How to care for coloured hair: How to make your colour really last

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.

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:

1. Wash less often: Washing your hair once a week is ideal for coloured hair. Dry shampoo can help to tide you over.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

In addition, take care to use a high-quality brush. Detangler brushes, for example, protect the hair and make it easier to comb even when the hair is wet. You should plait very long hair at night to reduce friction and prevent knots from forming. Small improvements like these in your haircare routine ensure that your hair is protected over the long term.

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.

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.