1. Get Your Hair Ready for Coloring
Your effort to make your hair color last longer should start a couple of days before hitting the salon. Primarily, we advise that you use a chelating shampoo in order to avoid styling product build-up. Additionally, you can also use a deep-conditioning mask at least once a week to keep your hair hydrated. This will help your hair color from fading when you switch to a different hue.
2. Wait as Long as You Could to Wash Your Hair
After a color service, it takes around 3 days for your new hair color to completely oxidize. To put it simply, it will be about 72 hours before your cuticles close back down to start holding the new color. Thus, washing your hair right after getting your hair colored means, washing away the fresh color pigments down the drain. Also, opt for a gentle sulfate-free shampoo when you have to wash your hair.
3. Take Lukewarm to Cool Showers
All of you might be aware of the fact that hot water dries out your skin, but did you know that it could also decrease the life of your hair color? The heat from the shower opens up your cuticle, thus allowing the precious colour and moisture to go down the drain. Keep your water at room temperature, and rinse your hair with the coldest water possible. Also, towel dries your hair and it will leave you with long-lasting hair color that looks hydrated and nice with minimum split ends.
4. Hair Sunscreens do Exist
The UV rays out there are your greatest enemy when it comes to making your hair color last longer. UV rays penetrate the hair cuticles and bleach the color. You can obviously use a hat, but not every girl is hat-person or has hair that could be hidden under a hat. If you are out in the beach or pool, use a hair protector along with SPF to tuck your hair away from both the sun and chlorine. If you can’t find SPF, UV hair sprays also great options.
5. Tuck Those Hot Tools Away
Hot tools like hair dryers, straighteners, etc. speed up the process of hair color fading. As these tools are considered necessary, it is best to stay away from hot tools for at least a week after getting a color service. From then on, the tools should be used only when it is an absolute must.
6. Put a Thermal Protectant to Use
Though we advise that you don’t overuse styling tools, there comes a time when you can’t step out without using them. Therefore, in order to protect your hair color against heat damage, use a thermal protectant. IT keeps the integrity of your hair in great condition and protects your hair color from fading away.
7. The Apple Cider Vinegar from Your Pantry Can Help
Did you ever in your wildest dreams think that apple cider vinegar could help make your hair color last longer?
Mix together one part of apple cider vinegar with three parts of water. Once a month, use this mixture to rinse your hair after the regular shampoo and conditioner routine. Apple cider vinegar removes the mineral build-up accumulated in the hair shaft to boost shine, and freshen the color.
Mix together one part of apple cider vinegar with three parts of water. Once a month, use this mixture to rinse your hair after the regular shampoo and conditioner routine. Apple cider vinegar removes the mineral build-up accumulated in the hair shaft to boost shine, and freshen the color.
8. Get a Quality Brush
A quality brush goes a long way in preventing your hair color from fading. Get a brush with boar bristles and nylon fibers. When brushing your hair, this will protect your hair and distribute the natural oils from your scalp over the entire shaft making your color look perfect.
Lastly, how long your hair color lasts mainly depends on how good you take care of your hair. If you follow all the tricks mentioned above to the last point, then your hair color is bound to last longer than you expect. On the last note, if you do emerge out of the pool with your hair looking green, grab a glass of tomato than freak out. The V8 in the tomato juice just works well in neutralizing the green.