How to care for dyed hair? 8 tips to make hair dye last longer
Many women wonder about the best ways to care for dyed hair because it requires special attention to maintain color vibrancy and hair health. In this article, we aim to provide you with a useful reference, dear readers, to inform you about the best tips for caring for dyed hair.
Top 8 Tips for Caring for Dyed Hair
1. Wait Three Days Before Washing Newly Dyed Hair
Dyeing your hair chemically alters its structure, making it more porous and prone to damage. Therefore, it's best to avoid washing your hair for at least 72 hours after dyeing to prevent color fading easily. Frequent washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and lifeless. To maintain vibrant color, it's sufficient to wash it two to three times a week. On days between washes, you can use a color-safe dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and dirt without stripping the color.
2. Use Color-Protecting Shampoo
The type of shampoo you use plays a significant role in preserving the vitality of your hair color. When washing your dyed hair, opt for a color-protecting shampoo specifically designed for this purpose. Shampoos with low sulfates and alcohol content are a safe choice as they help maintain your hair's color and prevent it from fading quickly. Color-protecting shampoos contain moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that work to renew and repair your hair. Avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients like sulfates and alcohol, which can strip color and moisture from your hair.
3. Use a Dyed Hair Conditioner
Dyeing your hair can make it more fragile, leading to color fading and dullness. Therefore, after washing your dyed hair with shampoo, it's essential to use a conditioner designed specifically for dyed hair. These conditioners contain oils, butters, moisturizing polymers, and other hydrating elements. They form a protective barrier on your hair strands, helping to seal the cuticles, moisturize, and add shine and thickness to your hair. This will leave you with soft, healthy, and shiny hair.
4. Avoid High Temperatures
Try to wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can damage dyed hair and cause the color to fade. This also applies to heat styling tools like hair straighteners, curling irons, and hair dryers, which, when used frequently, can damage the hair's protective outer layer. To protect your hair from heat, use a heat protection serum or spray, as these products reduce the damage caused by heat.
5. Invest in Dyed Hair Masks
Adding a dyed hair mask to your routine just once a week can provide your hair with an extra dose of nourishment and help maintain your color for a more extended period. These masks can also help soften your dyed hair and enhance its shine. Here's how to use a dyed hair mask:
Adding a dyed hair mask to your routine just once a week can provide your hair with an extra dose of nourishment and help maintain your color for a more extended period. These masks can also help soften your dyed hair and enhance its shine. Here's how to use a dyed hair mask:
- Apply the dyed hair mask to damp hair, comb it from roots to ends, and twist your hair into a bun or wrap it in a soft towel.
- Leave the mask on for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly. Your hair will be softer and shinier.
One of the side effects of dyeing your hair is protein damage, which makes your hair prone to breakage and split ends. To combat this, you can use store-bought protein treatments or create your own protein-rich masks. A basic homemade mask can be made using eggs and mayonnaise. Here's how to create a protein-rich hair mask:
- Beat a whole egg and mix it with two tablespoons of mayonnaise until you have a smooth mixture.
- Apply this mask to your hair, focusing on the ends.
- Leave it on for around 45 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with cool water and use a sulfate-free shampoo.
Repeat this treatment once a week and notice the difference.
Incorporating these tips into your hair care routine will help you maintain the vibrancy and health of your dyed hair.
6. Use Warm Oil to Add Shine to Dyed Hair
Oils provide nourishment and moisture to your hair, creating a protective layer that shields it from sun damage and heat. They also contribute to the health and shine of dyed hair. Here's a simple at-home routine for caring for your dyed hair with warm oil:
- Apply 2-3 tablespoons of warm oil (such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil) to clean, towel-dried hair.
- Gently massage the warm oil into your scalp and all the way to the tips of your hair.
- Pay extra attention to the tips, which are the most prone to damage.
- Cover your hair with a towel or use a shower cap, and leave the oil on for 30-45 minutes, or you can even leave it on overnight.
- Then, either blow-dry your hair, use a hot towel, a hairdryer, or sit in the sun.
- Let your hair cool to room temperature, then rinse it with cold water and use a sulfate-free shampoo.
7. Maintain a Healthy Diet for Beautiful Hair
The beauty of your hair starts from within your body, and what you eat is closely related to the health, growth, and radiance of your hair. Nutrients such as iron and proteins (found in lean meats, fish, low-fat cheese, eggs, spinach, and soy) nourish your scalp and dyed hair by building strong keratin and protein, which strengthen your hair, improve its texture, and stimulate growth.
Vitamins are another key to maintaining healthy and shiny dyed hair. Here are the most important vitamins you need:
- Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron from plant-based proteins.
- Biotin (Vitamin B) found in foods like salmon, carrots, egg yolks, and sardines strengthens weak hair and improves its texture.
- Vitamin E helps combat dry and brittle hair after dyeing.
If your diet lacks essential vitamins, consider taking vitamin supplements to maintain the health and strength of your hair and overall well-being.
8. Minimize Exposure to Humid Air
Avoid long baths and minimize exposure to humid air. Humidity can make dyed hair color fade. Try to protect your hair with anti-humidity serums, especially during rainy seasons.
In conclusion, caring for dyed hair requires attention and dedication. There's no need to worry about losing the vibrancy and vitality of your dyed hair. By following the tips outlined above, you can maintain vibrant and healthy hair for an extended period.