How to keep your hair color from fading

With a few easy tips you can make your haircolor last longer. Learn how to extend your haircolor between retouches. How to keep it healthy with brilliant shine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first thing to consider is which shampoo and conditioner you are presently using. The label should clearly state "For Color Treated Hair"
   Never use a Protein Treatment immediately after a hair color application. There are two majors we learn in the beginning of our career as hairstylists: Protein fades new hair color and Moisturizers loosen those brand new curls from permanent waves.

2. Do not "sweat". Normally a person will not get a new hair color treatment and then go play tennis ... but ... believe me some do. This is a no-no. The heat produced by your over activity will open the cuticle layer of your hair leaving an exit point for your hair color molecules that will attach themselves to the salt that is in your perspiration. You will not notice as much on the ends but the freshly retouched root area of you hair will show the loss. Remember try not to engage in any activity that will cause you to perspire heavily right after your salon appointment.

3. Close that cuticle after every shampoo with a conditioner that is designed to keep your color fresh. After rinsing with tepid NOT HOT water, towel dry with a squeezing motion not a scrubbing motion. Scrubbing with your towel, although it may feel good, will rake open your cuticle layer and leave your hair dull and vulnerable to the elements. A shine serum like CHI SILK or FAROUK BIO SILK THERAPY should be applied lightly before combing the hair "with a wide tooth comb" to ease out the tangles on long hair. When I say lightly, I mean the size of an eraser head placed into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and beginning on the ends of your hair work your way to the scalp area. If by chance you apply too much simply gently towel some out. Apply a styling mouse or gel and style as usual. Before spraying your hair repeat the shine serum process remembering to begin at the longest part of your hair and work your way in. The shine will be incredible and the fly aways and frizzes will be reduced.

Tips & Warnings

• For grey regrowth you may extend the life of your color by using a mascara that matches your hair color. I suggest using one that is waterproof but does not have fibers for lengthening the lashes. Apply gently to temple areas and parting to cover the grey. Before going in for your retouch appointment be sure and shampoo it out at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• For blondes with dark new growth that can't get into the salon as soon as needed, here is a little tip: keep your hair clean, shiny and fluffy. A light back brushing (teasing) in the part area will diminish the appearance of your dark new growth. Nothing shows new dark roots faster than oily flat hair. If you usually wear your hair parted in the middle; change it to swing to one side until you can get to your stylist. The hair around the hairline is always a little lighter and will give a softer appearance than if you have a part down the middle of your head screaming "Look at me!"
• For Redheads: no color fades faster than red. It is the hardest color to keep true to the original intent. The best approach to keeping your hair on tone is glossing with Sebastian Cellophane in between retouches. It will keep your hair healthy, shiny and on tone with the right color mix by your colorist. She may even suggest a toning color shampoo. Goldwell has a great shampoo for color treated hair that has a minimal amount of color in it for reds, blondes and brunettes. They even have one for blondes that will get rid of the brassy tones that develop on aging color.
• This summer has really been hot but the beach still has not lost it's appeal. Protect your hair with a straw big brim hat while in the sun.
• If you are a swimmer wear a bathing cap or pour your bottled water over your hair immediately after leaving the water, whether it is a pool, lake or ocean.
• Carry a bottle of leave-in conditioner with you to the beach, lake or pool and spray your hair and body often with it.
• After you come in from the sun and water take a cool shower to shampoo your hair. Closing the cuticle of your hair is key to keeping that color!
• Have a great remainder of the summer!!!

Resources

• CP Hair Design