Caring for Colored Hair: Pro Tips
Coloring your hair can be a fun and exciting way to express yourself. Whether you’ve gone bold with bright shades or chosen a subtle touch-up to cover grays, one thing stays the same—colored hair needs special care to keep it looking fresh and healthy.
This guide is packed with easy-to-follow tips that anyone can use. You don’t need to be a hair expert to protect your color and keep your locks shining. According to NYC hair color experts, the way you treat your hair after coloring makes a big difference in how long your color lasts and how healthy your hair feels.
1. Wait Before Washing
One of the most important tips starts right after you color your hair. Don’t rush to wash it. Color takes time to settle into your hair. Waiting at least 48 hours before shampooing helps the dye stay in your strands longer. This gives your hair cuticle time to close and trap the color.
If you wash too soon, you might notice your color fading faster. So, try to hold off, even if your hair feels a little oily.
2. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Once it’s time to wash, be sure you’re using the right kind of shampoo. Many regular shampoos have sulfates—chemicals that make them foam up. The problem is, sulfates can also strip color from your hair.
Look for sulfate-free shampoos. They clean your hair gently and help your color stay bright. Some of these shampoos even have added ingredients to protect your color, making them a smart choice for daily care.
3. Don’t Wash Every Day
Washing your hair too often can make the color fade faster. Even with gentle shampoos, water can lift the dye out of your hair. If possible, try to wash your hair just two or three times a week.
On days you skip shampoo, dry shampoo can help soak up oil and keep your hair looking fresh. Less washing means more time for your hair to hold on to that beautiful color.
4. Use Cool or Lukewarm Water
Hot water feels great in the shower, but it’s not the best for colored hair. Heat opens the hair cuticle, which can make color escape more easily. Cooler water helps keep your hair cuticle closed and your color locked in.
Try rinsing your hair with cool or lukewarm water instead. It might take some getting used to, but your color will last longer, and your hair will feel healthier.
5. Deep Condition Weekly
Coloring your hair can make it dry or damaged, especially if bleach is involved. To help your hair bounce back, deep conditioning treatments are a must. These treatments add moisture and repair the damage from coloring.
Use a deep conditioner once a week. There are many options available at stores, or you can make one at home using ingredients like coconut oil, honey, or avocado.
6. Protect from Heat Styling
Straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can weaken your hair and cause your color to fade. That doesn’t mean you have to stop styling your hair—but it’s important to use heat tools the right way.
Always use a heat protectant spray before styling. It creates a barrier that helps reduce damage. Also, try to keep the temperature as low as possible and avoid using heat every day.
7. Stay Away from the Sun (or Protect Your Hair)
Just like your skin, your hair can be harmed by the sun. UV rays can break down your color and dry out your strands. If you’re spending time outside, especially during summer, protect your hair.
You can wear a hat, use a UV-protecting hair spray, or tie up your hair in a protective style. These small steps make a big difference over time.
8. Trim Your Ends
Split ends and dry tips can make even the prettiest color look dull. Regular trims help your hair stay healthy and keep your color looking neat and fresh.
You don’t need a full haircut every time. A simple trim every 6 to 8 weeks can help prevent breakage and keep your hair in top shape.
9. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
This might sound fancy, but silk pillowcases are great for colored hair. Cotton pillowcases can be rough on your hair, causing friction and breakage while you sleep. Silk is smoother, which helps your hair stay soft and your color stay bright.
If you don’t have a silk pillowcase, wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before bed can also work.
10. See a Professional for Touch-Ups
While it’s tempting to do touch-ups at home, it’s always best to see a professional when your color needs a refresh. A skilled stylist knows how to match your color perfectly and avoid damage.
The best hair salon in NYC will use high-quality products and give you advice on how to care for your specific hair type. It’s worth the visit to keep your color looking its best.
Final Thoughts
Colored hair is beautiful, but it does take some care to keep it that way. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy vibrant color that lasts and hair that feels soft and strong. From the way you wash to how you sleep, every small step adds up to healthier, happier hair.
Whether you color your hair at home or get it done at a top hair salon in NYC, these tips will help you protect your look. And the best part? These tips work all year round, no matter the season.