PROTECTING YOUR NEWLY COLORED TRESSES (REPOST)
While scrolling through my posts, I noticed that this post (about newly colored hair) was missing! I was able to recover it due to some searching through google, so here it is!
While on Twitter I was asked: “How do I take care of my newly colored natural hair? I love it, but I don’t want to end up bald!” I laughed at the latter part of the statement, but that was seriously a good question!
Caring for newly color treated natural hair is very important especially when trying to not only preserve the color, but protect one’s delicate strands as well. First, you must decide between permanent color, which requires the cuticle to be lifted before color can be deposited, or semi-permanent color, which deposits color on top of the strands. Permanent coloring is that– permanent. To get rid of permanent color, one must allow the color to grow out, hair must be re-dyed, or the colored strands have to be snipped away. Semi-permanent, also known as a rinse, will wash out in 28 shampoos or so.
Maintaining moisture becomes super, extra important especially when using permanent color. Hair usually becomes drier when colored, and requires a little more moisture than usual. However, it is also important to understand that water, our main source of moisture, is color’s worst enemy. Too much water, whether washing or rinsing, can cause color to fade a lot more quickly, especially if the water is too hot. Hot water opens up the cuticle, allowing the color molecules to escape. Who likes washed out dye jobs? Nobody! Therefore, it is important to learn how to protect color treated hair. For one, always stick to lukewarm or cold water; it smooths and closes the cuticle, minimizing color molecule loss, breakage, and dry strands. Hence why it is better for the hair. It is also important to use products that maintain hair color and moisture balance such as color protecting or sulfate free products. Protein and moisture treatments become a little more important once hair has been color treated. Using a protein treatment post dye application can help to restore hair’s protein balance and strength. It is also important to apply a moisturizing treatment to maintain hair’s moisture levels. *Maintaining protein and moisture levels is important; too little or too much, protein or moisture, can have damaging effects to hair.
Honestly, I am not a fan of semi-permanent color, or rinses. When I decide to change my hair color, I want to see the actual color. If I want to dye my hair red, I want red (hence the pictures), NOT a red tint. Therefore, I opt for permanent hair color. However, I do not use products specific to color protecting, but I use sulfate-free shampoos, I avoid long rinsing, and I use cold water. No, it is not fun, but protecting my hair color and my hair’s health is important to me. There are also alternatives to chemical dyes, including henna, but I do not have much interaction, or info, with henna application.
IF you are considering dyeing your hair, I would recommend doing your research! This way, you can find the right color for you– one that goes well with your skin tone and will look amazing once applied! Strand tests are always recommended to make sure there are no reactions to the dye. I, however, am a DIYer (Do It Yourself-er) so I dye my hair at home using box dye kits. This may not work for everyone, so if you need to consult with professional help, do so! Also, never be afraid to ask questions
I hope this helps for those that are worried about protecting their newly dyed strands, but also to those considering dyeing their hair.
Until next time, Ashley, xo.
Have any questions about color treated hair, or considering coloring your hair? Tell me about it!
