The rainbow-colored hair trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Zayn Malik recently went from silver to pink and then back to his natural black, while Adam Levine embraced the 2016 Pantone color of the year: pink. The downside to hair becoming a means of artistic expression, however, is that hair begins to feel an awful lot like tumbleweed. Bleach, hair dyes, and styling wreak havoc on your hair.
While guys typically have less hair to worry about than the ladies, we still have to keep those strands healthy. Limp, dry hair will not hold up a pomp, nor give you the texture you need for a bouncy quiff.
To ensure your hair stays strong through all of this year’s hair color trends, we’ve put together a complete guide to caring for your chemically treated hair.
Check back soon for Part 2!
Before Dying Your Hair
Build hair strength by putting deep conditioners on regular rotation. Then, the night before, use a clarifying shampoo, like Schmiere Rumble 59 Ex Shampoo, to remove any excess hairspray, pomade, or silicone residue. This will ensure your hair dye penetrates your hair shaft rather than sticks to the various coatings on your hair.
Tip #1: Other than right before a dye job, never use clarifying shampoos on color-treated hair, since they will strip your color.
Tip #2: Considering red? Before you buy (or dye, in this case), keep in mind that red hair fades the fastest. That’s because red hair dye has the biggest molecules, making it hard for red hair dye to penetrate hair. The large size of red molecules also means they leach out more quickly than other hair colors.
At the Salon
Ask for a low-ammonia or no-ammonia haircolor with conditioning properties to keep your hair as moisturized as possible during the process.
Post Process
It might be tempting to wash your hair and clear your scalp of all the chemicals you just poured on it, but resist the urge and wait 2 – 4 days before washing your hair. Yes, your hair might smell of science laboratory fumes for a few days, but the extra time will give your hair color time to set.
Maintenance
Water is color’s worst enemy. Water accounts for 80% of color fade. When you dye your hair, you strip your hair’s outer lipid layer, which contains natural oils that keep your hair smooth and retain moisture. Without that outer layer, your hair becomes extremely porous, meaning it absorbs and releases water easily. The porous nature of dyed hair contributes to color molecules coming out along with water when you wash your hair.
To combat fading, check out the following tips:
Shampoo & Conditioner
Cut down on shampoo frequency – Simply put, the best way to prevent fading is to cut down on water exposure. Shampoo 2 – 3 times a week to promote those natural oils that condition your hair.
Opt for a dry shampoo on days when you don’t shampoo – Try Alder Natural Hair Powder, which will keep your roots shine-free by absorbing excess oil. Use a shower cap to prevent water from reaching your hair.
Embrace the chill – Turn down the water temperature to lukewarm or cooler. Hot water opens your hair cuticles more than cold water, so hair dye molecules leech faster.
Avoid spending extra time in the shower – Once you’re done shampooing and conditioning, don’t dillydally inside the shower. Remember, the key is to reduce water exposure.
Use conditioner only – Shampoo takes more hair color off than conditioner, so every now and then skip shampoo entirely and only use conditioner.
Select products carefully – Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that either offers extensive hydration or is specifically formulated for colored hair. For sulfate-free hydration, we swear by Portland General Store Thick Shampoo and Conditioner, both of which are pH-balanced to leave hair strong and soft. For color preservation, try Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Keratin Complex Soothing Therapy Keratin Color Care Conditioner. Regular use of products that protect color will create a barrier that prevents dye from washing out.
Condition every time you shampoo – At least get the tips of your hair, which are the oldest and most damaged.
Deep condition once a week – Hair masks aren’t just for the ladies. A deep conditioner, like SheaMoisture Marfura Oil Hydration Intensive Masque, is a feast for your hair. Apply once a week, leave in for 10 – 30 minutes (depending on product instructions), and wrap a towel or even saran wrap around your hair for maximum penetration.
