7 Tips to Help you Fight the Fade

 

When you leave the hair salon and your hair colour is so vibrant and shiny, it’s a mood enhancer that you’d like to keep for as long as possible. However, if you give your hair the wrong treatment, your colour can all too quickly become flat, dull and faded.

Don’t despair. You actually have more control over your fading hair than you think. Here are seven tips to help you keep your colour strong for longer.

 

# Stop washing your hair in hot water

While there is nothing better than a hot bath or shower, it is not good for your colour. Hot water lifts the outer layer of the cuticle, and as this is the layer that holds the colour, your hair is then vulnerable to colour loss. The hotter the water and the more often you rinse it off, the faster your colour will fade. Instead, wash your hair in warm water and rinse in cold water. The cold water will seal the hair cuticle and make your hair look shinier.

# Stop over-washing your hair

Avoid washing your hair for as long as possible. It may seem quite strange, but your hair and colour will thank you for it. Always wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair after colouring to allow the dye time to settle. Water causes hair colour to fade. In fact, up to 80% of colour fading is caused by water alone. The hair absorbs water, and as the hair dries, the dye flows out with it. What’s more, tap water contains a host of chemicals that disrupt the way hair takes in and retains colour. Washing it too often exposes your hair to these chemicals. If you are a staunch advocate of daily washing, try washing your hair every other day. To extend the time between washes, try a dry shampoo at the roots to absorb oil and add volume.

# Don’t wash your hair with detergents

This word sounds so harsh, but most likely, if you shampoo your hair, you are using a detergent. Most of them contain salts, alcohol and sulphates as foaming agents. These bind to the colour molecules and cause them to run off into the sink instead of staying where they should. At Atelier Arleta we use sulphate-free shampoos, which we recommend for all colour services, from blondes, through to reds, browns and blacks. They contain no additives that are harmful to the colour and are salt and sulphate free. Remember to always check the ingredients.

# Don’t let the sun damage your colour

Did you know that the sun harms your skin, but did you also know that it’s not good for your hair either? The ultraviolet rays in sunlight are harmful to your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle and dull. Protect your hair and colour by limiting your exposure to the sun. Wear a hat or sunscreen (yes, you can buy it for your hair!) or at least replenish some moisture by using a leave-in conditioner daily.

# Buy the right hair care products

If you’re not using a shampoo and conditioner that is safe for colour-treated hair, this is the best time to start trying to preserve your colour for longer. Look for shampoos and conditioners designed for colour-treated hair, as these will be safer for the colour and help minimise colour fading. As a general rule of thumb to help you retain your colour, shampoo should only be used at the roots of your hair and conditioner should be used on your mid-to-late hair. As mentioned earlier, avoid anything with sulphates or colour-removing alcohols in the formulation. Ask one of our salon experts about the right product for you.

# Protect your hair from too much heat

We all know that the heat generated by hair dryers, curling irons and straighteners is damaging to our hair, but it also has a negative impact on hair colour. Before styling, protect your hair from heat and excessive dryness with a light oil or heat-protecting product.

# Take care of damaged hair before you have it dyed

When your hair is damaged, dry, split and brittle, it’s hard to get a good finish on new colour and even harder to maintain it. Porous and damaged hair means the cuticle is open, unable to hold moisture or colour. Carrying out a treatment before colouring your hair will help maintain colour and shiny hair. Cut off the ends that can’t be salvaged and restore the porosity and condition of your hair with a restorative treatment at Atelier Arleta. Then maintain the condition of your hair after colouring with a colour-safe conditioner, available at our salon.

When you spend the money and time to colour your hair, make it worthwhile and stop fading by following our tips; and you’ll be sure your colour is worthy every day.

To get your hair ready for colour, book your next appointment with us today. You can schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
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