Forget the old advice. You’re about to discover the real secrets to long-lasting colour, healthier hair, and fewer salon visits. Colour-treated or dyed hair can be a beautiful way to express yourself and enhance your natural beauty. However, maintaining that stunning hue, whether you’ve gone for a bold platinum blonde, sultry brunette, vibrant red, or a rainbow of hues, is the real deal. But what if the secret to keeping that colour gorgeus lies in breaking some traditional haircare rules? In this article, we’ll explore some fresh, innovative strategies to help you maintain your colour-treated hair, supported by the latest research and expert insights.
Essential Tips on How to Maintain Colour-Treated Hair
1. Stop Washing Your Hair So Soon
Here’s a truth bomb for anyone who loves switching up their hair colour: stop washing your hair right after a dye job! While it might seem counterintuitive, giving your hair time to settle and the cuticles to close is essential for long-lasting color. Experts recommend waiting at least 72 hours before your first wash. This allows the dye to set into your hair strands, locking in the colour and preventing premature fading.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that washing dyed hair too soon can reduce the colour intensity by 40% within the first week. Patience is key to long-term vibrancy.
2. Shampoo Smarter, Not Harder
One of the most surprising truths about colour-treated hair is that less is more when it comes to shampoo. Every time you shampoo, you’re stripping your hair of natural oils and, yes, colour molecules. Here’s the game-changer: experts suggest cutting your wash routine to two or three times a week at most. You’ll be able to maintain your colour for much longer without dulling it down. Never miss a beat in fashion, arts, beauty, and lifestyle, follow FAB L’Style Magazine.
For those who can’t go that long between washes, invest in sulphate-free shampoo. Sulphates are detergents found in most shampoos that can be incredibly harsh on dyed hair, causing the colour to fade faster. A 2018 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology reported that users of sulphate-free shampoos experienced 22% less colour fading than those using traditional products.
3. Cold Water is Your New Best Friend
Another tip on how to maintain colour-treated hair is to avoid using hot water. If you’ve been washing your colour-treated hair with hot water, stop. Now. Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing the colour to escape faster and leaving your strands more prone to damage. Instead, use lukewarm or cold water to wash and rinse your hair. Cold water helps seal the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and, more importantly, locking in that gorgeous colour.
According to research published in the International Journal of Trichology, people who rinsed their hair with cold water after washing retained 32% more colour molecules than those who used hot water.
4. UV Protection for Hair is a Must
Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that needs sun protection; your hair does, too! UV rays from the sun can break down hair pigments and weaken the structure of your strands, making your colour fade faster. A study from Dermatology Research and Practice highlighted that UV radiation is one of the leading causes of colour degradation in dyed hair.
Invest in a UV-protectant spray or hair products infused with SPF. Hats, scarves, or even leaving the sunroof closed can go a long way in protecting your hair from the sun’s harsh rays. You’d be surprised how much these simple changes can preserve your colour’s vibrancy.
5. Deep Conditioning is Non-Negotiable
The dyeing process strips hair of moisture, leaving it more prone to dryness and damage. Deep conditioning treatments should become your weekly ritual if you want to maintain healthy, vibrant hair. Opt for masks that contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter; these restore hydration and strengthen the hair.
Research by the Journal of Cosmetic Science reveals that hair treated with a keratin-infused deep conditioner showed 28% less breakage and retained 18% more colour over a three-month period. Your dyed hair is already more vulnerable, so deep conditioning will help bring it back to life, especially if you’re rocking bold or pastel colours.
6. Don’t Overlook the Scalp
While we often focus on what’s happening with the hair shaft, the scalp is equally important in maintaining colour-treated hair. A healthy scalp ensures stronger hair growth and minimises hair breakage, both of which are critical for colour longevity. Invest in scalp treatments or oils that contain ingredients like tea tree oil or peppermint, which promote scalp health while preventing buildup from hair products that could dull your colour.
7. Heat Styling is Your Frenemy
We all love a good blowout or sleek flat-ironed look. But when it comes to dyed hair, excessive heat styling can be your colour’s worst enemy. The high temperatures break down the pigments in your hair, causing your colour to fade more quickly. If you must heat style, always use a heat-protectant spray. These create a barrier between your hair and the heat, minimising the damage.
A study in the Journal of Trichology and Hair Research showed that heat-treated hair lost 50% more moisture than unheated dyed hair, leading to faster fading. Keeping your hair healthy means giving those hot tools a break and embracing natural textures more often.
8. Maintain a healthy diet for healthier hair.
Here’s a truth not everyone tells you: the food you eat plays a big role in the health of your hair. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants will keep your hair stronger and less prone to colour loss. Biotin, found in eggs, salmon, and nuts, is especially great for keeping your strands strong and shiny.
Incorporating these nutrients ensures that your hair not only holds colour better but is also more resilient against damage. A 2019 study from the International Journal of Dermatology found that participants with biotin-rich diets experienced stronger hair strands and reduced breakage by 25%.
You’ve invested in your colour; now invest in maintaining it with these fresh, expert-backed strategies. Treat it right, and your colour will stay fresh, shiny, and fabulous, just like you.
