Shampooing and Conditioning Your Hair
Find products formulated for colored hair. The shampoos and conditioners you use will make a difference to the longevity of the color and overall health of your hair. Color protecting products will help protect your hair. Some products are designed for specific hair colors so keep that in mind when choosing the right product for your highlights. Use sulfate-free products where possible, as sulfate products contains salt which can strip your hair of its natural oils and accelerate color loss. Avoid clarifying shampoos. These are designed to cleanse the hair of excess product, oils or impurities, but will also rid your hair of that beautiful color over time. Dandruff shampoos can cause your highlights to fade, so if you need dandruff shampoo, look for one specifically for colored or highlighted hair.
Wait 72 hours after coloring before washing hair. When your hair gets colored, the cuticle layer is opened to allow color to penetrate easily. This layer can take up to 3 days to close so it's important to wait before washing your hair to give the color pigment enough time to fully soak into your hair.
Rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Your hair should be thoroughly wet before applying shampoo and conditioner to help it easily absorb essential oils. If you use hot water, the heat will lift the outer cuticle layer which will cause your new color to fade over time.
Apply your chosen shampoo and conditioner. Make sure you follow the directions on their packaging. You will generally only need to shampoo and condition once per wash. When shampooing, use a quarter sized dollop of shampoo and focus on the hair closest to your scalp, as this is where it'll be the most oily. Condition the middle to ends of your hair, to give the older, drier ends some much needed moisture, and leave it in for a few minutes to absorb.
Rinse with cold water. Using cold water after conditioning your hair locks in the moisture and helps keep your highlights from fading. You'll want to thoroughly and gently remove the conditioner from your hair.
Use a leave-in conditioner. For additional pampering, or if your hair is frequently exposed to heat, consider giving it a leave-in conditioner treatment by following the instructions on the packet. Don't forget to make sure this is formulated for colored hair. Leave-in conditioners promote hair growth and can help you achieve healthier hair for longer There are also a variety of options for leave-in hair conditioners that you can make at home.
Wash your hair 2-3 times per week. This can vary depending on your hair type. Finer hair may require more frequent washing because of the natural build-up of oils in your hair which may weigh it down.
Caring for Your Hair after Washing
Use a microfibre towel to dry your hair. When using a towel, avoid twisting or roughly rubbing your hair. Instead, gently blot your hair with a soft towel to prevent tangling and damage.
Use heat protectants when blow drying hair. If you need to use a blow dryer, make sure you protect your hair from the heat as much as possible. Hair dryers will remove all the moisture from your hair, resulting in drier, faded hair. It is also important to have it set to low heat to minimise damage.
Use lightweight oils suited to your hair type. The antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids in hair oil can add shine and protect your hair. Comb a few drops through your hair before blow drying to help protect it from the heat. It is important to choose the best hair oil for your hair type as there is a wide variety available. You may also want to consider an essential oil to supplement the naturally occurring oils in your hair.
Use a color-safe dry shampoo. On the days where you don't wash your hair, a dry shampoo can help absorb excess oils without stripping the hair of necessary oils. Focus the dry shampoo on your roots to keep your hair looking fresh in between washes.
Avoid the sun and swimming pools as much as possible. The UV rays and chlorine in pools can cause the color in your highlights to fade. You may also want to try a leave-in conditioner or hairspray that have SPF in them to help protect your hair. Some products may also contain vitamins to help prevent further damage. If you can't avoid the pool on vacation, use a swimming cap or apply a strengthening conditioner to help protect your hair before swimming. When you're participating in outdoor activities, try to stay in the shade as much as possible or wear a hat.
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