The Real Talk About Hair Color Care (From Someone Who's Seen It All)

After fifteen years behind the chair, I've watched clients walk out thrilled with their new color, only to return three weeks later asking why it looks completely different. The honest truth? Most people sabotage their color investment without realizing it.

I'm Jennifer Lopez, lead stylist at The Warehouse Salon in DeLand, and I've made every color mistake in the book, both on my own hair and learning from client disasters. What I'm sharing isn't theory from a textbook; it's what actually works when you're dealing with real hair, real budgets, and real life.

What Nobody Tells You About Pre-Color Prep

Most stylists will tell you to use "gentle shampoo" the week before your appointment. What they don't explain is why this actually matters, and frankly, some of the advice floating around is backwards.

Your hair cuticle needs to be in the right condition, not too clean (it strips natural oils that protect during processing) but not too dirty either (buildup blocks color penetration). I tell my clients to wash their hair 24-48 hours before their appointment, then leave it alone.

One mistake I see constantly: people doing clarifying treatments or deep conditioning masks right before color. Bad idea. I once had a client show up with coconut oil slathered through her hair because she read it would "protect" it. It took me twenty extra minutes just to get the color to take, and her highlights turned out uneven because the oil created random barriers.

If your hair feels damaged, tell your stylist during consultation, we can adjust the formula or recommend postponing until your hair is healthier. Trust me, rushing into color on compromised hair never ends well.

The Coloring Process (What's Actually Happening)

When Mariah and I are working on your color, we're constantly monitoring how your hair is responding. Some people's hair grabs pigment immediately; others need extra processing time. This is why those "20-minute root touch-ups" at chain salons often go wrong, they're following a timer instead of watching your hair.

We use Olaplex or similar bond-building treatments mixed directly into the color when we know your hair needs extra protection. It's not an upsell, it's insurance. I learned this the hard way after frying a client's previously bleached hair during a color correction. She was incredibly gracious about it, but I never wanted to repeat that experience.

One thing clients don't realize: the smell and slight burning sensation? That's normal to a point. Sharp stinging or intense burning isn't. Speak up if something feels wrong. Your scalp will tell you before your hair shows damage.

After Color: Where Most People Mess Up

I'm going to be blunt about the 48-hour rule because I'm tired of seeing people waste money. Yes, waiting to wash helps color set, but not for the dramatic reasons you've heard. It's more about pH balance than the color "sealing in." That said, I've seen plenty of gorgeous color jobs survive next-day shampooing, especially with professional-grade formulas.

The real killers? Hot water (use lukewarm, seriously), cheap shampoos with harsh sulfates, and heat styling without protection. I had one client who went through three color appointments in six months because she was washing with bargain shampoo in scalding water. Once we switched her routine, her color started lasting twice as long.

Weekly masks are nice, but consistency with daily products matters more. I'd rather see you use a decent color-safe shampoo every time than alternate between drugstore stuff and expensive treatments.

What I Wish Every Client Knew

Your natural hair texture and condition determine everything. Fine hair holds color differently than coarse hair. Gray hair has a completely different structure than pigmented hair. Previously colored hair has its own challenges. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why cookie-cutter color formulas often disappoint.

I keep detailed notes on every client because what worked for your last color might not work this time if you've changed medications, moved somewhere with different water, or even switched birth control. Hair is that sensitive.

The biggest mistake? Trying to go too light too fast or match a Pinterest photo taken in perfect lighting on someone with completely different hair. I've learned to have honest conversations about what's realistic, even when it means a client needs to adjust their expectations.

If You're in Central Florida

We're at 1782 S Woodland Blvd in DeLand,.the building used to be an actual warehouse, hence the name. You can call us at (386) 279-0626, though I'll warn you that I'm terrible at answering the phone when I'm with a client. Online booking usually works better.

Color is an investment, and like any investment, it requires some maintenance. But when it's done right and cared for properly, it's one of those things that makes you feel like yourself, just better.