5 Tips to Make Your Color-Treated Red Hair Last
From cherry-colored streaks to rich auburn locks, red hues are in this season.
Loved by Gigi Hadid and Kim Kardashian as of recent, red is the new It hair color you’ll be seeing everywhere this season. Before you take the plunge and dye your locks, it’s important to note that red hair dye is prone to fade the quickest and is among the most high-maintenance colors. While this may seem intimidating, L’OFFICIEL breaks down all the necessary measures to prolong the life of your copper-colored tresses.
1. Instead of frequent hair washes, opt for dry shampoo.
Hair stylists have repeatedly warned about the negative effects of overwashing color-treated hair. For red hair in particular, over-shampooing your hair is the main culprit to premature fading and brassiness. Right after dyeing your hair, avoid washing it for at least three days to prevent the color from fading.
While you can’t avoid shampooing forever, opt for a dry shampoo to lengthen the gaps in between hair washes as much as possible. The right dry shampoo will revive the hair by absorbing excess oils and adding volume to the roots. If you normally wash your hair every day, try to aim for every other day instead.
2. When you actually use shampoo, make sure to use the right one.
On days when you do need to wash your hair, make sure the shampoo you’re using is intended for color-treated hair and is sulfate-free. Similarly, look for shampoos that don’t contain parabens and sodium chloride. Harsh shampoos can dry out the strands, causing the color inside to “seep” out of the hair. Simply put, the more natural, the better.
When washing your copper-toned locks, it’s important to rinse with cold or lukewarm water to seal the cuticles. Hot water will open the hair cuticles, allowing the color easily to slip out.
3. Consider switching to cleansing conditioners from time to time.
If dry shampoo isn’t enough, co-washing with a cleansing conditioner, like Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner, may serve as an alternative to revitalizing the hair. Just like the name suggests, a cleansing conditioner removes excess dirt and oil while softening the strands. The idea of using a cleansing conditioner may sound counterintuitive, but thanks to the sulfate-free and detergent-free formula, this gentle cleansing method will not strip the hair as much as traditional shampoos.
One drawback is the risk of product buildup or a greasy appearance to hair, which is why it’s recommended to use a cleansing conditioner in conjunction with your traditional shampoo. However, this all depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and climate.
Look for products that are explicitly labeled as cleansing conditioners or co-washes for your designated hair type. Likewise, avoid silicone-based conditioners as silicone builds up over time, making the hair appear lackluster and heavy.
4. Use hair masks and oils to protect your locks.
Like most color treatments, dyeing your hair a rich, red shade may leave the hair feeling dry and brittle. In addition to creating a parched effect to your colored hair, hair dryness will also damage the cuticles over time. As mentioned earlier, dry and damaged cuticles will prevent the color from staying “locked in.” Therefore, look to nourish your locks with hair oils and masks.
During the day, sun damage can also contribute to premature fading and discoloration. The sun’s UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in dyes, causing unwanted brassiness and orange tones. Before leaving the house, apply a leave-in hair treatment throughout the hair, like Oribe's Power Drops Color Preservation Booster with UV-shielding antioxidnants and amino acids.
5. Reduce heat styling.
Similar to using hot water to rinse the hair, excessive usage of hot tools will cause premature fading. Colored locks tend to be more vulnerable to excessive heat, therefore try to dial down on the heat or opt for heatless hairstyles instead.
