, shampooing and chlorine exposure while swimming. In this post, we would discuss certain tips to take care of your coloured hair.
In commonly spoken language, people use the words ‘hair dye’ & ‘hair color’ interchangeably. But, are hair colors and dyes the same? Are dyes stronger than colors? Do they work differently? If you wish to know the difference, do read our article: What’s the difference between hair color & hair dye?
How frequently should colored hairs be washed?
- After you have coloured your hair, wait for at least 24-48 hours before shampooing your hair. You can, however, rinse off the colour with water. The chemicals present in hair colour open up the cuticle (outer most layer of hair shaft). If you shampoo your hair within 24 hours of colouring, most of the deposited colour would seep out from these open cuticles. Thus, the desired effect would be diminished. So always wait for at least 24-48 hours for shampooing after a hair colour session.
- Try to limit your hair washing to 3 times a week, especially if you have coloured with more intense colours like, red and purple. Such colours are more likely to fade.
- Use colour protect shampoos and conditioners which have protective ingredients that help to smoothen cuticle and reduce mechanical damage.
As compared to synthetic dyes, Henna (mehndi) is considered safer to colour gray hair. Read our post to know more about the uses, benefits and disadvantages of henna as a hair colouring agent: Henna (‘mehndi’) as a hair dye
What should I avoid to protect my colored hair?
- Water is biggest contributor to colour fading, so avoid excessive rinsing with water, swimming and frequent head wash. Use only lukewarm or cool water rather than hot water for washing hair.
- Avoid blow drying and hot iron straightening in dyed hair.
- Avoid sun, as ultraviolet rays from sun not only cause hair damage but also contribute to colour fading. You can cover your hair using scarves or hats to protect them from sun damage.
In commonly spoken language, people use the words ‘hair dye’ & ‘hair color’ interchangeably. But, are hair colors and dyes the same? Are dyes stronger than colors? Do they work differently? If you wish to know the difference, do read our article: How to choose the best hair color to dye your hair?
What special care do I need to take after using hair color?
- Use conditioner each time you wash your hair, to add on moisture or shine in lustreless dyed hair. You can use intense hair conditioning mask once a week or leave on conditioners to add shine to your dull lifeless hair.
- Salty and chlorinated water not only contribute to fading of artificial hair colour but also damage the cuticle and cause drying of hair and split ends. So an important tip while you hop in swimming pool or sea is to dampen your hair or put a layer of leave on conditioner over your hair. This adds an extra layer of protective coating, thus diluting the damaging effect of chlorinated or salty water on already wet hair.
- Use appropriate application technique while recolouring the visible growth with permanent dye. You should apply dye to the visible growth or hair roots only rather than applying on entire length of hair to minimise damage to hair.
To know the difference between permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent hair dyes, read our article: The different types of hair dyes
Just follow these tips after every hair colour session. Theses precautions would reduce further damage to coloured hair. Minimising the chances of colour fading would prolong effect of colour on hair. This would, in turn, delay the need of another hair colouring session and subsequently reduce damage of hair by repeated hair colouring.
Dr Monika Misra
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