Taking the steps to maintain proper moisture and protein balances within the hair shaft is important, particularly if you’ve color-treated your hair with anything other than a rinse. Color treated hair is often times more porous and dryer than untreated hair. Choose quality, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, specifically for color-treated hair, to help prolong the vibrancy of your color. Harsh shampoos can cause abrasions along the cuticle which in addition to making your color appear dull, also cause breakage in the long run. Shampoo your hair less often to prevent premature fading of your color. Keep your water in the warm to cool range to avoid stripping your hair. Additionally, remember to protect your hair while swimming in chlorinated pools.

Color treated hair needs more moisture and upkeep than untreated hair. Follow each wash with a moisturizing conditioner for at least 20-30 minutes. Although, heat offers maximum penetration, forgo any heat styling for at least the first 2 weeks following a color process. Hot oil treatments or apple cider vinegar rinses are also options. They do well in keeping the cuticle smooth and soft. When using permanent or semi-permanent color, consider using a color rinse in between salon visits to keep hair fresh and vibrant looking. Color rinses help maintain the correct tone of color and help lessen the chemical damage to the hair shaft.

Here are a few simple items you’ll need to ensure you have the healthiest, color-treated hair:

1- Moisturizing Shampoo (preferably for color-treated hair)

1- Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

1- Protein/ Reconstructor Conditioner

1- Water-based protein moisturizer

1- Water-based moisture ONLY moisturizer

1- Oil

Keeping your color-treated hair in optimal condition may take a little more time and attention. But as long as you are giving your hair both the needed protein and moisturizing components it needs, your color treated hair will thrive!