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While the pandemic is slowing down, many of us are still feeling a little uneasy about spending hours in a busy hair salon. This does not mean that self-care is not still required, and people still want to look good – including their hair. The home hair dye industry has seen a boom in sales, and with more people opting for a DIY hair dye, so has the percentage of damaged locks.
There is a reason why colour services in salons are so expensive – professional colourists are experts in colour and hair care. Although many would prefer an expert looking after their hair, it is not always an option. So here are our top tips to help keep your hair healthy after you have completed a home dye kit.
Tips for Protecting Home Hair Colour
Be Sure to Rinse Out All Colour Before Shampooing
Give your hair a really good rinse with water before the first post-colour shampoo. Leftover colour residue on the scalp can lead to long term colour sensitivity and can also lead to hair breakage. The last thing you want from a colour job is damaged hair and a sore scalp.
Reduce the Amount of Hair Washing
Once all the hair dye has been thoroughly rinsed out, you are ready to shampoo your hair as usual. However, it is worth considering washing your hair less often to increase the longevity of the fresh colour and also improve your overall hair health. On non-wash days, dry shampoo can be used to freshen up the hair if looking a little limp.
Avoid Harmful Shampoo Ingredients
When washing your hair with shampoo, find a brand that is sulphate-free, as it will help keep the hair hydrated. Sulphates have also been found to trip the hair of colour, so they are not a good option for dyed locks. Other ingredients to steer clear of include salicylic acid and ketoconazole – both can irritate your scalp and cause it to dry out.
These ingredients are not necessarily bad shampoos, just not suitable for dyed hair. Instead, look for shampoos that are formulated for coloured hair – they are more likely to preserve the colour. Pre-shampoo treatments can also be handy for sealing the hair cuticle and providing a bit of extra TLC.
Turn Down The Heat
Anyone big on hair health will be aware of the damage heat can have on hair. Hydration is key to keeping coloured hair looking its best, so keep styling tools and water temperature on the cool side. For example, use your hairdryer on the low setting and, when possible, leave your hair to naturally air dry. Your hair will be thankful for the much-needed break.
If you do need to use heat, invest in a heat protection spray. It can help reduce the damage and stop cuticle splitting. A Leave-in conditioner can also help strengthen your hair while also reducing the appearance of split ends.
Use a Weekly Hair Mask
To keep hair super hydrated and moisturised, use a deep penetrating hair mask at least once a week. Your hair will soak up all the nourishment in the hair mask and leave it soft and shiny.
Just like with skin care products, it is worth finding a weekly treatment specifically suited to the hair type, especially if you have bleached your hair or used a permanent colour. These hair masks will be carefully formulated to penetrate the hair shaft and rebuild hair health. Also, look for ones with keratin as they can help repair the damage caused by dying and bleaching.
Consider Using CBD Shampoo
CBD has been a popular ingredient in various luxury wellness products for many years, from massage oils to skincare products like an eye serum. But now, this compound has made its way into the hair care industry. CBD is short for Cannabidiol – a natural compound found in hemp plants. It has been found that CBD contains amino acids that may help to build up collagen – which can strengthen hair and prevent damage.
Different brands have formulated a CBD shampoo to nourish both the hair and scalp – something which is vital for protecting hair colour. Such products typically contain pure CBD with other key ingredients such as panthenol, vitamin F, and omega fatty acids. Together, these ingredients create a formula that protects and nourishes the hair and scalp.
Treat Yourself To a Silk Scarf Or Silk Pillowcase
If your hair is particularly damaged or often appears frizzy, looking into how your hair and scalp are being treated at night is essential. Bedsheets and pillowcases can affect your hair, so investing in a silk scarf to wrap up your hair or replacing your pillowcase with a silk alternative is worth investing in.
Silk materials prevent friction on the hair – one of the leading causes of manual damage, which results in split ends and breakage. Although silk is considered a luxury material, there are plenty of brands out there that suit all styles and budgets.
The Takeaway
In case you do choose to dye your hair at home, make sure you look after the health of your hair afterwards by following the steps outlined above. There is an ongoing theme with hair health – hydration. So keep the heat away from your hair and make sure it is well-conditioned with a weekly hair mask treatment.
Consider investing in CBD hair care products for those who have damaged their hair through a colouring mishap. Although the research is still in its infancy, CBD is a natural organic ingredient that can do a lot of good for hair health.
