Having your hair dyed is a fun way to switch up your look. It’s important to note that dyed hair needs extra care. This is because the hair’s state has been altered chemically thus isn’t as strong as before. Here’s how to ensure your colour treated hair remains healthy.
Swimming Prep
Chlorine in swimming pools can weaken and discolour your dyed hair. To prevent this, apply leave-in conditioner or coconut oil as a barrier. Wear a tightly-fitting swimming cap to keep the strands dry.
Protein Treatment
This is important as it restores the hair’s strength. Chemically colouring your hair significantly weakens keratin in the strands. Low protein levels cause the hair to snap off easily. Do a protein treatment twice a month to counter this. Either ready-made products from beauty shops or DIY mixes can do the trick.
Limit Heat
Since dyed hair is already weak, heat styling should be kept to a minimum. Use low-manipulation methods such as twists, braids or puffs when you need to stretch the hair. If you have to use a blow dryer, do so on the cool setting, keeping the dryer 15 cm from your hair.
Products
Invest in good colour-protecting products. These not only prevent the colour from fading, but also keep your hair healthy. Colour-safe shampoos and conditioners form a barrier over the hair shaft such that the colour doesn’t bleed. Choose sulphate-free shampoos as these don’t leave deposits on the hair which could alter the colour. They also gently cleanse without stripping away the hair’s natueal oils.
Washing
Give the dye enough time to set before washing the hair. Wait at least 3 days after application. Remember to prepoo (coat your strands with oil) before washing. Oil protects the strands from being stripped of sebum during washing. It minimizes colour fade too. Coconut oil is one of the best oils for this.
