1. After coloring, wait a full 72 hours before shampooing

When coloring hair, your cuticle layer is opened, making it easy for color to penetrate the hair shaft. When you wash your hair too soon after your appointment, the cuticle layer could still be open which then leads your color being washed down the drain. It take up to three days for the cuticle layer to fully close, so the longer you wait to shampoo your hair after you color, the more time the color pigment will have to soak into the hair cuticle, which will help your color last longer in between salon visits.

 

2. Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

Sulfates are a type if detergent that is found in many personal care products. This ingredient is used to help produce a foaming edict to your shampoos and conditioners. By using sulfates you run the risk of stripping your hair of its natural oils, moisture and hair color.

At 4247 Loft we carry R+Co, this is a professional salon product which is sulfate/paraneb free, vegan, gluten free, animal cruelty free.

 

3. Turn down water temperature when washing

Yes, we know hot showers are amazing, but it isn’t great for your hair color. When washing hair with hot water, your hair’s cuticle is opened, allowing your color to wash out while shampooing and conditioning.

To prevent seeing all of your color go down the drain, try shampooing with slightly warm water and the rinsing with cold water after conditioning. The warm water will allow the shampoo and conditioner to penetrate and cleanse, while the cold water will help seal in the moister from your conditioner while preventing color from fading by sealing the hair’s cuticle.

 

4. Wash hair less often

Washing your hair every day is something you want to avoid if wanting your hair color to last longer, especially if you have vibrant color. Not only are you washing away the natural oils that moisturize and keep your hair color looking fresh, you also wash away a little bit of your hair dye every time you wash your hair. Try washing your hair every other day or ever 2-3 times a week to keep your color on lock.

If you find you need to wash more often try mixing your shampoo with your conditioner. This will make your shampoo less abrasive.

 

5. On off days, use dry shampoo

On your off days of not washing your hair, try using color-safe dry shampoos. These will refresh your hair by absorbing the extra oils. Pro-Tip: Apply dry shampoo on to your freshly washed hair as a preventive measure, if your hair tends to be a bit more oily.

 

6. Use leave-in treatments to protect hair color when styling

Colored and chemically-treated hair needs extra hydration and protection from the sun to prevent damage and loss of nutrients to the hair. Leave-in treatments will help keep your hair smooth and hydrated. It is important to make sure you use one with UV protection so that the sun won’t fade your hair color. (Again all R+Co products have UV + heat protection)

 

7. Use heat protectant spray before using hot tools

Heat will strip away color and hydration and lead to damaged hair. To help prevent these problems from happening while using hot tools, try  using a heat protectant spray before blow drying or styling. Heat protection will help reduce moisture loss from inside the hair, smooth the outside of the hair.

 

8. Prepare your hair for next color process

Use a clarifying shampoo the day before your next color treatment at the salon. This will strip your hair of any oils that could block color from penetration the cuticle at a deeper level. (Obiviion) 

 

9. Avoid chlorine and salt water

Chlorine is a chemical bleaching agent that cleans pools and will definitely strip color from your hair. Blonde hair is susceptible to turning a greenish tint, while darker shades may become dull, dry out, and lose their shine. 

 

10. Keep up with trims

Dead ends won’t hold color and will fade even faster.