How to take care of dyed and coloured hair

Blossom Kochhar

Transforming your hair with a fresh burst of color can be an exciting and confidence-boosting experience. Whether you’re rocking a bold new shade or subtly enhancing your natural hues, maintaining the vibrancy and health of your colored locks is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best practices and tips to ensure that your dyed and colored hair remains stunning and radiant.

Choose the right products
One of the first steps to maintaining colored hair is selecting the appropriate hair care products:
Color-safe shampoo and conditioner: Invest in a sulphate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. These products are gentle on your hair and help preserve your color longer.
Leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can provide added moisture and protection for your colored hair, reducing damage.
Color-enhancing products: Consider using color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated to boost and maintain your hair’s color.

Minimize washing
Frequent washing can strip your hair of its natural oils and fade your color more quickly. Follow these guidelines:
Wash less frequently: Try to extend the time between washes. Use dry shampoo to keep your hair fresh between wash days.
Cool water: When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can open up the hair cuticles, causing color to wash out more easily.
Gentle shampooing: Be gentle while shampooing, massaging your scalp rather than vigorously scrubbing your hair.

Protect your hair from the sun
UV rays can be damaging to both your hair and its color. To shield your locks:
Wear a hat: When outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, wear a hat to provide shade and protection for your hair.
UV-protectant products: Use hair products that contain UV protection, such as sprays or serums, to safeguard your color.

Avoid heat styling
Excessive heat styling can lead to color fading and damage. Here’s how to minimize its impact:
Heatless styling: Experiment with heatless hairstyles like braids, buns, or twists to reduce the need for hot tools.
Heat protectant: When you do use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant product first to minimize damage.
Lower heat settings: Use lower heat settings on your styling tools to reduce the risk of hair damage.

Regular trims
Maintaining the health of your colored hair involves regular trimming:
Trim split ends: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends, keeping your hair looking fresh and healthy.
Maintain shape: Trimming helps maintain the shape and style of your hair, making it easier to manage.

Deep conditioning
Deep conditioning treatments can provide much-needed moisture and maintain the vibrancy of your color:
Weekly treatments: Use a deep conditioning treatment or mask once a week to replenish moisture and enhance color.
Leave-in conditioners: Consider leave-in conditioners for daily hydration and protection.

Choose the right hairbrush
The type of hairbrush you use can affect your colored hair’s health:
Wide-tooth comb: Opt for a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair gently and reduce breakage.
Soft bristle brush: Use a soft bristle brush for dry hair to minimize static and prevent damage.

Be Cautious with Swimming
Chlorine and saltwater can be harsh on colored hair:
Pre-swim rinse: Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming to minimize absorption of pool or ocean water.
Swim cap: Consider wearing a swim cap for added protection.
Post-swim rinse: After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly to remove any chlorine or saltwater.

Eat a hair-healthy diet
Your hair’s health is closely tied to your overall well-being:
Balanced diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to promote healthy hair growth.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.

Regular Professional Care
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of professional care:
Color touch-ups: Schedule regular touch-ups with your colorist to maintain your desired shade.
Consult a professional: If you experience significant hair issues or concerns, consult a professional hairstylist or colorist for guidance

Dr Blossom Kochhar is Chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies