Dyes can be damaging, but that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to dry and lackluster locks. Here's how to keep dyed hair shiny and healthy.
Dyes are a great way to change up your look and show off your personality. But it's common knowledge that traditional dyes can damage the natural state of the hair and suck out moisture, leaving you with dry, brittle, and lackluster locks.
If you want to dye your hair but are worried about harming it, we come bearing good news. While it might be true that dyes aren't the best thing for your hair, you can keep color-treated hair shiny, strong, and healthy with the right aftercare routine.
Here are four expert tips for keeping your color-treated hair healthy so you can dye confidently.
Use Alternative Dyeing Methods
If you haven't already dyed your hair, consider using an alternative method to traditional dye. Ammonia-free dye will keep hair damage to a minimum by removing one of the most harmful ingredients of traditional dyes.
All-natural henna dye is another fantastic option. Made from the leaves of the henna plant, henna dye contains nutrients and phytochemicals that promote hair health and growth. It's so safe you can even use it to tint your brows and lashes!
The one downside to henna is that it's hard to apply evenly. Unless you're a licensed cosmetologist, we recommend visiting a salon instead of attempting to dye your hair at home.Keep Out of the Heat
Once you dye your hair, you're going to want to avoid heat as much as possible. Heat can dry out your already-sensitive hair and make it weak and brittle. Heat also causes color to fade, which means frequent exposure can make your hair look dull.
That means you should stay out of the sun (wear a hat or stay in the shade when spending time outdoors), avoid scorching hot showers and baths, and say no to any form of heat styling.Wash Less, Condition More
Washing your hair too often deprives it of natural, moisturizing oils. Water can also wash away dye and make the color of your hair look less vibrant. To maximize the health of your hair and the longevity of the dye, avoid shampooing your hair more than three times per week.
And every time you wash your color-treated hair, remember to smother it in a generous amount of conditioner. Conditioner helps your hair look and feel its best by detangling, hydrating, moisturizing, and softening it.Mask Up
The final expert tip for keeping your color-treated hair healthy is to use masks twice a week. No, not the ones for your face!
Hair masks aren't really masks at all—they're creamy, intense conditioners that soak into your hair and moisturize and nourish it. They contain butters, oils, and other nourishing ingredients that treat damage, dryness, frizziness, and other problems common with dyed hair.Dyes don't have to destroy your hair. A great routine can minimize damage and keep your locks flowy, colorful, and luxurious.
With these four expert tips, you can have the best of both worlds—hair that's the picture of health and full of personality