Hair Color Maintenance: A Guide to Keeping Your Color Fresh from a Colorist
Hello, lovely readers! I'm so glad you stopped by. I'm Bri, a colorist at The Warehouse Salon, and I'm here to share with you some of my best tips on how to maintain various types of hair color. Whether you're rocking a trendy balayage, platinum blonde, fiery red, vibrant vivid color, or a classic all-over color, I've got you covered. So, let's dive in!
Salon Maintenace
Balayage: Balayage is a technique that creates natural-looking highlights by hand-painting color onto the hair. To maintain your balayage, it's important to visit the salon for a touch-up every 8-12 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. Regular trims to keep the ends healthy are also essential. At home, use color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prolong the vibrancy of the color. Avoid using hot tools excessively to prevent color fade. You can also use a color-enhancing hair mask once a week to keep your balayage looking fresh and vibrant.
Platinum Blonde: Platinum blonde is a stunning and high-maintenance color that requires regular salon visits every 4-6 weeks to touch up the roots and tone the hair. Since platinum blonde hair is prone to brassiness, it's important to use a purple shampoo and conditioner to neutralize yellow tones. Be gentle when brushing or styling your platinum blonde hair to prevent breakage and avoid heat styling tools as much as possible to maintain the color's integrity. Deep conditioning treatments can also help keep your hair healthy and strong. 
Red hair is bold and beautiful, but it can also be challenging to maintain. Red color fades faster than other shades, so frequent salon visits every 4-6 weeks are necessary to refresh the color. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair to prevent fading. Avoid hot water when washing your hair, as it can strip the color. Additionally, minimize sun exposure and use a UV protectant spray to shield your red hair from the sun's rays, which can cause color fading.
Vivid Hair Color: Vivid hair colors, such as pastel pinks, blues, and purples, require extra care to keep them looking vibrant. These colors fade faster than traditional hair colors, so salon visits for touch-ups every 2-4 weeks are needed. Use cold water when washing your hair and a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner to refresh the color. Avoid heat styling tools and excessive sun exposure, as they can cause color fade. Deep conditioning treatments are also beneficial to keep vivid colors looking fresh and prevent damage.
Traditional All-Over Color: If you have a traditional all-over color, such as brunette, black, or blonde, you'll typically need to visit the salon for touch-ups every 4-6 weeks, depending on your hair growth rate. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of your color and consider using a color gloss or glaze between salon visits to refresh the color and add shine. Protect your hair from heat styling and minimize exposure to the sun to prevent color fade.
At Home Maintenance
In addition to salon visits and using color-safe hair products, home maintenance and care are crucial for keeping your hair color looking its best. Here are some general tips that apply to all hair colors:
Use heat protectant spray: Before using any heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from heat damage and color fading.
Avoid excessive washing: Over-washing can strip the color from your hair, so try to limit washing to every other day or use dry shampoo in between washes.
Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles: Avoid using harsh brushes or combs that can cause breakage and damage to your hair color. opt for a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles to gently detangle your hair.
Protect your hair from the sun: UV rays from the sun can fade your hair color, especially if you have vivid or red hair. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray
to shield your hair from the sun's rays when spending time outdoors.
Avoid chlorine and saltwater: Chlorine and saltwater can strip your hair color and cause it to fade faster. Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier against the damaging effects of chlorine or saltwater.
Deep condition regularly: Deep conditioning treatments help to nourish and moisturize your hair, keeping it healthy and vibrant. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week to restore moisture and strengthen your hair.
Be cautious with styling products: Some styling products, such as hairspray, gel, and mousse, can contain ingredients that can fade your hair color. Be mindful of the products you use and opt for color-safe options whenever possible.
Be gentle with your hair: Treat your hair with care to avoid breakage and damage. Avoid rough towel-drying and aggressive brushing or styling. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up.
Get regular trims: Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy ends and preventing split ends. Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair in the best possible condition. Of course we don't suggest this at home LOL.
Follow your colorist's recommendations: Your colorist knows your hair and its needs best, so be sure to follow their recommendations for at-home maintenance and care. They can provide you with specific tips and products tailored to your hair color and type to ensure its longevity.
Takeaways
Maintaining various types of hair color requires regular salon visits, using color-safe hair products, and proper home maintenance and care. Following the tips mentioned above and consulting with your colorist can help you achieve and maintain your desired hair color. Remember to be gentle with your hair, protect it from heat and the sun, and use quality hair products to ensure its health and vibrancy. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to me @themanebri on Instagram. Happy hair days are ahead!
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Brianna Thompson
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About the Author
Brianna Thompson
Brianna is a highly skilled and licensed cosmetologist, stylist, and color expert at Studio 360 Salon in Chatham, NJ. She possesses a thorough understanding of hair products and the science behind hair and hairstyling.
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