To dye or not to dye? That is the question.
After years of maintaining my natural jet black hair, I got the itch to switch up my look with a drastic change of hair color. Needless to say, I was consumed with concerns that hair dye will damage my hair beyond repair. In the end, what helped was the assurance from my sister, who had also dyed her hair, that going to a credible and experienced stylist and using quality products would ensure my hair dye experience will be a pleasant one.
Dyeing your hair can be a fun way to switch up your look, but it’s important to take good care of your dyed hair to ensure that it stays healthy and vibrant. If you dyed your hair and are looking for ways to keep it looking and feeling great, read on to see the eight things I learned in my hair color journey!
Go to an experienced hair color expert.
I can’t overstate this enough! Not every hair stylist is an expert in coloring hair, especially when it comes to dying textured hair! The texture, porosity and strand thickness of curly and coily hair requires an expert that has experience with textured hair and knows the right products to use.
Use a deep conditioning treatment.
Dyed hair can be more prone to dryness and damage, so it’s important to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Look for a conditioning treatment that is specifically designed for dyed hair, and use it once a week or as needed to keep your hair looking and feeling its best. I’ve been liking this deep conditioner that is packed with protein and moisturizing ingredients.
Be gentle when brushing your hair.
One thing I instantly noticed after dying my hair is that my hair didn’t withstand harsh combing and detangling. Dyed hair can be more fragile than untreated hair, so it’s important to be gentle when brushing or combing your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or a fexible brush like this one with to prevent breakage and damage, and avoid pulling or tugging on your hair.
Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
Consistent use of regular shampoos and conditioners can strip the color from your hair, leaving it looking dull and faded. To keep your dyed hair looking vibrant, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for dyed hair, if not all the time then some of the time. These products are formulated to protect your hair color and keep it looking fresh and vibrant for longer. This color-safe shampoo and conditioner set is a great option that won’t break the bank!
Let me also mention here that as much as you can, avoid hair products that contain ingredients that dry out your hair.
Trim your hair regularly.
Regular trims can help to prevent split ends and breakage, which can make your hair look dull and lifeless. Be sure to trim your hair regularly to keep it looking healthy and to prevent your color from fading too quickly.
Feeling adventurous? Try trimming your own hair using our detailed guide.
Protect your hair from the sun.
The sun’s UV rays can cause your hair color to fade faster, so if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, it’s important to protect your hair from the sun. Wear a hat or scarf to cover your hair when you’re outside, and use a UV-protectant spray to help prevent your hair color from fading.
Use a heat protectant.
Heat styling tools such as curling irons and flat irons can cause damage to your dyed hair and make the color fade faster. To protect your hair from heat damage, use a heat protectant like this really effective one before using any heat styling tools. This will help to keep your hair healthy and prevent your color from fading too quickly.
Reduce exposure to chlorine and saltwater.
Chlorine and saltwater can both cause your hair color to fade faster. If you’re planning on swimming in a pool or the ocean, be sure to wear a swim cap to protect your hair. This silicone swim cap is great because it won’t pull at your edges!
If you can’t wear a swim cap, rinse your hair with fresh water before and after swimming to help reduce the amount of chlorine or saltwater your hair absorbs.
Caring for dyed hair requires a little extra effort, but it’s worth it to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy. By using color-safe products, reducing heat styling, protecting your hair from chlorine and saltwater, using deep conditioning treatments, trimming your hair regularly, protecting your hair from the sun, and being gentle when brushing your hair, you can keep your dyed hair looking its best for as long as possible.
If you want to dig into the specifics of different types of hair color to choose which one is right for you, check out this article.
Are you ready to take the plunge and dye your hair? Comment below and let me know!!
