color treated hair How to Care for Color-Treated Hair, According to an Expert

So, you’ve decided to >dye your hair and rock a >new hair color. You’ve probably already researched fun >hair color trends, the >best blonde hair color for your skin tone and whether you should opt for a semi-permanent or >permanent hair dye — and that’s great. It’s true that these are important things to take into consideration. 

That being said, your research shouldn’t end there. Don’t forget, after dyeing, you’ll need a new hair care routine too. Taking care of color-treated hair is key to keeping your strands healthy and your new hue vibrant. That’s why you’ll want to become an expert on the topic of hair care for color-treated hair before you change your color. 

To help you out, we’re sharing the inside scoop from Jonathan Colombini, L’Oréal Paris Creative Director of Style and Color, on everything you need to know about taking care of color-treated hair.

Beauty Magazine: What are three major things you should do (or not do) once you have color-treated hair?

Colombini: Don’t shampoo right away. It’s better to let the color settle and wait about two to three days after your fresh color service. Always use a heat protector. These heat protectors are to be applied to freshly washed, damp hair before any heat is applied and avoid excessive heat styling as well. Finally, keep an at-home hair gloss on hand for refreshing. At-home maintenance is major! 

Beauty Magazine: How should I change my hair care routine once I color my hair?

Colombini: Use products that are paraben- and sulfate-free as well as any or all vegan formulas. Hair color can make hair more porous, which causes it to absorb and release moisture more easily. This can cause loss of color molecules every time your hair gets wet. Sulfates contain salt, which strips away moisture, and moisture loss is one of the main causes of color fading — so look for a sulfate-free shampoo. 

Beauty Magazine: What are the best products for color-treated hair?

Colombini: Like I mentioned, the best products I have found for color treated hair are sulfate-free, as sulfates can cause frizz and color damage. The L’Oréal Paris Ever Collection has so many amazing choices for everyone, whether they are looking for more moisture, more volume, thickening, or repairing.

Editor’s tip: Take your pick from the Ever Collection based on your hair color, hair goals and hair needs. For example, opt for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Conditioner to replenish a dry your mane. If you’re blonde and want to keep brass away, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Conditioner will be your hair care heroes.

Beauty Magazine: You mentioned less heat-styling, should I really change my styling routine for colored hair?

Colombini: Colored hair is more vulnerable to heat so I’m a fan of air drying your hair to not add as much heat. If your hair type doesn’t allow air drying then try spreading out your shampoos to prevent frequent blow-drying. When you do shampoo, try using a treatment. 

Beauty Magazine: Is there a difference between bleached hair and color treated hair as it pertains to taking care of it?

Colombini: Bleached hair always tends to be a bit more damaging than say a typical base color or an all over color. So having the proper at-home hair care is key. Invest in a bonding shampoo and conditioner to ensure you’re taking care of your blonde [hair]. And as we know, blondes tend to get brassy so using a purple shampoo and conditioner [like the ones mentioned above] once a week helps keep your blondes bright. 

Editor’s tip: If you’ve lightened your strands, reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner to strengthen weak hair bonds that can be damaged from bleaching.

Beauty Magazine: How often should you realistically use a hair gloss? 

Colombini: For at home, it wouldn’t hurt to use a gloss once a week as a refresher. For the salon, get into a routine of having a glossing service done once every four to five weeks. 

Beauty Magazine: How can you make your hair color last longer?

Colombini: Adjust your water temperature to lukewarm or cold when rinsing. Hot water lifts the outer cuticle layer, which is one of the most common reasons that color fades. And if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, wear a hat to protect your color.

Next: I'm Allergic To PPD, Can I Still Dye My Hair?

Edited and photographed by: Shalwah Evans