How to take care of colored hair? How to keep your hair looking shiny and vibrant? That’s a lot of colored hair treatment going on to care for.
To help protect your hair color and keep your hair looking super healthy and gorgeous, the professionals at Zelin biotech are sharing these 10 tips to help you care for colored hair(also suit for your daily hair care). We’ve got your frequently asked questions covered.
1. After coloring, risen it thoroughly with warm water
Rinsing colored hair thoroughly with warm water is essential. It removes excess dye, ensures even color distribution, and seals the hair cuticle to lock in color.
This process washes away potentially irritating chemicals and prepares hair for conditioning. Warm water is ideal – hot water might fade the color, while cool water may not cleanse effectively.
Proper rinsing is a crucial step in maintaining your new hair color and overall hair health.
2. Use high quality conditioner to take care your hair
High-quality conditioners typically contain a combination of effective ingredients that nourish and protect hair. Here are some characteristics of high-quality conditioners and how they work:
Ingredients:
- Natural oils (e.g., argan, jojoba, coconut)
- Proteins (e.g., keratin, silk)
- Humectants (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronic acid)
- Vitamins (e.g., B5, E)
Effectiveness:
- Moisturize hair shaft
- Repair damage
- Reduce frizz and breakage
- Improve manageability
- Protect from environmental stressors
Formulation:
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free (for some hair types)
- pH-balanced
Specific to hair type:
- For fine hair: lightweight, volumizing
- For thick/coarse hair: rich, deeply moisturizing
- For curly hair: extra hydrating, defining
Additional benefits:
- Color protection
- Heat protection
- UV filters
How to choose hair conditioner right:
- Consider your hair type (oily, dry, fine, thick, curly)
- Identify specific hair concerns (damage, color-treated, frizz)
- Look for beneficial ingredients (natural oils, proteins, vitamins)
- Avoid harsh chemicals (sulfates, parabens)
- Read reviews and seek recommendations
- Consider your budget and preferred application method
High-quality conditioners work by penetrating the hair shaft, sealing the cuticle, and coating the hair with protective ingredients. This helps maintain moisture balance, reduce damage, and improve overall hair health and appearance.
3. Turn your hair dryer less heat to dry your hair
Using lower heat settings on your hair dryer is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. High temperatures can cause significant damage, weakening hair strands and leading to breakage.
Excessive heat strips hair of its natural oils, resulting in dryness and frizz. It can also fade hair color faster and irritate the scalp.
Using lower heat settings is beneficial for your hair as it maintains its natural texture and shine. It also minimizes the chance of split ends and safeguards hair follicles, which can lead to improved hair growth.
Additionally, cooler settings minimize frizz by keeping the hair cuticle smooth. As a bonus, using less heat saves energy and extends the life of your hair dryer. For best results, keep the dryer moving and use the coolest setting that effectively dries your hair.
4. Use hair oil to prevent dry hair
Using hair oil to prevent and improve dry hair is crucial. It can penetrate the hair shaft, repair damaged hair, and provide essential nutrients and moisture.
Hair oils are vital for dry hair as they:
- Lock in Moisture: Prevent water loss and keep hair hydrated.
- Repair Damage: Restore hair damaged by heat, chemicals, or environmental factors.
- Boost Shine: Give a healthy, glossy appearance to hair.
- Nourish with Natural Oils: Options like argan, almond, jojoba, and coconut oil provide essential nutrients.
To use hair oil:
- Apply a small amount to dry or damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Use pre-shampoo for deep treatment or post-shampoo to seal in moisture.
- For scalp care, choose oils like rosemary or tea tree.
- Adjust usage based on hair type; weekly applications are common.
Keep it simple: hair oils hydrate, repair, and add shine to dry hair, used regularly for best results.
5. Be gentle after washing your hair
- Gently squeeze out excess water with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause frizz and breakage. Alternatively, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt for less damage.
- To blow-dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment for curly hair or a nozzle for straight hair to distribute the heat evenly. Set the dryer to the lowest heat setting necessary.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles starting from the ends of your hair and working your way up to the roots.
6. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
Silk and satin pillowcases reduce friction on hair and skin because of their smooth surfaces, which helps to:
- Minimize Hair Damage: Reduces breakage, tangles, and frizz.
- Retain Moisture: Prevents dryness by not absorbing oils as much as other fabrics.
- Regulate Temperature: Keep you cool or warm as needed.
- Easy Care: Satin is usually machine washable, while silk requires hand washing.
Silk is more luxurious and long-lasting but requires special care, while satin is a more affordable and durable alternative. Both can be beneficial for hair and skin health.
7. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins.
This diet emphasizes the importance of consuming a variety of protein sources and a wide array of vitamins to ensure overall health and well-being.
- Protein-Rich Foods: Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Vitamin-Rich Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fortified foods.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon.
- Hydration: Plenty of water and fluids, along with foods with high water content.
- Minerals: Including foods rich in essential minerals like leafy greens for iron and nuts for zinc.
- Fiber: From whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables to support digestion.
8. Protect your hair from sun damage with hats or UV-protective products.
Protecting your hair from sun damage is essential, especially during the summer months or when spending extended periods outdoors. Here’s how to choose UV-protective products for your hair:
- Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure the product offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause damage to your hair.
- Choose the Right Formula: Hair sunscreens come in various forms such as sprays, creams, oils, and leave-in conditioners. Opt for a formula that suits your hair type and is easy for you to apply.
- Check the SPF: A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is recommended to protect your hair and scalp effectively.
- Incorporate Antioxidants: Products with antioxidants like vitamin E can help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure, preventing further damage.
- Natural Oils: Some products contain natural oils, such as sunflower seed oil, which can help nourish and protect your hair from dryness associated with sun exposure.
- Water Resistance: If you’re going to be near water, look for products that are water-resistant to maintain protection even when wet.
- Scent and Finish: Choose a product with a pleasant scent and one that doesn’t leave a greasy or heavy feel in your hair.
Some recommended products include Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, which provides up to 16 hours of protection and is enriched with nourishing ingredients like green tea extract and shea butter . Another option is the Coola Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen, a lightweight SPF mist that protects both the scalp and hair without weighing hair down . For a product that also conditions and protects, consider Bumble and Bumble’s Bb. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer, which includes a mix of coconut, argan, and macadamia oils to fight against breakage and dryness .
9. Combing hair gently, starting from the ends and working your way up.
Combing hair gently is essential for maintaining its health and preventing damage. Here’s a detailed guide on how to comb your hair gently:
Choose the Right Comb:
- Select a comb with wide, smooth teeth to minimize breakage and snagging. For wet or curly hair, a wide-tooth comb is best.
- Look for combs made from materials like wood or plastic with rounded tips to avoid scratching the scalp.
Prepare Your Hair:
- If your hair is dry, consider applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to help slick down any frizz and make combing easier.
- For wet hair, apply a detangling spray or conditioner to help loosen knots and reduce the risk of breakage.
Start at the Ends:
- Begin combing at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. This method helps to prevent tugging and pulling on the hair shaft.
Use Light Pressure:
- Apply gentle pressure when combing. Avoid yanking the comb through your hair, as this can cause breakage, especially at the roots.
Section Your Hair:
- Divide your hair into sections and comb each section individually. This makes the process more manageable and reduces the risk of tangles.
Comb Gently:
- Use a gentle, sawing motion to work through any tangles. If you encounter a knot, try to lift the hair away from the scalp to create some slack and then gently work through the tangle.
Avoid Combing Wet Hair:
- If possible, comb your hair when it’s dry. Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. If you must comb wet hair, be extra gentle and use a wide-tooth comb.
Be Patient:
- Take your time when combing your hair. Rushing can lead to breakage and damage, especially if your hair is prone to tangles.
Use the Right Technique:
- For curly or natural hair, use a “pick” or “rake” method with the comb, gently lifting and separating curls without disturbing their natural pattern.
Clean Your Comb Regularly:
- Regularly clean your comb to remove any hair or product buildup. This ensures that you’re not putting unnecessary stress on your hair with a dirty comb.
Protect Your Hair at Night:
- To minimize tangles and knots while you sleep, consider using a silk or satin pillowcase, which can reduce friction on your hair.
Avoid Over-Combing:
- Limit the amount you comb your hair to prevent unnecessary stress on the hair and scalp. Over-combing can lead to hair damage and a dry scalp.
10. Try a weekly scalp massage to stimulate blood flow
To perform a gentle scalp massage, follow these detailed steps:
- Prepare Your Hair: Ensure your hair is not tied up and is free of tangles. If needed, brush it gently to remove any knots.
- Choose the Right Oil (optional): You can use a few drops of a hair oil or serum suitable for your hair type. Jojoba oil is good for all hair types, argan oil is excellent for dry or damaged hair, and rosehip oil is ideal for sensitive scalps. Rub the oil between your palms and apply it to your scalp.
- Start at the Front: Place your fingertips at your hairline and gently massage in circular motions, moving towards the back of your head. Pay attention to areas where you feel tension.
- Use Your Finger Pads: Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails, to apply medium-firm pressure. This helps prevent any irritation or damage to the scalp.
- Massage in Circular Motions: Move your fingers in small circles across the scalp, working from the front to the back and then down towards the neck. Spend about 2-3 minutes on this step.
- Focus on Pressure Points: Identify and massage specific points on the scalp that can help relieve pressure and encourage circulation, such as the top center of the head, temples, behind the ears, and the base of the skull.
- Gently Tug and Pull: If comfortable, gently grip sections of your hair and tug away from the scalp to stimulate the follicles. Hold for 15-30 seconds and move to different sections.
- Finish Behind the Ears: Use your thumbs and fingertips to make gentle circles behind your ears, moving down towards the neck. This helps to drain the lymph nodes and promotes blood flow.
- Duration and Frequency: Aim for a massage that lasts at least 5-10 minutes. You can do this daily or once or twice a week for the best results.
- Relax and Enjoy: Create a calm environment, perhaps with soft music or in a comfortable chair, to enhance the relaxation benefits of the massage.
Remember, the key to a scalp massage is gentle pressure and consistent, circular motions. It should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience that leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and your hair looking healthier. If you’re using essential oils, ensure they are diluted properly to avoid any irritation