A quick note: this article was not written by AI, but by a real human - me! A hairstylist of 19 years, and a clean beauty educator. Thank you for reading this and your support of my career and small business.
-Diana
Whether you're getting your natural greys covered or some highlights to enhance your natural, haircolour is not cheap... and ideally it'll last as long as possible! I've worked behind the chair since 2006 doing haircolours, haircuts and styling on all hair patterns and there are some simple tips to keep your hair looking good for as long as possible.
Avoid washing your hair right away
Haircolour is a somewhat complex chemical process. It involves using (usually) an alkaline substance to soften and open the hair strand cuticle, then either redistribute the melanin or add in color pigments, and finally close the hair strand cuticle again. And depending on many factors, it may not close as tightly as it was before.. which means that there is opportunity for fading as colour molecules come out. Certain hair is more prone to having an open cuticle and therefore colour fading - if the hair is already compromised from heat damage, or if the hair has ever been lightened (even a year before).
Hair ideally sits at a ph of 4.5-5.5, so even something like water, can slightly open the cuticle. Over the few days to a week post haircolour appointment, the hair and cuticle will usually rebalance so it's best not to disturb this as much as possible, by not washing for at least 48 hours.
→ TLDR; Wait at least 48 hours after getting your hair coloured before you wash.
And when you do...
Use quality products (and please, conditioner!)
How much a product costs, is not just created by the quality of the ingredients (though this matters greatly), but also the research the brand does or has access to, and also the caliber of the formulation (concentrations of each ingredient and what plays well together). This doesn't mean that I'm recommending the most expensive shampoos - in fact there is a point where that price mostly reflects the marketing and the bottle the product comes in lol - but it does mean not using a low quality shampoo that is causing issues.
And a quick note here to say that our products are incredibly economical for the quality that you get since they're almost twice as concentrated. This means that yes there is an initial investment, but you'll get a highly effective product that lasts a looong time. And you'll be able to use less products because you're not having to adjust for other problems like dryness, scalp issues or buildup.
I know most people use conditioner after they shampoo, but I want you to know why this is exceptionally important when your hair is coloured. As you may have guessed by now, hair products are ph balanced to be ideal for the hair and scalp, so conditioner can actually help post colour to close the cuticle.
After I get my my hair highlighted, I personally will leave my conditioner in for 10-15 minutes for the first wash. Some of my favourites are -
Color Awakening Hairbath (this medium moisture shampoo is gentle enough to cleanse without stripping the hair and contains pumpkin seed oil that helps with vibrancy). Color Radiance Conditioner (this medium-rich moisture conditioner will moisturize without weighing down and also contains pumpkin seed oil that helps with vibrancy).
The Gentle Shampoo Concentrate (this gentle cleansing concentrate is amazing for anyone that is sensitive to essential oils and has 50% moisturizers to keep hair nourished).
Sweet Spirit Leave In (this leave in doesn't just help to detangle, it actually helps to close the cuticle - which as you now know, is essential for keeping haircolour last as long as possible!).
→ TLDR; Use quality products to avoid ph imbalances, stripping the moisture from hair and make sure to use conditioner to close the cuticle.
Avoid hot water to keep your haircolour longer
Let me just start by saying that I don't mean wash your hair in cold water (unless you have vivids, then... maybe). I just mean make it warm, not scalding hot when you wash your hair. I'm sure you've seen one of the many videos showing the effects of a flatiron on freshly coloured hair (usually shown on an extension or swatch in those cases), but most people forget that heat damage also comes from our showerhead.
→ TLDR; Wash your hair in warm not hot water.
Protect your hair if you're using hot tools
On the topic of heat (that's probably more familiar to you), we want to make sure you're using a heat protectant if you're using hot tools. Now, in my work as a hairstylist I have a lot of clients that are scared to blow dry their hair because of the heat. There is a huge difference between the air from a blowdryer, and say a flatiron or curling iron (or hot brush). I'm far less concerned about damage from a blowdryer as this is more indirect heat whereas with an iron, you're pushing a hot ceramic into the hair, and applying tension as you pull it down. The heat protectant that is recommended will depend on the level of heat you're using and the frequency.
For blowdrying - I love Serenity Smoothing Cream (this is also very moisturizing, no hold), or Hair Love Prep Spray (more volumizing, small amount of hold). Both these products go in damp hair (straight, wavy, curly and tight curly) before blowdrying or diffusing.
For hot tools like flatirons, curling irons and hot brushes - I love Thermal 2 Twenty as it protects specifically up to 220℃ or 428℉ which is important when we're dealing with higher temperatures.
→ TLDR; Use a heat protectant before using hot tools, especially ones that use direct heat like flatirons, curling irons and hot brushes.
Treatments to help make haircolour last longer
A lot of what we've focussed on so far are ways that the hair can be damaged and how this impacts haircolour. But even if this is the case, there are solutions!
Hair will hold onto colour better if the bonds inside the hair are intact and there is balanced protein and hydration (both these things ensure that the hair stays strong and intact). Healthy hair will take colour better, and also will hold onto it longer.
For blondes - I love Powerbuild Treatment that replenishes protein (lightening hair specifically can impact protein levels essential for strong hair).
The new Repair Mask is also a great option for everyone as it pulls bonds closer together in the hair and also provides beautiful softness!
For anyone with dehydrated, dry and brittle hair - I recommend the Hydrating Hair Mask to soften and nourish.
→ TLDR; Use treatments to ensure your hair is healthy, and will hold onto colour longer.
Haircare shouldn't be hard...
Part of my purpose and why I do this work is that I see so many people get the wrong advice for their hair in particular. With the explosion of haircare (including previously salon only haircare) into the general retail space, I see people giving advice, that are not actually educated to do so. This can lead to a cycle of products not working, people purchasing more and other products to make up for it, and never really finding a routine that works sustainably for them and their hair. This is what sets Hair Holistic apart.
I've been doing hair since 2006 and I've been a licensed hairstylist since 2009 working full time behind the chair. I've seen it all, and I know what works. If you have any questions for me, please pop into the Chat button on the bottom right hand. It's just me behind the business so you'll get my personal recommendations directly.
