The Secrets to Maintaining Long Lasting Hair Color and Health

The new year could possibly mean a new you! In addition to being more active, taking up a hobby you've always aspired to do, visiting places you've dreamed of seeing, you may find yourself contemplating a new look: color and cut anyone? 

That new 'do though can be quite costly. 

• Haircut: $35

• Highlights: $60+

• Permanent hair color: $50+

• Toner: $15+

We are looking at no less than $160! The best way to extend your investment? Invest in the right products and hair regiment to help keep your hair color lasting longer and maintain a healthier 'do. 

Products
Use color friendly shampoos: Invest in a shampoo that is sulfate and sodium chloride free and is manufactured with color protecting ingredients. These color protecting ingredients will help nourish your hair and protect it from dulling. Also, finding a shampoo that has UV filters will help protect your hair against the dulling rays from the sun. Note: Ingredients lists can be tricky. Avoid shampoos with the following ingredients: sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium laureate sulphate (SLES), ammonia laureate sulphate or ammonia sulphate (ALS), TEA lauryeth sulfate (TEA), and sodium myreth sulphate (SMS). 

Use a deep conditioner more often: Who doesn't want super soft hair? Incorporate a deep conditioner once or twice a week after shampooing, leaving it in for 15-20 minutes. 

Habits
Wait at least 24 hours after color treatment before washing: Give the chemicals time to absorb into your hair. 

Wash your hair less frequently: Wash your hair every two or three days (three if you can get away from it). Your hair doesn't need to be cleaned every day. Washing every day not only dulls hair color but also strips your hair of essential and healthy oils. 

Rinse with cool or warm water: Hot water opens your hair's cuticles, causing the tint molecules to escape. Who said we would never use science in our daily lives?

Avoid too much heating products: Using too much heat, frequently, fades the delicate hair coloring. If you do need to use heating products, make sure you use heat protectants and reduce the heat of the hair dryer, straightener, or hair curler. If possible, try to towel and air dry your hair or use steam heating products such as hot curlers or heated, rolling brushes.

Go for retouches and colors with unwashed hair: Avoid washing your hair for 48 hours prior to hair color application. The dye will adhere better to unwashed hair due to the natural oils present. 

Remember to protect your tresses! This will help save some money and extend the life of your hair color.