Why Does Hair Color Damage Hair?
Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes use chemicals that open the cuticle layer to deposit color pigments deep within strands. Repeated coloring over time without the proper aftercare can often lead to premature fading of your hair color and also contribute to dry, damaged hair.Accumulation of Chemical Processing
Each application allows more chemical exposure that accumulates. Too much chemical processing fades color quickly and exacerbates dryness and brittleness.
How Improper Aftercare Worsens Damage
Without adjusting your hair care regimen for color maintenance, issues like dryness, fading and breakage occur from:- Washing too frequently, causing extra color fading with each wash. Every other day shampooing (or even less!) is ideal.
- Using shampoos with sulfates or salts that rapidly strip fresh dye molecules.
- Neglecting weekly deep conditioning treatments for added moisture.
- Heat styling excessively without heat protecting products.
Caring For Your Color
Being diligent with a proper at-home regimen makes a big difference in maintaining vibrant, healthy color-treated hair.Choose the Right Products
- Use professional shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for color-treated hair. Look for hydrating and repairing ingredients like oils, ceramides and proteins while avoiding sulfates.
- Rotate between a deeply nourishing mask and a bonding treatment every 1-2 weeks. Allow thicker formulas to penetrate under heat for 10+ minutes before rinsing.
- Always prep hair with a thermal protectant before heat styling. Opt for formulas with antioxidants.
Be Gentle
- Detangle locks carefully with a wide-tooth comb only when wet and conditioned to minimize breakage.
- Try to limit use of hot tools to lower heat settings. Allow hair to air dry when possible.
- Sleep on satin pillowcases. Rubbing from cotton exacerbates color fading and split ends.
Get Regular Trims
- Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to snip away dry, damaged split ends before they travel up the hair shaft. Consistent trims promote growth.
Consider Supplements
- If hair is still excessively brittle despite at-home care, talk to your stylist about professional thickening and strengthening treatments to get your strands back to health.
