If your hair always feels dry, it may be because it’s porous. Try adding more hair oils, creams, and conditioning treatments to your hair care routine.
Prep your hair before you color to make sure all your strands are as healthy as they can be! Do a hair mask the night before your color treatment, or add a deep conditioner to your daily hair care routine. Check to see if your hair is too damaged to color by smoothing a section of hair tautly between your fingers. Add a drop of water to the hair, counting how long it takes to disappear. If your hair absorbs the water in less than 10 seconds, your hair needs a little extra love before dyeing. [2] X Research source
Stay away from yellow, pink, and orange when dyeing darker colored hair. These colors may seem vibrant on the box, but they’ll completely disappear in your hair or leave you with a brassy result. When in doubt, go to the salon! A professional hairdresser will be able to help you get a color and tone that’s just right.
For a permanent color, you’re typically going to leave the dye in for 30 to 35 minutes. For bleach, be extra careful! A light dye on virgin hair will usually take between 40 and 45 minutes. Do a strand test before dyeing large sections of your hair. This will show you what the color will look like and give you an approximate dye time. [5] X Research source
If you’re using permanent color, try combing or brushing the dye through your hair. This will help make sure each and every strand is covered. [7] X Research source If you’re bleaching your hair, start with the ends and work your way up, applying thin coats that cover each strand completely. [8] X Research source
If you want that color to last as long as possible, try washing your hair less.
Fine hair: Lower volume developer Normal hair: Use the recommended amount of volume developer on dye Thick hair: Higher volume developer Developer is commonly weighed in volume. The higher the volume number, the stronger the developer.
Your hair may get oily quickly during the first weeks of your hair washing detox, but don’t worry! A few spritzes of dry shampoo can go a long way—not to mention the power of braids or a cute headband.
Look for products that are sulfate- and alcohol-free. Investing in a product that suits your colored hair needs will be a splurge you’ll appreciate in the long run.
Try French braiding your hair, accessorizing with a headband, or tying your hair back with a fun twist. If you do need to use a heating tool, make sure to use a heat protectant and the lowest heat setting. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Try a method for heatless curls after you shower so you can dry and style with no heat. If you need a blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Try out an SPF hair and scalp spray if you know you’ll be in the sun for long periods of time without a scarf, hat, or umbrella.
Try soaking your hair with clean water before diving in. A soaked sponge soaks up less than a dry sponge! If you do swim in a chlorinated pool, tie your hair up in a bun to keep it dry, wear a swim cap, or immediately rinse it with clean water when you get out of the pool. [20] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Leave the hair mask on for about 10 minutes, rinse with cold water, and voila! You have newly revived, nourished hair.
Stay away from brushes that have plastic balls on the ends of their bristles.
When you do brush your hair, start at the bottom and move upwards.
There’s no better time to start using a protectant than today! The sooner you start, the less hair you’ll fry. Try to use heat only when you need to. The less you use, the less damage you’ll cause, and the more time your hair will have to heal and grow.
