COLOR AND CURL MAINTENANCE

I was recently asked (on Instagram) about the products and regimen I use to maintain my color. The answer to this question is quite simple! I’ve maintained my same regimen, but have tweaked it here and there to account for the color. I’ll share the tweaks below!

Maintaining any color is hard work. However, maintaining blonde shades is another issue in itself. Blonde shades not only fade, but they may become brassy or even golden yellow in some instances. My friend and colorist, Reecie, suggests heading to the chair every 6 weeks to maintain your color. However, time and money can conflict with your next appointment but don’t panic just yet. There are some products and protective measures we can use to better protect our colored curls until that next appointment.

Color-Enhancing Shampoo & Conditioner ($8.99/each)

When I first got my color done in May, Reecie was adamant about me purchasing the Clairol Shimmer Lights Color-Enhancing Shampoo for Blonde & Silver hair. She said the shampoo would protect my color and keep it from becoming brassy. If she was telling me to get it, it must be worth the money!

I popped into my mini beauty supply/drugstore and found both the shampoo and conditioner for $8.99 each. I grabbed both figuring they would benefit my hair in some way if used with one another! And believe me, I was right! This duo is my big secret for color maintenance! The L’Oreal Shimmer Lights Color-Enhancing Shampoo & Conditioner are purple in color and are great for refreshing color with some extras.

The Shampoo is a “protein-enriched conditioning formula”, which is great for colored hair. It does the following:

• Tones down brassiness on blonde/gray hair.

• Renews & refreshes faded highlights and ash-toned hair.

• Removes dull yellow in gray/white hair.

• Leaves hair shiny without residue.

The Conditioner is a “rich blend of emollients, moisturizers & color refreshers”. It does the following (some of which are the same as the shampoo):

• Tones down brassiness.

• Renews & refreshes faded highlights.

• Removes dull yellow in gray/white hair.

• Leaves hair shiny, healthy-looking & manageable without residue.

I like to let the shampoo and conditioner sit on my hair for a few minutes to let them really work (3-5 minutes is suggested). I find that my hair looks toned down, but my color is still vivid. There is no brassiness and my color is revived! I haven’t experienced any dryness while using the products seeing that I use them every other wash, but I do find some tangle action after shampooing. I’ll work the conditioner into my hair, let it sit, then follow up with my detangling conditioner to work those tangles out.

Here is a Then (May 2014) & Now (September 2014) of the color:

My colored curls have been exposed to the elements on numerous occasions, and I think the color still looks great! Aside from the color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner, here are a few tips to follow to protect your colored tresses:

• Use a product that protects your hair against UV damage. UV rays can fade color quickly and cause dryness. I like to use the Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer because it is a lightweight mist that can be applied to damp or dry hair. It has multiple uses, but I use it mostly for the UV protection. An old favorite is the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Cream. It also has a UV shield and leaves hair soft and manageable.

• Deep condition weekly! In my opinion, you should deep condition weekly even if your hair isn’t colored. However, colored curls can be extremely dry and need extra TLC to stay vibrant and moisturized. Without a deep conditioning treatment, your colored curls may experience breakage and dullness. I recommend using Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. It’s great for hydration, but it also provides a light protein treatment.

• Go to a professional; I can’t stress this final tip enough! It may cost a little more than your regular color job, but professionals have the necessary training to color your hair properly. They know which shades work for what complexions, and will work their magic to give you the desired look without compromising the health of your hair! Seriously, go to a professional!

I hope these tips help you on your quest for great color. Always be sure to do your research and ask your stylist questions! It’s better to ask than to be sorry.

Until next time, Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions about color maintenance or have any tips you wish to share? Comment below!