How to Get Soft Hair With Hair Dye

If you dye your hair often you know it can dry out pretty quickly. You don't have to compromise shiny hair for color-treated hair--it is possible to have both. With a little preparation before dying and a little TLC afterward, you should never have to worry about dry, brittle hair again.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Apply the pre-conditioner that comes with your hair dye kit, or mix your own. Pour a teaspoon of conditioner into a spray bottle with water, mix, and spray on your locks. You want your hair saturated but not dripping wet.

2. Follow the manufacturer's directions when applying hair dye. Evenly spread the color through all sections of your hair, making sure to go as close to your roots as possible without coloring your scalp. Use petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears to keep dye from sticking to your skin.

3. Leave color to process for the amount of time specified in the directions and rinse out well with lukewarm--not hot--water. Make sure you rinse all color from your hair.

4. Condition with the intense conditioning cream from your hair dye kit. Use a liberal amount to cover your hair, working it into the strands with your fingers. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse clean; allow your hair to air dry for best results.

5. Shampoo your hair two days later with a professional quality shampoo especially for color-treated hair. Always use warm water, not hot, and follow with a professional quality conditioner.

6. Use a hot oil conditioner, such as VO5 or Suave, once a week to keep strands healthy and shiny. Keep oil away from your scalp to avoid that greasy look.

7. Apply a shine-boosting serum while hair is still damp. Avoid gels, which dry out your hair and leave it crunchy and brittle. Use balms and serums instead, making sure they are alcohol-free.

Tips & Warnings

• Brush your hair gently and trim your hair often to keep the ends healthy. If you have many split ends, your hair can look frizzy and out of control. Prevent this by taking care of your hair daily.
• Have a professional stylist color your hair for best results. He or she can make sure to condition your hair and use high quality hair dye to keep it looking naturally soft and shiny.
• Avoid shampooing your hair every day. If you want your hair to stay soft and the color to last, shampoo every other day to give the strands a break from chemicals that strip them of their color and shine.