Colored hair is like a whole vibe, am I right? 🦄✨ But as fun and fierce as pink streaks, icy blondes, or rich vampy reds are, they come with one big catch: keeping the color fresh and maintaining healthy locks. It’s like a full-time job for your hair, but trust — I’m here to help you ace it. If you’ve ever had that “hurt my feelings” moment when your vibrant hair color starts fading faster than your group texts, I feel you!
Since I’ve spent way too much time obsessing over my own color treats (don’t judge me), I thought I’d spill the tea on how to take care of your babied-colored hair. We’re talking shampoos, conditioners, masks, heat protection, and all that good stuff you’ll need for your rainbow mane. 💁♀️
Okay, let’s get into it!
1. Do Less Shampoo, More Rinse
Your colorful locks don’t need to be squeaky clean all the time; in fact, over-washing your hair is a definite no-no if you want to keep that ’gram-worthy shade alive. Shampooing too often is basically putting your hair in the ultimate rinse-and-repeat TikTok loop that strips natural oils and fades those jaw-dropping colors. Try to limit your shampoo game to around 2 to 3 times per week. Yep — let those natural oils live their best life!
If your scalp feels icky or greasy from hitting the gym or running errands all day, lean into dry shampoo. Something like Batiste Dry Shampoo is perfect because it keeps your hair fresh without messing with your color. It’s the lazy girl’s go-to hack, hands down!
“Shampoo less — trust me, your color will thank you!”
Side note: When you do shampoo, make sure to use a sulfate-free one! Sulfates are the worst — they literally suck the life and color out of your dyed hair like a villain in a reality show. Invest in a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo, like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo.
2. Cold Showers = Besties Forever 💧
What if I told you the simplest way to help your colored hair was to just chill? I mean, literally! Hot water can open up the hair cuticle and make your gorgeous color fade faster. Switch things up and go for a lukewarm or cold rinse, which closes the cuticle and locks in that bomb color.
And if you’re like, “But Su, cold showers are brutal!” — then I feel you! Maybe sing that Sara Bareilles song in the shower for distraction? 😂 The cold might be harsh, but the payoff will be so worth it in the long run!
3. Make Friends With Deep Conditioner 💗
Coloring can mess up your hair’s moisture level and leave it kinda thirsty (in a totally “I need water, mom!” way; not the flirty way, LOL). To make sure your hair’s drinking up all the moisture it needs, I swear by a good deep conditioning treatment once a week.
Look for something intensively hydrating, like Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. This mask not only adds moisture but also strengthens hair from root to end, literally giving your strands a mini spa day. Leave it on for 10-15 mins while you’re Netflix and chilling, and boom, your hair will be softer than a kitten.
Also, one more major key: leave-in conditioners. They’re like that protective bestie who always has your back. A leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product smooths and protects, offering all-day hydration and repair. Plus, it fights frizz AND adds shine. Seriously, who doesn’t love extra shine?
4. Heat Stylers = Color Faders, So Use Heat Protectant!
I know, I know. We all love flat irons and curling wands, but excessive heat styling is literally the sneaky undervillain fading your color. Hoard that heat protectant like it’s a VIP concert ticket, okay?!
GHD Heat Protect Spray is a go-to man because it’s super lightweight and doesn’t gunk up your hair, but it shields your strands from heat like a fortress. Trust me, sister — you cannot skip heat protectant!
Here’s a lil’ hair-care hack: When possible, air-dry your hair instead of blow-drying to avoid unnecessary heat damage. You can apply a texturizing salt spray (like Ouai Wave Spray) to add those cool-girl, beachy vibes.
“Heat-styling without protectant is like sunbathing without sunscreen: it’s cute… until it’s not.”
5. No Filter — Use a Water Filter 🧊
Okay, real talk — California water is HARD. If you’re living in an area with hard water like HB (shoutout to my Huntington Beach fam!), it could be a major reason your hair is turning brassy or your color is fading faster than expected. Hard water has minerals that can eat away at your dye job over time. You want to cry, but there’s a trick, babes. 🥲
Invest in a shower filter like the AquaBliss High Output Universal Water Filter. It helps neutralize the harsh stuff in your water that might be wrecking your hair, so your color lasts longer, and your hair stays softer. Plus, when you rinse with filtered water, your hair absorbs conditioner and color a LOT better.
6. Trim Your Ends (Don’t Flake, Sis!)
I know, the #LongHairGoals are unreal, but when your ends are dry, split, and frizzy, keeping them won’t help make your color pop. Trust me, a good trim every 6 to 8 weeks will make your hair healthier and bouncier.
Split ends can also travel up your hair shaft, which results in more breakage over time — yikes! If you’re growing it out but still want to keep it feeling strong, ask your stylist for a “dusting” trim. They’ll only snip the super damaged ends, so you can still keep your length!
7. Purple Shampoo = Blondie’s BFF 💜
If you’re rocking platinum blonde, ash grey, or even pastel colors, then honey, we need to talk purple shampoo! PURPLE SHAMPOO is a game-changer that neutralizes those awful brassy or yellowish tones that come outta nowhere.
Use a purple shampoo, like Fanola No Yellow Shampoo, but don’t overdo it. I usually suggest washing with purple shampoo once or twice a week (depending on how fast your hair goes brassy). And then rotate it out with your normal shampoo. Too much can leave you with a purple tinge — unless you’re into that lavender life. (No judgment!)
8. Protect Your Hair From the Sun ☀️
Did you know UV rays can steal your color and dry out your hair? It’s true — the sun can mess with your tone, especially vibrant reds, purples, and pastel hues. So-and this is a pro-tip from many stylists-make sure to protect your hair when you’re outdoors. You can use a product with UV protection, like Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer. It’s like sunscreen, but for your hair!
And honestly? Hats are cute AF and come through for that extra layer of protection against the sun. They’re lowkey the ultimate accessory, plus more shade equals less damage.
Su’s Cheat Table: Colored Hair Love
| Do This 💕 | Nah, Not That 🚫 |
|---|---|
| Shampoo 2-3x per week | Washing your hair daily |
| Use cold water for rinsing | Hot water; it’ll strip color |
| Protect your hair from heat | Heat-styling without protection |
| Purple shampoo for blondes | Overdoing purple shampoo |
| Deep condition weekly | Skipping conditioning or masks |
| Use a shower filter | Ignoring your water quality |
| UV protection for your hair | No protection when in the sun |
9. Make Retouches and Glosses Regular Things 💄
Color fades, it’s life, girl. 💔 But making occasional salon visits for retouches, toning, or glosses sure can delay any hair tantrums! A shine-boosting gloss treatment helps refresh your shade without throwing bleach or permanent dye back in the mix. It also adds dimension and shine!
And if you’re one of those babes DIY-ing your hair, just make sure to follow safe guidelines with box-dyes, or better yet, check in with your stylist for touch-up advice.
Pro-tip: Pack in a lil’ extra care in the first 7 to 10 days after you dye your hair. This is when color is most prone to fade, so be careful with heat and exposure!
10. Sleep on Silk Like a Queen 😴👑
Cotton pillowcases are rougher on your hair than they look! If you’re noticing extra friction and tangles after sleeping, swap out your pillow for a silk pillowcase. Silk is way gentler, so it helps protect your colored hair from damage and split ends while you sleep. Plus, it’ll keep your hair looking poppin’ from dusk to dawn.
Fun Fact: Silk pillowcases are also great for your skin! No, for real — it reduces wrinkles over time. You’re literally getting beauty sleep in the most serious way with that silk investment.
Okay, boo, that’s all the tea on colored hair care! It’s not rocket science, but it sure can feel high-maintenance. Just remember: take your time, show your hair some love, and don’t be afraid to experiment with products until you find your holy grails.
I legit want to see your rocking results, so tag me! Keep that color fierce and fun. 💖
