How To Keep and Protect Your Hair Color
Spring & Summer 2020 Tips for Color Treated Hair
To know me is to know Ive been coloring my hair since I was about 16.
I’ve bleached it, blackened it, went red and I currently sport a rainbow ombre.
Then- 2005
To keep my color looking fresh and never faded, I rely on the right products, the right amount of washings and styling it properly.
I went to Connecticut to see my Hair Artist, Jonathan Vining at J. Edwards Salon in Milford.
I’ve been using him for 12 years and when I was blonde- his work was buttery and golden- never brassy or yellow..
Now that I’m a rainbow girl- I asked him for his best tips to keep my hair shiny and bright.
We also added in some Hair tips for Quarantine.
With social distancing rules in effect Salons are closed and I’ve seen you on my insta feed cutting your own bangs. We want you to emerge from self isolation in style- so read through and let’s keep your pretty hues…
1 Always use a thermal spray before heat styling
I didn’t for years and when I saw Jonathan- he cut 6 inches off. The ends were dry and split from the dryer, iron and wand.
Heat protectants are normally loaded with frizz busters and hair hydrators. They have ingredients that form a barrier to protect your strands from damage from your blow dry, curling and straightening irons
I love the Thermal Protectant from Pulp Riot.
2. Use Color Safe Shampoos & Conditioner- Sulfate Free
Ingredients that bubble up and form lather are from sulfates- or surfactants. It makes for a great bubble bath- but this isn’t so great for colored hair
They strip away naturally occurring oils and proteins and especially- your color treatments!
3. The less you wash the better
If you need to wet it- just it and condition it- but don’t shampoo it. I personally use a dry shampoo in between.
Dry Shampoo will get you more days without washing-
For a budget friendly alternative, you can also sprinkle baby powder into your hair and comb it very well through through. Just apply a tiny bit at the scalp- then brush through and see if you need more.
Shampoo whether sulfate free or not will strip away some color. I personally wash my hair only once per week.
4. Rinse hair with Cold water
This is especially true if you have fantasy color or are covering greys.
The heat from warm water opens the cuticles and releases the pigments.
If I use warm water I can see the color rinsing out in the tub!
5. The Sun is Not Your Hair Color’s friend
All hair types should use a leave in conditioner with UV filters or put on hat at the beach.
Plus a hat protects your face from sun damage! Keep this in mind for hikes or sunny walks in the park.
When I hit a pool or beach-I have comb regular conditioner in my hair for even more protection
6. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
Dry and damaged hair will release color easily. Plus dry hair is brittle, fizzy and hard to manage.
Using the right conditioner, leave in conditioner and conditioning hair masques will keep it soft, shiny and prevent the color from fading
Jonathan recommends Pulp Riot, Oligo and R & Co
I’ve been using a Leave In from Oligo and love it!
7. Extensions can be an alternative to bleaching-
Getting your hair white blonde and keeping it long and healthy is nearly impossible.
You can try tape ins as lesser stress option for extensions.
Weaves can be more damaging then tape ins so ask your stylist for details.
8. For COVID-
Just reach out to your hairdresser with any questions or concerns. They know you and your hair and how to keep it in good shape while you can’t get into their salon.
Talk to them directly. Most stylists are doing curbside pick up for customized hair product
Cal them and go pro & keep your hair good condition. Jonathan does not recommend ANY drugstore brand conditioners, dyes, shampoos or hair sprays.
9. Don’t use box color!
Hair colorists go through months of training and custom make any color they apply.
They make professional root cover sprays and powder. It is a much better alternative then watching a YouTube vid and experimenting on your head.
With most colorists -color correction services are normally much more labor intensive and more expensive. Once quarantine ends your colorist may be booked out for months and not taking new appointments. They will need to honor bookings that were booked before we isolated.
Also brands like DpHue sell kits for root color.
Many stylists recommend these. Plus- they get shipped right to your house.