How to care for coloured hair: How to make your colour really last
It doesn’t matter whether you go to the salon or do it yourself: Sometimes you want a change. Because freshly coloured hair is wonderfully luminous and radiant, it makes you smile when you glance in the mirror. This makes it even more annoying when the exciting and shimmering colour begins to fade after a few washes. After all, caring for coloured hair well doesn't have to be complicated. Because with a little know-how, shine, smoothness and luminosity are just a hair wash away.
27 October 2023 • 3 min. reading time
Table of contents
Haircare for coloured hair
Haircare for coloured hair
Caring for coloured hair – it depends
To understand the requirements of coloured hair, it is helpful to first take a look at the chemical process of hair dyeing. As a first step, ammonia or a comparable substance makes the hair swell so that the pigments can penetrate. The desired shade is then achieved and holds permanently thanks to hydrogen peroxide which is formed through oxidation. A hair tint is somewhat gentler. The pigments just lie on the hair. The more raised the cuticle, the better they can adhere. Nevertheless, this hair colour remains semi-permanent and can be removed by washing. Vegetable hair colours also work according to the same principle.The ideal haircare for coloured hair must provide sufficient moisture for a natural shine to develop. In addition, it must seal the cuticle so that the colour pigments are securely locked into the hair. Otherwise, it’s better to keep coloured hair away from heat and sun exposure.
5 tips for coloured hair
A rule of thumb is: After a colour treatment, your hair should not come into contact with water for at least 48 hours. This means: no washing and no visits to the pool or beach. This should give the colour pigments sufficient time to settle down in the hair. In addition, these tips will help you retain the luminosity and intensity of your freshly coloured mane:
- Wash less often: Washing your hair once a week is ideal for coloured hair. Dry shampoo can help to tide you over.
- Observe the right temperature: Hot water damages the hair. The cooler the better for the outer surface. A cold rinse when you have finished washing your hair is not only refreshing, it also closes the cuticle.
- Never do this without heat protection: You should only style your hair in moderation with straighteners, curling wands and so on. If you must, then please also use heat protection. This prevents the colour from fading quickly.
- Regular hair masks: Condition your hair not only directly after colouring but also on a regular basis. Healthy hair has more luminosity than dry, dull hair.
- Always protect your hair: You should also avoid heavy rubbing with a towel after washing your hair. Instead, gently squeeze out the moisture. Soft microfibre towels are especially protective for the hair.
Hair masks for coloured hair
Hair masks for coloured hair
Haircare products for coloured hair
A shampoo for coloured hair should be without strong surfactants so that the product does not attack the hair structure too severely. An appropriate conditioner with vegetable oils and moisturisers like glycerine or hyaluronic acid give slip and seal the outer surface. Once a week you can treat your coloured hair to a treatment or mask. This deep-acting conditioning revitalises dull hair and makes the colour shine again.Even with the best haircare, your hair colour can sometimes fade. But that doesn’t mean you need to reach for colours or dyes immediately. Colour shampoo and conditioner with colour pigments will refresh your hair colour during washing and thus extend its life. Colour masks also help you to refresh your hair colour between salon visits. By the way, you do not need to fear any accidents with your hair colour because these products wash out in a couple of hair washes.
Protecting coloured hair in the summer
Your hair shines particularly beautifully in the sun – but if you would like to enjoy your dazzling hair colour for longer, you should avoid sunbathing for long periods. Simply reach for a head covering like a hat or cap to protect your hair and scalp from UV radiation. In addition, there are special leave-in products with UV protection that protect you from the sun.A dip in cool water is a pleasure for body and soul. But chlorine and salt water cause problems for freshly dyed hair and can even give bleached hair a green tinge. Therefore, you should always rinse your hair thoroughly with cool, clear water after bathing in the pool or the sea. Your hair will be glad of a hair mask at the end of a long summer’s day.
How to care for coloured hair: FAQ
How do I make coloured hair shine more?
Natural shine occurs when light is reflected on the hair’s outer surface. If the cuticle is attacked, the light cannot be reflected and the hair looks dull. You should take care to ensure there is sufficient moisture contained in your haircare products for a shiny mane. Natural oils also strengthen luminosity by nourishing the hair and sealing the outer surface.
Why is my coloured hair so dry?
It doesn’t matter whether it is blonde, brown or red: You will only achieve a permanent hair colour with heaps of chemistry. For your natural hair colour to be transformed into the desired shade, the hair structure must be broken down. As a consequence, coloured hair tends to be dry. Regular moisturising masks and the right haircare for coloured hair will help. In addition, you should give your hair sufficient time to recover between colour treatments.
What is the right way to style coloured hair?
The following generally applies: Coloured hair tolerates heat only in moderation. Because higher temperatures support the fading of the pigments and dry out the already damaged hair. Therefore: Plait your hair rather than using the curling wand and gently air-dry rather than blow-drying.
Takeaway
Bright red, seductive blonde and velvety brown: Every new hair colour needs lots of attention to retain its shine for longer. So you should use moisturising products, not wash your hair too often and use as little heat as possible to enjoy your hair colour for a long time. Even if it seems like a lot of effort: Your coloured hair will thank you with dazzling intensity.
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