How to take care of Fantasy Hair Color!
Tips & Tricks to Keeping Your Fantasy Hair Color Vibrant & Healthy.
I have been a Vivid Hair Specialist for almost 10 years now, & often have vivid hair colors myself. Here is some knowledge that I have acquired over the years on how to care for vivid hair colors. Its a commitment but its so worth it to have such fun hair!!
Once you get the hang of taking care of you fashion colors it will be like second nature, but at first you’re going to have to forget everything you think you know about taking care of your hair!
Let’s get started:
1. Keep it Dirty.
🌈 My number one tip to long lasting vivid hair colors: minimal shampooing! That's right, embrace the magic of less-is-more and let your hair absorb more of its natural oils.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "What about after a workout or a sweaty dance party?" Fear not! Instead of reaching for that shampoo bottle, simply give your hair a quick rinse with water alone or even try out a nice salon quality dry shampoo. You might be surprised by how effectively it refreshes your hair. To keep those ends luscious and hydrated, a bit of conditioner be enough (only the ends though). Trust me, your hair deserves some of its natural nourishment to stay healthy and vibrant.
Excessive shampooing will speed up the fading process of your fashion colors? Wet hair tends to lose color faster than dry hair. So, after giving your hair a gentle rinse, make sure to dry it quickly to lock in that vibrant hue. Remember, less water means less color fading! On no wash days wear a shower cap and if you are a swimmer invest in a swim cap because all bodies of water are bad for your hair color.
Now, I understand that this might take some getting used to. Breaking old habits can be challenging, especially when it comes to hair care. But I promise you that your hair and scalp will adjust to this new routine over time. Patience is key, and your bold and beautiful hair (and wallet) will thank you for it in the long run!
Limit your shampoo sessions to once a week for the longest lasting vivids. Welcome a minimalistic hair care routine that celebrates both style and health.
So embrace some of your natural oils, I promise it won’t hurt.
2. Turn Down The Heat. ❄️💧
Using cold water when wetting your hair is essential for maintaining the vibrancy and longevity of your color enhanced hair. Whether you're about to shampoo your hair or simply wetting it, opting for the coldest water temperature you can withstand is key. Unlike hot water, cold water works wonders in sealing the cuticle, preventing color molecules from escaping.
To incorporate this hair-care practice into your routine, try washing your hair at the end of your shower. This way, you can indulge in the comforting warmth of hot water on your body while keeping the grand finale reserved for a refreshing blast of cold water on your hair. By making this small yet significant adjustment, you'll be ensuring that your hair color stays vibrant and captivating for longer periods. Another option is to wash your hair in the sink or over the tub, this way only your hair gets wet with cool water and not your whole body (even though cold water is good for your skin as well) 😉
3.Drop it if its Hot!
Another important tip is to be mindful of the styling tools you use. Opting for lower heat settings can make a significant difference in the longevity of your color. While high heated styling tools may offer a quicker styling process, they can also lead to faster fading of your beautiful color. To ensure the best results, it's best to style your hair on the lowest heat setting that still achieves your desired look. Additionally, incorporating a touchable hair spray with a light hold before heat styling can provide added support, allowing your style to last longer while minimizing the need for excessive heat. Its also important to use a salon quality heat protectant. Personally, I ensure I only make just one pass with the flat iron on each section, as it helps to minimize any potential damage to the color or the integrity of the hair.
4.Hate Sulfates!
Using sulfate free shampoo and conditioner is highly recommended for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your hair. While sulfates may initially give your hair a cleaner feel, prolonged use will ultimately strip away its natural oils, leaving it prone to excessive oil production. This will require more frequent shampooing, resulting in your color fading more quickly. Salon-quality products will nourish your hair with healthy oils, without causing it to overproduce its natural oils. Sulfate free products also have a milder formula that leads to much less color fading. As someone with curly hair, I personally have experienced a significant improvement in the health of my curls & longevity of my vivid colors after making the switch to sulfate free shampoo and conditioner.🎉
5.Follow Directions!
Buy recommended products from your hair colorist! Your stylist knows what's best for your hair and they have valid reasons behind why they recommend what they do. Your stylist has learned through experience and expertise which products work best with the specific hair color that they use during your salon visit. As an experienced stylist, I can assure you that a good caring stylist will never steer you wrong! We are committed to preserving our work on your beautiful, vibrant hair. Trust in your stylist's professional knowledge and recommendations, and invest in superior quality products that have been hand-selected to nourish, protect, and maintain your new look or refreshed look. By purchasing the recommended products, you are not only supporting your stylist's business but also ensuring that your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and radiant between salon visits. Your stylist's dedication to your hair journey doesn't end in the salon, it extends to providing you with the tools and products you need to keep your hair looking fabulous every day. It feels good knowing that you are making an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your hair.
6.Soak it Up!
Another helpful tip for those no-wash days is to incorporate the use of a salon-quality dry shampoo. By utilizing dry shampoo, you can effectively absorb any excess oils that may be weighing your hair down. Not only does it combat unwanted greasiness, but it also works wonders in neutralizing any lingering odors from the previous day. This simple addition to your hair care routine will undoubtedly leave you with a clean and fresh look, allowing you to extend the time between washes. Personally, I love Amika's Perk Up and Milkshake dry shampoo options, as they consistently deliver impressive results.
7.Protect Yourself!
Use heat protectant to shield your hair from the harmful effects of heat styling tools. Incorporating a salon-quality, lightweight heat protectant into your hair care routine is crucial for maintaining strong, healthy, unburnt hair. Not only does it create a protective barrier against intense heat, but it also ensures that your hair remains light and free-flowing, eliminating the need for frequent washing. With the right heat protectant, you can confidently style your hair without worrying about damage. Prioritize the long-term health and vitality of your hair by integrating this essential step into your daily routine.
8.Conditioner is Key!
Leave-in conditioner is a fantastic product that not only helps protect your hair from the sun and its damaging rays but also serves as a shielding barrier just like sunscreen does for your skin. This haircare essential is particularly crucial for those of us blessed with hair lacking moisture, as it nourishes and moisturizes our hair, helping it retain its natural shine and vibrancy. With regular use, leave-in conditioner can transform dry and brittle hair, making it softer, smoother, and more manageable. Whether you have straight, curly, wavy, or coily hair, this multi-purpose product is a must-have in your haircare routine. Don't let your hair suffer from dehydration - incorporate leave-in conditioner into your hair routine and watch your hair thrive with luscious health and vitality.
9.Avoid sunbathing!
Direct sunlight is a big no-no when it comes to maintaining vibrant hair color. Even if you religiously use a leave-in conditioner, it's crucial to avoid exposing your hair to direct sunlight often. Why? Well, sunlight has a powerful natural bleaching effect that can gradually fade the brilliance of your hair color over time. On top of that, steering clear of excessive sun exposure is not only beneficial for your hair but also for your skin's overall health. Protecting your hair from the sun's harmful rays is a must if you want to preserve your hair color and promote the well-being of your skin at the same time.
10.Plan it Out!
Planning your maintenance ahead of time is crucial for maintaining healthy and vibrant hair. It's not just about scheduling regular wash days, but also allocating specific days for no-wash days. By organizing your hair routine in advance, you'll have a clear idea of the exact styles you'll be flaunting each day and the amount of time you'll need to dedicate to your hair each morning. Personally, I prefer to plan out when my hair will be flowing down, elegantly up, or even fully covered. This thought process not only saves me valuable time but also allows me to confidently embrace any hairstyle without worrying about the hassle of last-minute decisions.
11.Get Creative!
Get creative with different hair styles! Explore the world of braided and ponytail styles that can help you stretch out the time between washes. With a quick search on YouTube, you can find a ton of styles perfect for your specific hair length, texture, and pattern. Don't forget to throw in keywords like "quick" and "easy" to discover styles that won't demand hours of your morning routine. Embrace the versatility of your hair and experiment with new looks that will keep you feeling fresh and fabulous.
12.Trim the Split!
Strengthen your locks and keep healthy vibrant-looking hair by keeping your ends regularly trimmed. Don't underestimate the power of maintaining your hair's health, especially when it comes to split ends. Damaged, split, dry hair tends to struggle holding onto color, which ultimately leads to an uneven and lackluster hair color & faster fading. Trust me, no one wants their long, flowing hair to look stringy and damaged at the ends. Embrace regular trims, and watch your hair continue to be a stunning canvas for vivid color.
13.Shower Power!
It's important to invest in a shower head filter if you have hard/well water. With a wide selection available on Amazon, you can easily find a suitable filter specifically designed to combat hard water. By installing such a filter, you'll prevent mineral build-up on your hair, which can lead to fading of your color and difficulties in lifting your hair light enough for bright colors. It's important to note that the accumulation of these minerals from hard water can potentially cause terrible chemical reactions, such as heat damage or even the alarming occurrence of smoking hair.
14.Don’t be a Cheapskate!
When it comes to hair care, remember that cheaper options aren't always the wisest choice. While you may save a few bucks initially by opting for inexpensive hair products, the long-term consequences could actually end up costing you more. High-quality and professional hair products are essential for maintaining the vibrancy and longevity of your hair color. It's highly recommended to entrust your hair to a skilled colorist who not only utilizes great products but also genuinely invests in their education & perfecting their skill.. Although their services may come with a steeper price tag, the benefits and results they provide will make every penny worth it.
15.Time is Money!
When going in to your first vivid hair color appointment, it's important to be prepared to spend a substantial amount of time on your hair, both during the appointment and at home afterwards. This is especially true if you have dark or previously colored hair. The process of achieving and maintaining vivid hair color can be intricate and time-consuming. During your appointment, your stylist will formulate the perfect fashion colors for you, usually after lightening your hair in the healthiest way possible. This may involve trying out different hair care routines and recommending specific products that will help maintain the vibrancy and health of your colored hair.
16.Look it Up!
When it comes to choosing the right color line for your hair, it's important to do your own research. Take the time to explore different color lines and find the one that resonates with your preferences and desired look. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. Many color lines provide a helpful feature that allows you to search for stylists in your area who use their specific line. This way, you can easily locate professionals who have experience and expertise with the color line you're interested in. As an example, I am proud to be listed as a stylist on the Danger Jones website, the color line I use. So, take your time, do your research, and find the perfect color line and stylist that will bring your hair dreams to life.
If you dont want to research color lines then I highly suggest you research specific salons and stylists. Find a stylist that posts pictures of the styles that you’re interested in so that you can have confidence that they will execute it correctly. Think about what you want in a stylist, then look up stylists in your area and read reviews that describe the qualities you want in the type of stylist you are looking for. I love that my clients leave me wonderful, honest reviews!
17.Stay Moisturized!
To ensure your hair remains healthy and resilient, incorporating a moisturizing hair mask into your routine every 3rd or 4th shampoo is highly recommended. By doing so, you will supply your hair with the essential nourishment they need, without weighing them down or making them excessively greasy. This extra step can make a significant difference in the overall health and appearance of your hair. It helps to restore moisture, repair damage, and minimize frizz, leaving your locks feeling soft, smooth, and manageable. Maintaining optimal moisture levels is vital for the effective care and upkeep of all vivid colors.
Fade it Out!
When considering your hair color, it is important to embrace the fade and envision how the color will transform over time. Selecting a hue that you not only adore initially, but also appreciate as it gradually fades, is crucial. For instance, if you have an aversion to green, it would be wise to steer clear of a teal hair color, as you may find the fading process displeasing. Personally, I like having purple in my hair, because I love the silvery shade it fades into over time, particularly when using Danger Jones’ Libertine mixed with a bit of Hysteria.
Thank you for reading my blog on keeping your hair healthy and vibrant with vivid colors! I hope you found these tips and tricks helpful in achieving the beautiful, vibrant hair you desire.
Taking care of colored hair requires a bit of extra effort, but the results are truly worth it. By following these suggestions, you can keep your hair looking salon-fresh and maintain the longevity of your chosen color.
If you have any questions or need further advice on hair care, feel free to leave a comment, and I'll be more than happy to assist you. Your hair's health and vibrancy are my priority, and I'm here to help you achieve the best results.
Stay vibrant and take care of your beautiful, colored hair!
🖤