Friday, January 14, 2011

8 Tips to Make your Hair Color Last Longer (Especially Reds!)

The number one complaint from women with colored hair, especially red, is that their hair color quickly fades.  We know it's natural for fake pigment to leave the hair after some time, but what about you ladies, who, no matter what you do, your hair looks dull after only one week?
Miss MyMy uses Wella professional products to color all their extensions and wigs so the following tips are based on Wella products.
Here are 8 tips to keep hair from fading:
Tip No. 1: Always have your hair color applied to clean hair.
Yes, I know about the old wives tale that your color takes better on dirty hair. Well that's actually not true,  or rather,  no longer true.  Back in the days when  chemicals in hair color were much stronger a build-up of natural hair oils helped protect the hair from damage.
Hair color is now much more refined and less damaging to your hair. The color penetrates better and last longer on clean hair.
Tip No. 2: Try Semi-Permanent Color by Wella Color Touch.
Wella's reds in particular are out of this world. Not only do they have every shade of red, the colors are shiny and sexy. My favorite shade by this brand is 7/4, Rage.
Tip No. 3: Avoid washing your hair 48 hours after getting your hair colored.
Color molecules are large, especially reds, and aggravating the cuticle soon after getting your hair colored with hot water and shampoo can release pigment prematurely.
Tip No. 4: Do not do hair treatments the day you have your hair colored.
This can also allow color molecules to be released.
Tip No. 5: Wear caps when going to the tanning salon.
Tanning just like the sun will cause your hair to fade so you need to protect your hair when you tan.
Tip No. 6: Wear hats or UV protection on your hair in the sun to prevent fading.
The sun can be damaging to hair, so protect hair when hanging out in the sun all day.
Tip No. 7: Get a clear or red cellophane gloss one week after having your hair colored.
Cellophanes are vegetable colors that are safer than henna and fade gently without the residue. It is applied to the hair, then you are placed under the dryer for 20 minutes. This seals the color and gives your hair great shine.
Tip No. 8: Don't use harsh shampoos.
You spend a lot of money on your hair color. It's time to invest in a good shampoo and conditioner as well!  I'm always amazed at people who pay a lot of money on their hair, (whether it is growing from their head or not),  and then skimp out on cheap products.  Buy some good quality shampoo and conditioner that is specially formulated for colored hair.  It may cost a little more, but in the long run, you'll only end up saving by stretching out the time between your color job.
Hope this helps!

Here's to Happy Hair Days...

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