How to Care for Colored Hair - 9 Professional Tips

Colored hair always needs special care to maintain its vibrancy and health. By using the right routine and products, you can extend the life of your color while keeping your hair nourished. Below are nine expert tips to help you effectively care for your colored hair.

Use a shampoo without antioxidants and sulfates

Using the right shampoo is crucial to maintaining color. Sulfates, often found in traditional shampoos, strip natural oils and fade color. Choose a sulfate-free formula designed for color-treated hair. Shampoos rich in antioxidants are ideal because they combat environmental stressors that can dull hair.

Look for ingredients like vitamin E, green tea extract, or sunflower oil. These not only protect your hair from damage but also lock in color. Pair your shampoo with a matching conditioner for best results. Avoid over-washing; washing 2-3 times a week is enough to maintain a vibrant hue.

Apply a weekly hair mask

Weekly hair masks are a game-changer for color-treated hair. These treatments deeply hydrate and repair damage caused by coloring. Choose a mask enriched with ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter. These components restore moisture and elasticity, leaving your hair soft and manageable.

Apply the mask evenly from mid-length hair to ends, avoiding the roots to prevent greasiness. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes to allow nutrients to penetrate deeply. Consistent use helps combat the dryness, brittleness, and dullness often associated with color-treated hair.

Deep conditioning of your hair

Deep conditioning is essential for maintaining the health and shine of color-treated hair. These treatments provide intense hydration and repair, especially for hair exposed to harsh dyes. Use a deep conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair to protect against fading.

Ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and silk proteins strengthen your locks and prevent breakage. Apply the conditioner after washing, focusing on the lengths and ends. Leave it in for at least 5-10 minutes for maximum absorption. Regular deep conditioning keeps your hair vibrant, smooth, and damage-free.

Wash your hair less often

Frequent washing can strip your hair of essential oils and cause color to fade faster. Limit washing to two or three times a week. Washing too often not only makes your hair dull but also more prone to dryness and breakage. Use lukewarm or cold water instead of hot water when washing your hair, as heat can open the hair cuticle and cause bleeding.

For days between washes, dry shampoos can be your best friend. They absorb excess oil and preserve your color. Also consider double-cleansing your hair with a pre-wash treatment that protects your hair before washing. This routine helps maintain the intensity of your color and keeps your scalp fresh and healthy.

Dry your hair immediately after showering

Leaving your hair wet for extended periods can weaken its structure and cause color loss. Gently pat your hair dry after showering with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to prevent frizz and breakage. Dry your hair immediately with a hairdryer on a low setting. Avoid rubbing or twisting your hair, as this can cause tangles and damage.

If possible, use a blow-dryer with ionic technology to minimize static and keep your locks smooth. For extra protection, apply a heat protectant spray before blow-drying. This step protects your hair from heat damage and locks in moisture. Drying your hair properly keeps your color vibrant and your hair healthy.

Get your hair cut regularly

Color-treated hair is more prone to split ends, which can lead to hair shaft damage if left untreated. Regular trimming every 6-8 weeks prevents damage from spreading and keeps your hair looking fresh and healthy. Split ends can make color-treated hair look dull and lifeless. Trimming gives your hair a fuller, healthier look, which can encourage new growth.

Consult with your stylist to ensure minimal length loss as you grow your hair out. Regular trims are essential for those who frequently use heat styling tools. Combined with a good care routine, they extend the life of your color and maintain the overall health of your hair.

Be careful with heat

Most heat styling tools like curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers can significantly damage color-treated hair. Excessive heat leads to dryness, breakage, and color fading. Use tools with adjustable heat settings and keep them on low or medium heat. Apply a heat protectant spray before styling. Heat protectant spray creates a barrier between the hair and the heat, reducing damage.

Let your hair air-dry whenever possible and embrace natural textures to minimize heat use. For curls or waves, consider heat-free methods like braiding or using rollers. Heat damage is cumulative, so being careful with your styling routine will preserve both the health of your hair and the vibrancy of its color.

Use a pre-color treatment

Preparing your hair for coloring is crucial for achieving vibrant, long-lasting results. Pre-color treatments strengthen the hair cuticle, ensure color adheres evenly, and reduce the risk of post-color damage. Look for treatments enriched with proteins and nourishing oils. These ingredients fill in gaps in the hair shaft, creating a smoother surface for color to adhere to.

Color conditioner or purple shampoo is best for intensive color maintenance.

For those with vibrant or blonde tones, maintaining their color between salon visits is essential. Purple shampoos help neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair, while color conditioners deposit pigments to revitalize vibrant hues. Use these products once or twice a week to maintain the intensity of your color. When choosing a color conditioner, make sure the shade closely matches your dyed hair for a seamless refresh. Adding these to your routine will make intense colors easier to manage.

Discover the best care products for colored hair at Ace & Taylor

To maintain vibrant, healthy colored hair, you need the right products, and Ace & Taylor has you covered. Their expertly formulated haircare line is designed to protect and enhance your hair color while keeping it nourished and shiny.

The Color Care Shampoo is enriched with pomegranate and berry extracts, which help maintain color vibrancy and protect against fading. This sulfate-free formula gently cleanses your hair without stripping it of essential oils, ensuring long-lasting shine and brilliance.

Pair it with the Color-Boost Conditioner, infused with keratin and argan oil, to deeply hydrate and strengthen your locks while enhancing color depth and shine. For extra nourishment, try Ace & Taylor's Leave-In Color Protector, which protects your hair from UV damage and environmental stressors.

Conclusion

Caring for color-treated hair doesn't have to be a challenge. By following these nine professional tips, you can keep your hair healthy, vibrant, and damage-free. Use quality products, establish a consistent routine, and pay attention to your hair's needs. With the right care, your color-treated hair will stay beautiful and vibrant.