Washing your hair after coloring at home requires some care to keep the color vibrant and long-lasting. Here's how you can do it effectively:
Steps to Wash Colored Hair at Home
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Wait Before Washing | Avoid washing your hair for at least 24 to 48 hours after coloring. This allows the color to fully set into the hair shaft. |
| 2. Use Color-Safe Shampoo | Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These shampoos are gentler and help prevent color from fading. |
| 3. Lather Gently | Apply shampoo primarily to the scalp, and avoid rubbing vigorously on the colored lengths, which can cause fading. |
| 4. Condition After Shampooing | Always follow up with a color-safe conditioner to moisturize your hair and keep the color looking fresh. |
| 5. Rinse with Cool Water | Hot water opens your hair cuticle and makes it easy for the hair colour to get washed off easily while shampooing and conditioning. Use lukewarm to cool water when rinsing your hair. Decrease the water temperature and rinse off with cold water to help seal in the moisture from your conditioner and prevent colour from fading. |
| 6. Pat Dry Carefully | Instead of rubbing your hair with a towel, pat it dry gently to prevent friction that can lead to breakage and fading. |
| 7. Avoid Excessive Heat | Limit your use of hot styling tools such as hair dryers and straighteners, as the heat can fade the hair color. |
| 8. Use Color-Depositing Products | Once a week, use a color-depositing conditioner or hair mask to help refresh your color between colorings. |
Practical Tips for Long-Lasting Hair Color
- Choose the right products: Select shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are labeled “color-safe” and free from sulfates.
- Avoid washing too often: Try to extend the time between shampoos, possibly using dry shampoo in-between to keep your hair looking fresh.
- Use heat protectants: When styling your hair with heat tools, always use a heat protectant spray to shield your colored hair from damage and color fading.
- Limit sun exposure: UV rays can cause hair color to fade. When in the sun, wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection.
Why Cool Water Matters
As mentioned in the reference, hot water opens your hair cuticle and makes it easy for the hair colour to get washed off easily while shampooing and conditioning, while cooler water helps seal the hair cuticle, keeping the color locked in. This makes a significant difference in the longevity and vibrancy of your hair color.
Following these steps and tips will help you maintain your at-home hair color and keep it looking its best for longer.
