Everyone loves to have their hair colored, but not everyone considers the maintenance it takes to keep the color looking vibrant and fresh. So, it’s no surprise that more often times than not, clients end up back in the salon after just one or two washes confused about why their hair color is fading so quickly.
How Hair Color Works
In order for hair color to work, it needs an alkaline to open the hair cuticle and allow hair color molecules to penetrate the cortex of the hair. Most professional hair colors contain ammonia, which acts as the alkalizing agent. But because of its negative health effects, holistic brands like Oway and Original Mineral opt for a milder, safer alkalizing agent—a non-gaseous substance called Monethanolamine (MEA). MEA slowly opens the cuticles, unlike ammonia, which unnaturally blasts open the hair cuticles, causing major hair damage.
MEA has allowed Oway and O&M to have completely ammonia-free formulas!
Tips to Prolong Hair Color
1. Wash hair less frequently.
Most permanent hair colors can last for about six weeks, as hair is continuously exposed to color-fading elements like UV radiation, heat and toxins that weaken the hair. Washing the hair frequently will only add another color-fading element, swiftly stripping away the hair’s natural oils that lock in pigments.
Shampooing 2-3 times a week is advised. Use hair care products that help preserve and protect the color from common causes of fading.
We suggest Oway’s Color Protection Collection line which includes a hair bath, mask and veil. These products are formulated specifically to ensure the hair is kept looking healthy and vibrant.
2. Go sulfate-free.
Sulfates, also known as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS, contain salts that strip away the hair’s natural moisture. When hair is dehydrated, the cuticles become raised, which make it easy for hair color pigments to escape.
Using an organic sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair will help cleanse the hair and guard color from fading.
3. Use color-conditioning hair masks with phytopigments.
Some shampoos can be acidic, which dry out the hair. Following shampooing with a conditioner made for color-treated hair will help neutralize the hair’s pH and bring back lost moisture and shine.
In addition, using hair masks with phytopigments like Oway Hmelt Mask won’t hurt. These kinds of color-conditioning treatments contain plant-based pigments extracted from antioxidant-rich botanicals which help boost the hair color’s vibrancy and longevity.
4. Avoid using heat as much as possible.
Heat is the hair’s enemy—especially dyed hair. Color-treated hair is susceptible to damage and fading as it is, so adding heat to the equation makes it even more fragile. Heat leaches color molecules out of the hair as it opens up the cuticles. If your clients must use heat, using the lowest heat setting while showering and styling is highly recommended.
5. Choose hair products that offer UV and heat protection.
Heat and ultraviolet radiation are detrimental to the health of the hair. Give the strands another layer of protection by using a heat protectant like Oway’s Thermal Stress Protector. It not only prevents heat damage, but also helps lock in shine and moisture.
6. Eat a balanced diet.
Although external aggressors like heat and environmental toxins take their toll on color vibrancy, there is an underlying aggressor that gets much less attention: diet and health. Are your clients consuming enough iron and vitamin B-rich foods? These nutrients help keep the hair strong, healthy and lustrous.
7. Go the extra mile with extra vitamins.
Vitamins are a great help in maintaining healthy hair that can hold color well. If vitamin-rich foods are lacking in your clients diet, supplements are an easy and convenient way to add a boost of whatever deficiency you might be sensing.
Essential vitamins like Biotin, Iron, and Vitamin C strengthen weak hair and improve texture by supplying the body with antioxidants that fight free radicals.
8. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.
Exercise helps burn stress hormones and keeps blood and oxygen flowing throughout the body—including to the scalp! Increased blood and oxygen to the scalp means the hair will look even more shiny and healthy.
9. Remember to moisturize hair after a workout.
Sweat produced from exercise (or in general) can dry out the hair, so after taking a shower, make sure clients moisturize their hair by incorporating some organic serums into their styling routine for much needed re-hydration.
