Did you know that 70% of women in America are currently
using hair dye?!
That’s a lot of women that brighten up their natural hue! I
have been dying my hair since the 6th grade, so I guess you could
say I am an expert at this point :) Keep reading for some tips, products, and hey even a little science on
protecting color treated hair.
1. Watch
out for water
Recent research has stated that 80% of color fading is caused by water, not harsh products or scrubbing. Let’s break down the science of hair color shall we?! Dye strips the hair of the outer layer containing lipids. These lipids are like natural oils in which they make hair feel soft and lush. This makes hair become more porous causing water to be absorbed and released at a much faster rate. Unfortunately dye comes out along with the water as its leaving the hair strand.
2. Drier
than the Sahara desert?!
As previously mentioned, lipids equal silkiness and shine. Since dye strips us of those, our hair can begin to feel increasingly dry and brittle. When this problem arises most of us turn to conditioner. Unfortunately silicone based conditioners, which are most conditioners, are not going to adhere evenly. They are going to slide right down into the drain, along with your dream worthy hair. This problem has definitely been recognized within the cosmetic chemistry world. New conditioners have come out designed specifically for color treated hair. They contain polymers that allow colored hair to act like uncolored hair. If that’s not exciting than I don’t know what is ladies!
3. Turn
my swag shine on.
Lipids
do not only keep hair feeling soft, but also shiny. During the dying process
ammonia is used to lift the outer protein layer. This allows the dye to reach
the permanent color molecules. The protein cuticles are now roughed up and will
not allow light to bounce off hair in the same way, causing colored hair to
appear not as shiny. Blondes tend to get dull hair the fastest out of any other
hair color.
Secrets
I’ve learned along the way!
- This one may be obvious but use products for color treated
hair. They will contain the best ingredients to keep hair looking healthy.
- Even if you have fine hair, condition every time you wash
your hair. The tips can be years old so pay the most attention to them.
- Clear glazes will add instant shine to hair in
the shower. There are salon and drugstore versions available. Drugstore ones
will typically add shine until the next shampoo.
-
Using a heat protectant is extremely important. Flat irons get so hot that they literally evaporate the moisture right out of the hair strand. Protectants create a barrier to seal moisture in.
-
Clarifying shampoos work miracles when it comes to getting excess buildup off of the scalp, but they will strip your color. Avoid at all costs.When you take into account the cost of each trip to the salon for a dye job, hair coloring really is an investment. It is important to take care of your investment in every way possible. If you are on the lookout for specific products for maintaining colored hair than have no fear! My next post will cover my favorite products with in-depth reviews.Until Next time.. XO
