Healthy Coloured Hair Tips: Keeping Coloured Hair Healthy - A Guide

So, you’ve taken the plunge and coloured your hair. Maybe it’s a bold new shade or just a subtle refresh. Either way, coloured hair looks amazing but keeping it healthy? That’s the real challenge, isn’t it? I’ve been there, and trust me, maintaining that vibrant, fresh-from-the-salon look takes a bit of love and know-how. Lucky for you, I’m here to spill all the secrets on keeping coloured hair healthy without the fuss.

Let’s dive into some practical, easy-to-follow tips that will keep your hair looking lush, shiny, and oh-so-vibrant for weeks on end.

So let’s start with the basics. When you colour your hair, the process can leave it feeling a bit dry or fragile. That’s because the chemicals used to deposit colour can open up the hair cuticle, which means moisture escapes more easily. So, your hair needs a little extra TLC.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner: Sulphates strip away natural oils and colour, so opt for gentle, colour-safe formulas.

• Deep condition weekly: Treat your hair to a nourishing mask once a week. Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or keratin.

• Avoid washing your hair every day: I know, it’s tempting, but washing too often can fade your colour faster. Try to stretch it to every 2-3 days.

• Use lukewarm water: Hot water can open the cuticle too much and wash out colour. Stick to warm or cool water when washing.

• Protect your hair from heat: Styling tools are fun but can be harsh. Always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying, straightening, or curling.

Have you tried our favoirite Heat spray from Maria Nila?

What Not to Use on Colour Treated Hair?

Now, let’s chat about the things you should definitely avoid if you want to keep your colour looking fresh and your hair healthy.

• Avoid harsh shampoos or clarifying : While they’re great for removing build-up, they can also fade your colour if used frequently.

• Skip alcohol-heavy styling products: They dry out your hair and can make colour fade faster.

• Avoid excessive heat styling: Overdoing it with straighteners or curling irons can cause breakage and dullness.

• Don’t use hard water without protection: If you live in London, chances are your water is quite hard, which can affect colour vibrancy. Consider a shower filter there are plenty on teh market and as much as it will not fix the London issues - it will help!

  
  
  
  

Nourishing Your Hair: The Power of Moisture and Protein

Healthy coloured hair is all about balance. You want to keep your hair moisturised but also strong. That means paying attention to both hydration and protein.

• Moisture: Use leave-in conditioners or hair oils to lock in hydration. Ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are fantastic.

• Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a protein, so coloured hair often benefits from protein treatments to rebuild strength. Look for masks or treatments with hydrolysed keratin or silk protein.

  
  

Try alternating between moisture and protein treatments weekly. Too much protein can make hair stiff, while too much moisture can make it limp. Finding your hair’s sweet spot is key.

Protecting Your Colour from the Elements

Living in London means dealing with a bit of everything - rain, wind, pollution, and sometimes that rare but glorious sunshine. All these can affect your coloured hair.

Here’s how to shield your locks:

• Wear a hat or scarf on windy or rainy days: It’s a stylish way to protect your hair from damage.

• Use UV protection sprays: Sun can fade colour, so a UV protectant spray is a must, especially in summer.

• Rinse hair after swimming: Chlorine and saltwater are colour’s worst enemies. Always rinse your hair with fresh water after a dip.

  
  
  
  

Taking these steps will help your colour stay vibrant and your hair healthy, no matter the weather.

Eye-level view of hair care products arranged on a wooden shelf in a salon

Bottom line: Your Hair’s Best Friend.... is your hair stylist!

Regular visits to you trusted salon can keep your colour looking fresh and your hair in tip-top shape.

• Get professional trims: This keeps split ends at bay and your hair looking healthy.

• Ask for colour refreshers: Instead of a full dye, a gloss or toner can revive your shade without damage.

• Consult your stylist about treatments: They can recommend bespoke treatments tailored to your hair’s needs.