Having colored hair isn’t always easy. It may be a great experience to debut a new look, but at the end of the day, it is still a major commitment. When you dye your hair, you have that added responsibility to make sure it’s given proper care. And out of all the concerns, perhaps one thing you want to focus on is keeping the color in check. With that being said, you want to avoid certain hair care mistakes that can make your hair color fade quicker than expected.
To know more about colored hair no-nos, we reached out to Jamie Mazzei, creative director for Manhattan-based NuBest Salon & Spa, and hair and health expert Dr. Virginia Blackwell, M.D. of Eve Magazine. Keep reading for their expert insight on how you can give your dyed locks some TLC.
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First of all, what causes hair color/hair dye to fade?
According to Mazzei, "There are many factors to take into account as to why our hair color fades. [This includes] heat styling, how frequently we wash our hair, the water we wash it in, the products we use, as well as environmental stressors that all be causes."
Similarly, Dr. Blackwell shares that one of the main causes is sunlight exposure. "Hair dye is photosensitive, meaning that it can fade [or become discolored] when exposed to sunlight," she tells us. "Another common cause of hair dye fading is overuse. Washing your hair too often, using harsh products, or using heat on your hair can all contribute to color fading. Additionally, some hair dyes may not be as long-lasting as claimed, especially if they are inexpensive or lower quality," she warns.
In addition to that, Dr. Blackwell notes that product ingredients and individual biology can also be the culprit. She says, "Some ingredients in hair dye products may cause fading by reacting with melanin, which gives hair its color."
What are some of the most common hair care mistakes that people with colored hair make?
"Regardless of what you do, unfortunately hair color will fade," Mazzei admits. "The most common mistake I see people making is not using a product at-home that puts this lost color back into the hair." As far as product recommendations go, he suggests using the No Fade Fresh Color-depositing Shampoo and Color-depositing Conditioner. Mazzei points out that this item "uses a semi-permanent direct dye in both a shampoo and conditioner" and "allows you to refresh your faded color with the ease of just washing your hair in the shower for a few minutes daily." With 13 shades to choose from, he shares that the line is plant-based, clean, damage-free, sulfate free, cruelty free, and vegan.
Additionally, Dr. Blackwell explains, "Washing your hair too often [and] using too much heat (i.e. hair dryers and curling irons) on colored hair can cause permanent damage and result in fading or unnatural color changes." She advises, "Colored hair requires more maintenance than natural hair, so it is best to wash it less often. Washing it too often can dry out the color and cause fading."
Hair Care Tips For Those With Colored Hair
"After coloring, always use a conditioner that is specifically designed for color-treated hair," Dr. Blackwell emphasizes. "Do not use hot water when shampooing color-treated hair [because] it can cause the color to run and can irritate the scalp. After shampooing, evenly apply a color protectant product over your hair. This product will help keep the color from fading and keep your hair healthy."
Overall, Mazzei says, "If you are going to be outside, consider wearing a hat to protect your hair color. The sun and elements can fade your color fairly quickly. Consider a filter for the water you are washing your hair in. Lastly, color care styling products are helpful to prevent fade and many of them contain a UV protectant."
