A lot of people colour their hair nowadays, from streaking with bright reds or highlighting them with blonde or a full coverage to make a style statement, or sometimes just to cover those embarrassing greys. And for these, there are numerous hair colouring options available in the market.
But unfortunately all of them contain Ammonia, a chemical bleaching agent, which is responsible for making the hair dry and brittle.
Ammonia is important in hair colour styles as it helps in the absorption of the colour molecules by the cortex of the hair. But this in turn absorbs all the moisture from the hair.
So now take a look at some of pre and post colouring tips to help prevent damage to your hair , which in turn helps in easy maintenance.
Here are some favoured hair colouring tips for you to follow before getting your hair coloured:
Shade selection is the most difficult part of hair colouring. Especially if you are planning to do it at home. Because the colour, as it appears on the colour box, and the way it turns out on your hair, is way different. For example, ash is flat, red is bright, gold is brassy. Your best bet is to pick shades that are neutral or warm. The softer the name, the softer will be the result.
Always do a patch test if you are colouring your hair at home. This will ensure that you are not allergic to that product. And if there is any reaction, then change the brand.
You must decide whether you want permanent or semi-permanent colour. A semi-permanent colour will wash off in roughly 20 hair washes or so. So be sure to read the colour box carefully. Pay attention to the instructions to get the desired formulation right. Correct formulation will help you get the colour for as long as you want it to last.
There is a reason why for few people colour lasts longer and better. You must pay attention to pre-colour care too. Always deep condition your hair. Try some hair masks and do not use any chemicals for at least 1 month prior to colouring. This helps avoid excess colour damage. It also helps renew and revitalize your hair from the damage it has already suffered due to heat, styling and so on.
Get a proper hair cut or trim, so that your hair is manageable and you do not have any split ends.
Deep condition your hair to boost proper strength and volume. Mix egg, banana and yoghurt in equal quantities. Apply this pack on your hair and keep it for an hour. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. This is an excellent home remedy for smooth and soft tresses and will condition them well.
If you are planning to colour your hair today, make sure you don’t shampoo for at least two days in prior. This helps to let the natural oils secreted from scalp set in. This is simply done to protect our hair roots from severe colour damage. You may say it controls the damage intensity.
You want an even looking hair colour. Always use a wide-toothed comb to apply colour in sections evenly. Never make the mistake of dabbing on colour lumps by spreading mixture here and there. Start from the roots and evenly go till the end. An even application is necessary to get a beautiful hair colour. You will surely would not want a dark patch here and a lighter one there.
If possible, then always go to a salon or a get a stylist to colour your hair as they know the best techniques to do so. Professional help is always better rather than doing it at home alone.
One of the drawbacks of hair colouring is the mess it creates. To avoid mess all over your back (while hair colouring at home), cover your back from shoulders with an old towel/cloth/old full necked t-shirt. No one would want to be left with coloured back, temples and hands. So apply using a brush and always wear hand gloves.
Now taking care of colored hair is no more a tedious task. Let’s have a look at the most favored tips on how to take care of colored hair.
After colouring your hair, always remember to wash your hair with the special “colour protecting” shampoo. This specially created shampoo will not wash away the colour and will help the colour molecules to set in better. Rinse the colour thoroughly using cold water. Hot water will further damage your hair and take away the shine, making your hair dry. So remember to keep it cool.
A good conditioner is very important to maintain the moisture balance in your hair. Since your hair has been treated with chemicals like ammonia, therefore always use a “colour protecting conditioner”. This will nourish it and provide its natural shine and lustre.
Go back to the old and famous condition method of using hot oils. Use olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil to deep condition your hair.
Use a hair mask at least once a week (protein mask) to replenish the hair, preferably a homemade protein hair mask. A banana and honey mask or egg and mayo mask will suit you the best.
For your colour to last longer, always use leave in conditioners after washing your hair. If possible, wear a hat or a hair sunblock spray while going out in the sun. This helps to protect hair from getting damaged by sun and depleting the colour away.
Avoid the use of blow dryer and let your hair dry naturally. If you have to use, then switch to cool setting to dry your hair.
Chlorine is very harmful for coloured hair. It can alter the actual colour of your hair. So avoid setting into the pool just after colouring your hair. And if you do, always wear a swimming cap before you step in.
If you need touch ups, do it every 3 to 4 weeks. For a near-perfect touch up, always use the colour mixture and apply it using a cotton ball dipped in colour mixture or use a brush. Follow the same rinsing process with cold water as before to avoid damage.
Coloured hair makes you look glamorous and stylish! So which of these tips do you swear by? Have you more such tips for hair colouring? Feel free to share your experiences and ideas with us through below comment section.